Who are we and why do we exist?
The Words Of Life Christian Center (founded by Rev. Mark D. Ingram) exists for the threefold purpose of: persuading the lost, perfecting the saints, and equipping them to serve.
Our template for service to Christ, one another, and a lost world is found in the apostle Paul‘s example prior to establishing a church in Corinth. In defending himself and his
authority as a minister (servant) of Christ, Paul asserts in
[1 Corinthians 9:16-22 - KJV],
“16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing
to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.
18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.
19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
It is our hope that all who encounter this ministry embrace the humble concept of “service” as set forth by our Saviour: Jesus Christ. ‘Loving’ members serving their church by
“edifying and perfecting the Body of Christ” resulting in Christ’s body of believers going forth in numbers (with gifts, talents, or provision) to “persuade those who have yet
to profess Christ as Saviour.” Our ‘sole and soul’ mission being to accomplish GOD’s purpose for mankind (through our actions) which is reconciliation to HIM.
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“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life
as a ransom for many.”
[Matthew 20:28 - NLT]
What We Believe?
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
“For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said,
For we are also his offspring.” [John 1:1 ; Acts 17:28 - KJV]
There is only one true and living GOD. He is a spiritual being; our Creator, Redeemer, Preserver,
Provider, and Supreme Ruler of the universe. GOD is infinite in holiness and other attributes and
perfections. He remains incomparable and without peer. To HIM we owe our love, reverence, devotion,
and obedience. GOD reveals himself to us as Father, Son, Holy Spirit with distinct attributes with
no division of nature, essence, or being.
GOD as Father reigns with providence over HIS creation according to HIS purposes of grace and HE
willingly and lovingly accepts us as sons and daughters through faith in HIS only begotten SON: JESUS CHRIST.
II. JESUS CHRIST
“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was
in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” [Hebrews 4:15 - KJV]
JESUS is the eternal son of GOD. GOD incarnated to dwell among men for the purpose of giving HIS life
as a ransom for many. Born and conceived of THE HOLY SPIRIT through the virgin Mary, JESUS lived and
revealed perfectly the will of GOD as a human, yet without sin.
In identifying completely with mankind, HE honored DIVINE law and in HIS death and resurrection from
Calvary’s cross, HE made provision and reconciliation (for mankind to GOD) possible. HE now sits at GOD’S
right hand as our mediator and shall return powerfully and gloriously to judge the world and complete
his redemptive plan. He now indwells all believers as the third person of the TRINITY: THE HOLY SPIRIT.
III. THE HOLY SPIRIT
“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until
the day of Jesus Christ…” [Philippians 1:6 - KJV]
The Spirit of GOD who inspired holy men to write the scriptures known as THE HOLY BIBLE. HE enables
believers to understand truth by illuminating GOD’S WORD within our hearts. HE exalts CHRIST, convicts
of sin, and comforts and enables us while sealing us until the day of redemption.
HE bestows the spiritual gifts by which believers serve the church, empowering us to edify and serve one
another as well as become the light and salt to a dying, lost world.
IV. MAN
“They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good,
no, not one.” [Romans 3:12 - KJV]
Man: created by DIVINE intervention, in HIS own image, and as HIS special creation.
Initially innocent of sin, man chose to (by his free will) rebel against GOD hence, ushering in a fallen
condition which impacts creation to this day.
Due to this transgression, mankind inherited a nature and environment inclined towards continued rebellion
against GOD. Upon recognition of moral right or wrong, man suffers condemnation because of a debased
spiritual condition. It is by GOD’S grace that man is brought into HIS family to become a son or daughter
of purpose, via HIS offer of salvation through the only name under HEAVEN that is able to save to the utmost.
V. SALVATION
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to
us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
[2 Peter 3:9 - KJV]
Salvation is GOD’S greatest wish for mankind and is made available only through the redeeming blood of
JESUS CHRIST as LORD and SAVIOUR. It is by HIS blood shed at Calvary that man obtains the eternal redemption
that regenerates, sanctifies, and will one day: glorify.
Regeneration being GOD’S grace birthing man as a new creation in CHRIST. Repentance being a genuine turning
away from sin towards GOD and trusting that JESUS will take total control of our lives. Sanctification being
THE HOLY SPIRIT setting us apart for HIS use and enabling progressive growth morally and spiritually.
Glorification shall be the finale of salvation and we will abide forever in the company of THE GODHEAD as
well as with the redeemed.
VI. UNITY
“And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” [Mark 3:25 - KJV]
Because of GOD’S grace, we have been “persuaded and are being perfected to ultimately go forth in service
to CHRIST.” Consequently, we offer this world: JESUS CHRIST.
With all due respect to different doctrinal positions, various spiritual gifts, hereditary upbringings,
considerations, opinions and preferences shaping our Christian experiences, we
(WORDS OF LIFE CHRISTIAN CENTER) choose to respect and encourage each unique contribution with decency
and order.
We shall embrace these varying components as harmonious enhancements (not divisive ‘dogma‘) serving
one another as… “icing” which complements JESUS: our unquestioned “cake” or reason for the icing.
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