Islington Baptist Church Newcastle
Why we exist
We exist because we're convinced God exists, and loves us immensely. Including you.
And he shows us His love. Here's the story...
In the beginning, the all-powerful, personal God created the universe. This God created human beings in His image to live joyfully in His presence, in humble submission to His gracious authority. But all of us have rebelled against God and, in consequence, must suffer the punishment of our rebellion: physical death and the wrath of God.
Thankfully, God initiated a rescue plan, which began with His choosing the nation of Israel to display His glory in a fallen world. The Bible describes how God acted mightily on Israel’s behalf, rescuing His people from slavery and then giving them His holy law. But God’s people – like all of us – failed to rightly reflect the glory of God.
Then, in the fullness of time, in the Person of Jesus Christ, God Himself came to renew the world and restore His people. Jesus perfectly obeyed the law given to Israel. Though innocent, He suffered the consequences of human rebellion by His death on a cross. But three days later, God raised Him from the dead.
Now the church of Jesus Christ has been commissioned by God to take the news of Christ’s work to the world. Empowered by God’s Spirit, the church calls all people everywhere to repent of sin and to trust in Christ alone for our forgiveness. Repentance and faith restores our relationship with God and results in a life of ongoing transformation.
The Bible promises that Jesus Christ will return to this earth as the conquering King. Only those who live in repentant faith in Christ will escape God’s judgment and live joyfully in God’s presence for all eternity. God’s message is the same to all of us: repent and believe, before it is too late. Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, and you will be saved.
Author: Trevin Wax, The Gospel Coalition
We believe
We believe in God the Father, creator of heaven and earth; Jesus Christ the Son of God; and the Holy Spirit. Gen1:1; Matt 28:19
We believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross, was buried and rose again on the third day. He ascended to the right hand of God the Father and now reigns as Lord of all. 1 Cor 15:1-4
We believe that God loved the world so much that he sent his son Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sins so that if we believe in him we may have eternal life with him. John 3:16
We believe that water baptism symbolises this transformation and functions as public demonstration of faith. Matt 28:19-20, Rom 6:3
We believe the only way to have an eternal relationship with God is through Jesus. Jesus said “I am the way the truth and the life no one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
We believe that the Bible (the Old and New Testament) is the ultimate rule and standard of faith given by the inspiration of God and containing all things necessary for salvation. 2 Tim 3:16