So what do we believe? Does it matter anyway? Many people would argue that it doesn't really matter what you believe so long as you believe it sincerely. We believe that it is possible to be sincerely wrong.
Jesus said "For my Father's will is that everyone that looks to the son and believes in him shall have eternal life." The bible teaches us that to enter into a relationship with God we must believe the good news about Jesus Christ the Son of God.
There will be many things that Christians believe. Sometimes there will be differences of opinion over some matters, but all true Christians are made right with God because they have believed the good news about Jesus Christ, which is called the 'gospel'.
The gospel is good news for those who are honest enough to face up to the trouble that they are in. They know that they struggle to live up to their own standards, never mind those of a perfect God, who in his very being hates all the wrong things that we think, say and do. The gospel is good news for those that face up to the fact that their 'sin' keeps them apart from God and that they cannot impress him by their own efforts.
For these people what Jesus did for them is very good news. When he died on the cross, he took upon himself our sins, he suffered God's anger against them instead of us. He took our sins away from us. God then offers us forgiveness not because we deserve it but because Jesus paid for it. We can be confident that Jesus' death on the cross was effective in dealing with God's problem over our sin because God raised him from the dead to show that what he had done was acceptable.
That in a nutshell is the bad news and the good news. Those that believe these things to be true in their hearts are called Christians.
Here are some other things that we believe. The first seven of which all orthodox Christians believe. The last two are what we believe but other Christians may disagree.
2.1 Father, Son and Holy Spirit are co-equal in one eternal, sovereign Godhead. (Matt 3:15-17; John 10:30; 14:26; 2 Cor 13:14 )
2.2 The Lord Jesus Christ was born of a virgin as the Son of God; He retained His Deity; He lived a sinless life as perfect man; He died on the cross as our representative and substitute; He rose bodily from the dead; He ascended into Heaven; He makes intercession for his people; He will personally return in glory. (Luke 1:26-35; Matt 16:16;Heb 7:26; 2 Cor 5:15; Rom 8:34; Tit 2:11-14)
2.3 Man has a fallen, sinful nature and is subject to God's wrath and condemnation. (Isa 53:6; John 3:36; Rom 3:23; 8:7-8)
2.4 The scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as originally given are divinely inspired, infallible and our supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct, (2 Tim 3:15-17; 2 Pet 1:21) and are not to be added to in any way whatsoever.
2.5 Salvation is of God's grace only through individual faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Every true believer receives eternal salvation and all unbelievers are eternally lost at death. (Rom 8:22-26; Matt 25:46)
2.6 The Holy Spirit's work is essential in an unbeliever, leading to the new birth, repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He indwells and guides the believer, (John 3.:3-8; Rom 8:9.-11) and gives gifts for the building up of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:4-11; Eph 4:11-13). The continuing fullness of the Spirit shall be the aim of every believer. (Eph 5:11)
2.7 The true church is a spiritual body and priesthood comprising all genuine believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. (Eph 4:4-6; 1 Peter 2:4-9)
2.8 Believer's baptism is a scriptural command but it does not convey regenerating grace. (Matt 28:19)
2.9 Believers are to commemorate the death of the Lord Jesus Christ by the observance of the Lord's Supper. The bread and wine do not change in substance, neither do they in any way become a sacrifice for sins. (Luke 22:19-20; Cor 11:23-26)
We believe that what we believe should affect the way we live. Our beliefs should particularly affect our relationships with one another in our church community. The following statements are guidelines to the behaviour that we encourage established members of our church to adhere to.
3.1 Living in holiness and brotherly love, endeavouring to encourage one another to love and good works. (Col 3:12-17; Heb 10:24; Gal 5:22-23)
3.2 Praying for one another, and studying the Scriptures personally and together. (Eph 3:14-19;
6:10; 2Tim 2:15;Col 3:16)
3.3 Showing understanding to one another. (Eph 4:30-32)
3.4 Endeavouring to avoid divisions. (Acts 2:42; Eph 4:3; Heb 10:25; 1 Cor 12:25-26)
3.5 Meeting together often (Heb 10:25)
3.6 Praying for and supporting the Pastor and other leaders in the church. (Eph 6:18-19)
3.7 Avoiding criticism of members of the fellowship, especially in the presence of our children. (Gal 6:7; Jam 1:19; 3:1-18; Heb 13;17)
3.8 Wisely using as faithful stewards all the gifts, talents and possessions that God has entrusted to us (Matt 25:14-30; 1 Cor 12:14-25), practicing the principle of tithing. (1 Tim 6:17-19; 2 Cor 9:6-7; Mal 3:10)
3.9 Witnessing to the Lord Jesus Christ by word and deed, taking part in the evangelisation of the world at home and abroad. (Matt 28:18-20; Acts 1:8)
10:45am & 6:15pm
All are welcome to join us.
There are tapes of the sermons preached in the church over the last three years. Please email Jerry Griffiths to find out more about what is available.
