The Gospel In A Nutshell

(For nutshell … think 'walnut' not 'peanut'')

What does the Christian faith mean to us at Worle Baptist Church?

In what follows, Alan Bailyes, the church’s Minister, summarises the message of the Bible
and what it means to him. See what you make of it.

[Each section has a verse from the Bible.
To learn how to find your way around the Bible, click here.
To read the Bible online, visit www.biblegateway.com ]

[There’s a lot more to explore under each of the following headings.
If you’d like to do that, click on MORE at the end of a section.]

I am more special than I could ever have known
So God created human beings in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.
(Genesis, chapter 1 verse 27)

According to the Bible, human beings are very special to God. We were created ‘in his image’, which means that we are wired to be as much like God as it possible for creatures to be. Like nothing else in the whole of creation, we are God-compatible. And that tells me that I am so special to God.
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I am more guilty than I could ever have realized
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God …  (Romans 3 v 23)

Being special to God doesn’t give us the right to do as we please without consequences. It may not be a popular thing for anyone to admit these days, but the fact is, I have sinned. And one of the tragic consequences of my sin is that it makes me and God incompatible. In fact, it puts us on collision course.
And in that collision there will only ever be only one winner!
I need to have my sins forgiven, my slate wiped clean.
But how?
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I am more loved than I could ever have dreamt
God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5 v 8)

Even though I don’t deserve it and could never earn it, God has declared his love for me and found a way to make us compatible again. It’s all to do with Jesus. He lived and died and rose again so that my sins could be forgiven (and so that they could continue to be forgiven). And with my sins forgiven, the way is open for God and me to enjoy each other’s company. God’s Spirit lives in me.
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I have a future more glorious than I could ever have imagined
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.(Romans 8 v 18)

I read in the Bible that God will re-create everything. Death is not my ending, but a new beginning. Free from sin, I will be able to explore the full wonder of being human, re-created ‘in his image’.
Wow! I will one day truly appreciate just how special I am and how much God loves me!
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My choice is more vital than I could ever have anticipated

Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ
for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38)

Many years ago, when I was still a child, I made my choice. I wanted to be a follower of Jesus, a Christian. I was subsequently baptised (in May 1970). My understanding of that choice has matured and deepened over the years, but I affirm it today with all my heart. My choice boiled down to this: heaven or hell. Turning away from my sins (repenting) and turning to Jesus in faith,
I choose life over death, light over darkness, freedom over oppression.

Have you ever considered how vital is your choice?
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