Tavira Christian Centre International is a Christian church in Tavira, Algarve, Portugal. We are a born again, Spirit filled, Bible believing fellowship who believe in the great commission of Jesus Christ to go into all the world and preach the Gospel and make disciples of many nations.
What We Believe
Statement of Faith
We believe that there is only one God who exists eternally in three persons: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit; undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory. (Gen1:26, Isa 43:10-11, John 1:1-18, John 1:1-2, 2 Cor 13:14, 1 Tim 2:5)
We believe in the full humanity and full deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that He was born as God’s only begotten son, in human form, by the Holy Spirit, to the virgin Mary. (John 1:1-14, Math 1:20-23)
We believe that Jesus was crucified, shed His blood and died on the cross for our sins, rose again on the third day, overcame sin and death, and now reigns in heaven. (2 Cor 5:21, Acts 1:9)
We believe that the Bible in its original form, is the inspired, eternal, infallible word of God and that it is our supreme authority in all matters of Christian belief and practice. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” Scripture says, “If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” (Math 24:35, John 5:39, 2 Tim 3:16-17, 2 Pet 1:19-21, Isa 8:20)
We believe that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. However, the Lord Jesus Christ died so that anyone who repents of their sins and believes in His powerful shed blood, saving power and Lordship, can be saved from the power of sin and its eternal consequences, and be sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. (Rom 3:23, 1 John 1:9, Eph 1:13)
We believe that there is only one way for all of mankind to be restored to fellowship with God and that way is to repent of our sins and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour. (Acts 4:12, John 14:6, Rom 5:1-2; 5-18)
We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit as an empowerment to do the works that God has called his people to do and that He has also provided supernatural tools, enablements or gifts of the Holy Spirit. These gifts glorify God and point to God as the source of this power. Those that have these gifts or those whose gifts are active in their life are not of more value to God, or superior, more spiritual or more mature than others who don’t. Character and humility precede gifts in determining trustworthiness, maturity and leadership. (Acts 1:4-5, Acts 4:31, Acts 11:16, 1 Cor 12:1-11)
We believe in water baptism by immersion and the Lord’s supper as practices for every believer. (1 Cor 11:23-26, Math 26: 26-28, Lk 22:19-20, Mk 16:16, Math 28:19)
We believe that Jesus Christ is the head of the church and that all members of the body of Christ are necessary and needed in fulfilling His purposes. (Eph 4:15-16, 1 Pet 2:4-9, 1 Cor 12:12-18)
We believe that every born again Christian should be an active participant in a local church, the body of Christ and all are called to boldly proclaim the word of God through evangelism. (Heb 10:25, 1 Cor 14:26, 1 John 5:1-5, Math 28: 18-20, James 1: 14-17, 2 Tim 4:2, 1 Cor 19:16)
We believe that Jesus Christ will return to the earth in all His power and glory and that every eye shall see Him and recognise Him as the King of kings and Lord of lords. (John 14:1-3, Acts 1:11, 1 Thess 4:15-17)
We believe in the immortality of the soul and spirit of man, and in the resurrection of all people. Some will be raised to everlasting life (those that have surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ) and others to eternal fire for rejecting the truth and embracing ungodliness. (Math 25:35-46, Dan 12:2)
Our Vision
We know and understand that Jesus Christ is the light of the world and the Saviour of all mankind who put their faith and trust in Him. We are born again Christians who purpose to follow His way, His truth and His life and to be part of the promise with the world-wide church of regenerated believers through the ages and generations, to make visible on earth the invisible and glorious God.
It is the vision and the desire of Tavira Christian Centre International to practice unity and harmony among our community of believers, working together as one, participating in the activities of our fellowship whenever possible.
We desire to honour our word and commitments even when difficult, and to endeavour to reveal Jesus as the Light of the World through our actions and attitudes of lives lived with love and integrity as laid down in the Bible which is our standard for conduct and beliefs.
We will seek to share our faith, pray for the sick and needy, exercise charitable giving and participate in showing mercy and kindness to others.
When possible we will regularly meet together for spiritual growth and for the mutual benefit of strengthening the bonds of unity in our faith through prayer, preaching, Bible studies and inclusive Christ centred fellowship. Our desire is to be channels through which the power of God, the love of Christ and the life changing work of the Holy Spirit can be made manifest and experienced by all present.
Worshiping God in spirit and truth, we want to make His presence known and available to all. We do this through:
Thanksgiving and praising and honouring Him and His name on our lips and in our hearts.
Preaching the Good News of God's love, His call to repentance and salvation and praying for those who need healing and deliverance.
Regularly giving tithes and offerings which are acts of faith toward God and by which we take care of the needs of our local church, and support missionaries and other ministries.
By doing this we foster unity and cooperation.