Sunday 10:45am
On average around fifteen children attend the Junior Church every Sunday morning. The children are aged between three and eleven. They are divided into two age groups according to their age, meeting for news and songs at the beginning and again at the end of the meeting. There are four teachers and four helpers that work with the children.
The Junior Church aims to teach about the bible and how it can be applied to everyday life. It also enables the children to talk about their lives and how God helps and guides them, giving opportunity for them to praise and thank God for what he has done. Children learn through many varied activities and get involved themselves by bringing books, stories and news to share.
Each Christmas the Junior Church puts on a play where all take part. This year "Time" was the theme. Children acted out the Nativity and Easter story showing the time when Jesus came to earth. It also asked poignant question about how we all use our time and efforts.
The Junior Church welcomes all to come and worship and learn more about the God of the bible.
For further information contact Louise Waters on (01509) 672633.
Last Monday of month
A club for fairly active retired or semi-retired men (50+) which meets on the last Monday in each month. Activities include easy walks - ussually in The Peak District or Leicestershire and visits to various places of interest, followed by a pub lunch. Good conversation and gentle humour abound.
Contact: John Dickens (01509) 673007
Tuesdays & Fridays 9.45am (term time)
Sutton Bonington Mothers & Toddlers group. Meet every Tuesday & Friday from 9.45am till 12 noon. Everyone is welcome from birth to 4 years of age.
Contact Katharine Hebblethwaite for more details.
Phone 01509 672889
Tuesdays 3.45pm
ASK? is a youth club for (yrs 3-6)
We run our programme during school term times. Our programme typically consists of craft, snacks, question times,creative Christian talks and activities and active games.
For further information telephone Beth Cumming on (01509) 843923 or email her.
Tuesdays 7.45pm
Rock Solid is resourced by Youth for Christ, which is an organisation specialising in providing resources for youth work. The material we use is specifically geared towards the 11-14 age group, with its particular tastes, interests and needs in mind and provides young people with an opportunity to explore major life issues and choices from a Christian perspective. The overall programme is high-energy, exciting with lots of activities and lots to think about.
Special events and nights out are also a regular part of the programme.
For further information contact David and Karen Gray on 01509 674762 or email them.
Wednesdays 8pm
A club for years 10 and above (14+yrs),
Meets Wednesday evenings 8pm-9.30pm
Leaders
Sarah and Paul Tremeer, Brian Butler, Paddy McGhee, Martin Steel
The club meets for social club nights, trips out, discussions about relevant issues from a Christian perspective and much more!
For more info contact Paul and Sarah Tel. 01509 672917
Small groups - Fornightly on Thursdays & Fridays
Prayer meetings - Fortnightly on Thursday's 7.45pm
We have a number of small groups meeting in peoples homes at different times and days to suit everybody. These groups for the purpose of supporting and encouraging one another. These meetings usually include an opportunity to pray together and study the bible.
The small groups meet once every two weeks.
The meeting on the alternate Thursday is an all together meeting for prayer and praise in the church lounge. We have a time of open praise followed by a special prayer topic. We also pray for people and events in the church and community as well as for friends and members of the church family serving God in different parts of the world.
From time to time we run enquirers groups for those who want find out more about Christian faith. This may be an Alpha course or something similar.
If you would like to find out more about the small groups please contact Pastor John Hebblethwaite on (01509) 672889
Alternate Wednesdays 10.30am
Coffee Break meets alternate Wednesdays from 10.30am to 12 midday in the Baptist Church lounge Sutton Bonington. It's a chance for retired people to meet and enjoy chat and friendship over tea / coffee and biscuits, followed by fellowship through varied and interesting speakers. A warm welcome is given to all and an offer of transport is also available.
Contact: Iris Bonner (01509) 672788 or Mu Miller (01509) 670231 email
Wednesdays 7.45pm
Meets weekly on a Wednesday evening at 7.45pm (in a home). All welcome! For further details of venue, or for transport, please phone Val Thomson on (01509) 670104, or e-mail Val.
Alternate Thursdays 1.30pm
Are you new to this country? Would you like to know more about life in the UK and enjoy friendship in a relaxed atmosphere (with opportunity to practice your English too!)? Perhaps you may like to share a little about your country and customs with us! You will be most welcome to join us, together with your children.
We meet on two Thursdays a month at 1.30pm in the lounge of the Baptist Church in Sutton
Bonington (next to the Post Office). We aim to finish around 3.20pm. On one Thursday we have a programme which includes outings, cooking, crafts, discussions etc, and on the other Thursday we have opportunity to look at the Bible to learn together what it has to say for our daily lives as women.
Once a month on a Friday evening we have fun having dinner together in someone’s home - a chance to relax without the children!
Please do contact Val if you would like further information.
Visit our web page to see what we have been doing recently.
Alternate Thursdays 1.30pm
Meeting on the alternate Thursday at 1.30pm, contact Val Thomson on (01509) 670104 or e-mail Val for further details or transport if needed.
Other special events throughout the year are also held, eg at the Lunar New Year, and at Christmas, contact Val for details.