The Congregation at Moonta

Basis for Faith

We desire to co-operate with all who similarly believe that salvation is not by human merit or achievement, but by faith alone in the Lord Jesus Christ; such faith involving not only mental assent but personal trust in the Saviour. (Ephesians 2:2-9, Acts 16:31, Romans 10:9.) We accept revelation of the triune God given in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments and confess the historic faith of the gospel therein set forth.

We here assert doctrines, which we regard as fundamental to the understanding of the faith and a necessary basis for cooperation in evangelism:

The sovereignty and the grace of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit in creation, providence, revelation, redemption and the final judgement.

The divine inspiration of Holy Scripture and its consequent entire trustworthiness and supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.

The universal sinfulness and guilt of fallen man, making him subject to God’s wrath and condemnation.

The substitutionary sacrifice of the incarnate Son of God as the sole and all-sufficient ground of redemption from the guilt and power of sin, and from its eternal consequences.

The justification of the sinner solely by the Grace of God through faith in Christ crucified and risen from the dead.

The illuminating, regenerating, indwelling and sanctifying work of God the Holy Spirit.

The priesthood of all believers, who form the universal Church, the body of which Christ is the Head, and which is committed by His Command to the proclamation of the gospel throughout the world.

The expectation of the personal, visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ, in power and glory.

About Us

The Congregation at Moonta aims to strengthen our communities through the clear delivery of God’s Word and the encouragement to live a free and full life through Our Lord Jesus Christ

Many years ago a group of people on the Yorke Peninsula searched the scriptures. They had been diligent members of various denominations and many served in leadership positions. The book of Acts revealed the activity of the Holy Spirit in His capacity to lead and direct the activities of those who had become followers of Jesus Christ (eg Acts 13:2). The letters were written to believers in a particular, for example, the congregation at Ephesus (Ephesians 1:1). In Revelation chapters 2 and 3 Jesus spoke to His people who were in seven Asian cities. The desire to follow Christ more closely gave birth to the Congregation at Moonta.

Since then we have been asked, “What denomination are you?” Because we do not align with a denomination, a frequent response from an enquirer is, “Oh you are independent then?” Our reply has been – “How can you be independent in the Body of Christ?” The Bible declares in 1 Corinthians 12:13-14. For by one Spirit are we all baptised into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many.

Rather, we are part of the Church that Jesus is building and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18)

While we are a non-denominational assembly of God’s people- this does not mean we operate independently. Through our relationship with Jesus and other people who follow Jesus, we receive friendship, instruction and encouragement as we make ourselves accountable to Jesus and other members of the Body of Christ. We are committed to assisting as many people as possible to repent, believe the gospel of Jesus Christ and enjoy His presence forever.

(Incidentally, William Tyndale 1516-1587 translated the Bible into the English language. He translated the Greek word “ecclesia” as “congregation” rather than “church”). When a group of people gather together (congregate) you have an assembly. When you have a group assembling in Jesus name then He has promised to be in their midst. This can be done anywhere. In parks, halls, on the sea, in prisons or even palaces.

The translators of the King James Bible who used Tyndale’s work in much of their work, were prevailed upon by the religious system of the day and king James the First of England to translate “ecclesia” as “church”. As a result we have a prevailing confusion that fails to distinguish a physical building from the spiritual building made up of people who are being led by the Holy Spirit to the glory of God the Father.

Those who “congregate” may use buildings but they are not dependent upon them for their worship, identity, staus or salvation.

We still have a long way to go to fulfil all that Jesus has planned for us. Our confidence is in Him who said:

I am the Way, the Truth and the Life: no man comes to the Father but by Me.

Our congregation is made up of people committed to the commandment that Jesus proclaimed in Matthew22:37-39. Jesus said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

What do we have to offer?

One of the songs we sing declares” “Everybody has the right to hear the best news going round that Jesus is alive.” One of the old hymns declares “It is no secret what God can do. What He’s done for others He’ll do for you.”

Jesus said to those who follow Him – “freely you have received, freely give.”

What we can offer to you is:

• The same way we were made right with God;
• The truth that Jesus is THE way and
• Encouragement to live a life consistent with that truth

If you need a listening ear, we have people who can speak from their walk with Jesus. Already people have found avenues of service to Jesus through supporting Gospel for Asia; Rickshaws for India; Leprosy Mission; visiting the sick; enthusing the young ones in our local schools and supporting others who follow Jesus.

We are a pilgrim church and you can contact 08 88252558 for our current venue. We meet each Sunday at 11am and at other times in other places.

We share the joys and sorrows of this life. The joys of the birth of a child are shared as we thank God for a new cherished life. We strongly oppose the killing of the unborn and work with AllLivesEqual (Trevor and Robyn Grace) to see this abomination abolished. Marriage is God’s idea and is celebrated between a man and a woman who have chosen to make their vows before God and the congregation. The sorrows associated with death are comforted with the same comfort that we have received.