Engadine is home to a beacon of faith and learning. That’s the Southern Cross Baptist Church and School. Founded in 1976 the church first met in Loftus Community Hall. It then moved to the new Community Hall. The church sought to preach the true gospel. It earnestly contended for the faith. Southern Cross Baptist Church became a light in the local community. It was a living testimony to the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
In 1988 the church leased property on Anzac Avenue. This was to start a Christian school. God paved the way for the school’s start. He has faithfully provided for its day-to-day operation for over 20 years. The Southern Cross Baptist Church stands for the fundamentals of the faith. It believes the Bible is the absolute authority. This applies to all matters of life. The church stands against ecumenism and apostasy. Scripture warns against these. They believe they are to be in the world but not of it. They encourage separation from practice and culture. These should conform to God’s holiness.
Southern Cross Baptist Church believes in spiritual leadership. Les Searle and Nathan Searle are the Elders. Les serves as Senior Pastor. The church believes Jesus rose from the grave after three days. After forty days he ascended into Heaven. Jesus is our intercessor at God’s right hand.
Southern Cross Baptist Church believes Jesus is coming again. He will rapture His church and reward their service. Unbelievers will face a seven-year Tribulation. Christ will then return with His saints. He will set up His Kingdom for one thousand years. Unbelievers will stand at the Great White Throne. They will be judged and cast into the Lake of Fire. Believers will spend eternity in Heaven with the Lord.
Salvation is a free gift for whosoever will. It is by grace through faith. It is received only by faith in Jesus Christ. Once saved one is kept by God’s power. Therefore salvation is eternally secure. To be saved you must realize you are a sinner. You must realize there is a price on sin. Then you must realize Jesus paid the price. You have to ask Him to save you.
The church believes Jesus was born of a virgin. Mary had no relations with any man. God exists as a Trinity. He manifests in three Persons. God the Father God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. These three are one God. But they are separate in personality and work.
The New Testament church is a local body. It consists of baptized believers with Christ as head. God is their guide. Therefore the church is autonomous. Its function is to fulfill The Great Commission. They win baptize and disciple.
The Southern Cross Baptist School is independent. It is co-ed and Baptist. Principal Nathan Searle leads the school. It is located at 104 Anzac Avenue Engadine. The school has 30 students in years K-11. The student-to-teacher ratio is 6:1. The elders of the church are responsible to God. They are under-shepherds of the flock. Deacons are faithful men. They minister to the administrative needs of the church.
Southern Cross Baptist Church has faithfully sought to preach. It wants to be found in Him at His imminent return. The Southern Cross Baptist Church and School stands as a testament. It embodies faith education and community spirit. It offers a foundation rooted in biblical principles.