Our Church
Every successful individual knows that his or her achievement depends on a community of persons working together.
How it all began
Lakes Baptist Church is a member of the Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT. Formerly known as Toukley-Gorokan Baptist Church, the church was established in 1967. We are located at 45 Marks Road, Gorokan on the NSW Central Coast and have been since 1979. As one part of the body of Christ, we are intent on loving God first, caring for each other and our community as an expression of this, and encouraging each other to follow God’s heart in sharing the hope of Jesus with everyone, everywhere until Christ Jesus returns.
We The Lakes
Lakes Baptist is a great little church at the banks of Tuggerah Lake on the beautiful Central Coast, NSW. Whether you are looking for a new church family, exploring church options for the first time, or just “shopping” around, we hope you will consider Lakes Baptist. We have some exciting ministries for children, youth, families, senior adults, etc. We have great opportunities for worship, Bible studies and fellowship.
Let all that you do, be done in love. 1 Cor 16:14
Please explore the website to find out some basic information about the church, but I hope that you will consider a visit to Lakes, either during our worship times or at any of our ministries. You will find Lakes Baptist to be like one big family and we would love to have you join in!
If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact any of our church staff as we’re here to help!
In His Service, Mike Jones, Pastor
Core Beliefs
Some of the things we believe.
About God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. Infinite in power, wisdom, holiness and love. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
These three are co-equal and one God.
(Genesis 1:26-27 and 3:22, Psalm 90:2, Matthew 28:19, 1 Peter 1:2, 2 Corinthians 13:14)
About Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God – fully man, fully God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. To become man He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, so that two whole perfect natures, the nature of God and the nature of man, were united in one Person.
In order to redeem mankind from the guilt, penalty and power of sin, Jesus Christ died a sacrificial death as our substitute. By His resurrection, God’s acceptance of Christ’s atoning death was demonstrated. This atonement is sufficient for the whole world, but effective only in those who receive it. The sinner is justified and reconciled to God, not through personal merit, but solely on the basis of God’s grace, the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ received through faith.
(Matthew 1:22-23, Isaiah 9:6, John 1:1-5, 14:10-30, Hebrews 4:14,15,1 Corinthians 2:12, 13:16, Ephesians 1:13, 5:18, Galations 5:25, Romans 1:3-4, Acts 1:9-11, 1 Timothy 6:14-15, Titus 2:13)
About the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is also co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need of Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer one or more spiritual gifts when they are saved, to build up and strengthen the church. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily.
(2 Corinthians 3:17, John 16:7-13, 14:16-17, Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16, Ephesians 1:13, Galations 5:25, Ephesians 5:18)
About the Bible
The Bible is God’s Word to us. Consisting of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, it was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the only written Word of God, without error in all that it affirms, and is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living.
(2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21, 2 Timothy 1:13, Psalm 119:105,160, 12:6, Proverbs 30:5)
About Human Beings
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character, and to have fellowship with Him. People are the supreme object of God’s creation and love, made for fellowship with Him. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called ‘sin’. This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life. Apart from God’s grace, all mankind is helpless and hopeless.
(Genesis 1:27, Psalm 8:3-6, Isaiah 53:6a, Romans 3:23, Isaiah 59:1-2)
About Salvation
Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness (who died on the cross as our substitute to break the power and penalty of sin) can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved and our fellowship with God restored. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his/her life by faith.
Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. Salvation is a gift of grace, and it is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us the security.
(Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 14:6 1:12, Titus 3:5, Galations 3:26, Romans 5:1, Acts 4:12) (John 10:29, 2 Timothy 1:12, Hebrews 7:25 10:10,14, 1 Peter 1:3-5)
About Christ’s Return
At the end of this age, according to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in His glory to earth – King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The full consummation of God awaits His return.
(Matthew 24:36-42, Revelations 1:7, 2 Peter 3:10, Titus 2:13)
About Eternity
People were created to exist forever, and God has appointed a day of final judgment for the world. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in unison with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence; and God has appointed a final day of judgment for the world.
(John 3:16, 1 John 2:25, 1 John 5:11-13, Romans 6:23, Revelation 20:15, Matthew 18:8, Matthew 25:41,46)