What we Believe

At Riverside Porto, we strive to maintain unity in the essentials, while enjoying diversity in the non-essentials and in everything showing charity (or love) for those who may believe differently from ourselves.  We are committed to serving Jesus Christ in accordance with those beliefs that have formed the basis of the Christian faith for hundreds of years and are shared by most mainstream churches in the form of the creeds. For us these essentials are:

God and Trinity

We believe in one living and true God who created Heaven and Earth and all in them and who exists in three persons – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. God the Father has revealed Himself as a father who is infinitely holy, infinitely loving, infinitely wise and who holds all power in Heaven. God the Father involves Himself mercifully in the affairs of mankind.

Jesus Christ

We believe Jesus Christ is God’s only Son, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and was born to a virgin by the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is both fully man and fully God and died to take the punishment that was due to us, in order that our relationship with God could be restored. He now intercedes for mankind with His Father in Heaven.

Holy Spirit

We believe the Holy Spirit is the promised Comforter, sent to the church when Jesus returned to Heaven. He indwells all true believers and will teach them, instruct them and empower them to carry out the commission of Jesus Christ and to live as believers – if we allow Him.

Bible

We believe that the Bible is the written Word of God, given by His inspiration and is our practical manual for everyday living. The scriptures lead us to faith in Jesus Christ.

Kingdom

We believe that there are two kingdoms in the spiritual realm, one of which trusts and serves Almighty God and the other that is in rebellion against Him. Anyone can be saved into God’s Kingdom by confessing their rebellion (or sins) and declaring their acceptance of Jesus Christ as their Savior, who took the well-deserved penalty of our rebellion Himself in order to save us from the wrath of God.

Redemption

We believe that it is God’s plan to offer redemption to those who will accept the sacrifice made by Jesus Christ on their behalf. In this way, the relationship between man and God can be restored. Through Jesus Christ, all believers possess great spiritual authority and should no longer be subject to manipulation and oppression by Satan and God’s enemies.

Church

We believe that the worldwide Church is the living, spiritual body of Jesus Christ, who is its only head. The local church is the instrument of extending that kingdom throughout the world.

Second Coming 

We believe that Jesus Christ will return to Earth visibly, to raise the dead, judge the world and take His righteous place as King of His Kingdom.

Baptism and Holy Communion

We offer Baptism and Holy Communion to those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God who redeems us from sin and who freely chooses to follow Him.