Faith & Life
We like to think of the word “believe” as being formed of “be” and “live”. We cannot emphasize enough that what we believe matters a lot; yet we also need to emphasize that if what we believe is not seen in our day-to-day life it doesn’t amount to much. To use James’ words, “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:17 NIV). This page explains what we believe, together with the texts that motivated us to hold such beliefs. It also gives a few hints on how we try to live that out.
God
We believe there is only one true God, the Creator and Ruler of the Universe. God has always existed in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are equal and are one God.
Since he is the Creator and Ruler of the whole Universe, we aim to live our lives according to his will. In our worship, we equally honour the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Biblical texts: Genesis 1:1,26,27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is 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. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
Worksop Christian Centre exists With Christ at the Centre. Our aim is to promote the person and work of Jesus Christ. (Please visit our Vision page for more information.)
Biblical texts: Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13
Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to convince people of their need for Jesus Christ. A person receives the Holy Spirit in the moment of salvation. The Holy Spirit comes into the believer’s life to provide power for living a godly life, understanding of the Bible, and guidance in life. He gives every believer spiritual gifts in order to serve in God's Kingdom.
As Christians, we seek to live daily under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We recognize that the only way to live the Christian life is through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Biblical texts: 2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18
Bible
We believe the Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living, and our sole source of authority. Since it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error.
This is why we practice daily Bible reading, Bible study, and Bible memorization etc. The Bible is the basis for all we believe. Our first question when faced with a decision is “What does the Bible say?”
Biblical texts: 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105,160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5
Human beings
We believe that God created human beings in his image and to be like him in character. They were created with free will and a great potential to do good, however, they chose to disobey God. This attitude of disobedience is called 'sin'. We were all created to have a close fellowship with God but are now separated from Him because of this sin.
We see value in each and every person because they were created in God's image, but we also recognize the need of each person to be saved from sin.
Biblical texts: Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1, 2
Salvation
We believe that a person cannot save himself or herself from sin, just as a person who cannot swim cannot save themselves from drowning. The only way to be saved is to be sorry for your sins and believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross in your place. The Bible compares salvation with a second birth, which is only maintained by the grace and power of God. The external sign of salvation is a holy lifestyle accompanied by good works.
For this reason we rejoice in our salvation and invite others to put their faith in Jesus Christ to be saved and rejoice with us.
Biblical texts: Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5
Church
We believe that the church is not a building, but a body of born-again Christians, with Jesus Christ being the head of the Church. The church is lead by people who meet the qualifications for overseers as stated in 1 Timothy 3. Their main responsibility is to help everyone live as Jesus did. The church meets to worship, pray, study the Bible and for the breaking of bread (communion).
Biblical texts: Ephesians 5:22-27; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14; Colossians 1:18; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 1 Corinthians 11:1
Marriage
We believe that God's perfect plan for marriage is seen in creation, when he created one male and one female. That plan is for one man to be united to one woman. This union is meant to last for as long as the partners are alive. Jesus, our Lord, emphasised the indissolubly of marriage.
Biblical texts: Genesis 1:26-28; Genesis 2:18-24; Matthew 19:1-9
Eternity
We believe that people were created to exist forever and that death is not the end of our existence. God will raise up all those who died and they will live forever, either with Him through forgiveness and salvation, or live eternally separated from Him by sin. The place to live with God is called Heaven; the place to live without God is called Hell. These are real places and our eternal destiny can only be decided upon this earth.
As our earthly life is incomparably short compared to eternity, we try to live it in the light and the hope of eternity.
Biblical texts: John 3:16; John 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9.