As a member of ChristianCycling you must agree to the following:
ChristianCycling is an interdenominational organization representing riders from a variety of Christian traditions. This is both a blessing and a challenge, as there is range of beliefs held under the label of “orthodox Christian theology.” This means we have a wide range of worship expressions, variations in understanding on some practices, and expectations of what proper Christian living looks like within our club which needs to be properly respected and honored. Despite the challenges diversity brings, there is also a huge blessing, as ChristianCycling is a visible reminder God is the ultimate authority, and we are merely humble servants and children, seeking to honor their King.
As a result of ChristianCycling being an interdenominational organization, we wish to affirm at the outset of a statement of faith the following core values:
1. In essential beliefs — we have unity.
There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. Ephesians 4:4-6
2. In non-essential beliefs — we have liberty.
Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 1 Cor 8:9
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others... So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God—even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. 1 Cor 10:23-24, 31-33
3. In all our beliefs — we show charity.
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:2
ChristianCycling sees the Bible as central to our understanding of God, His plan for us, and as the basis for our understanding of who we are. We believe in the divine inspiration, inerrancy, and consequent authority of the Old and New Testaments (2 Tim. 3:16,17).
ChristianCycling recognizes the One living and true God, creator of everything, co-existent eternally in three equal persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who are all fully God. In addition, we hold to Jesus’ virgin birth, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit, making him fully man in addition to being fully God. Jesus’ bodily resurrection, ascension, and future visible return are central to us, as is His present high priestly ministry. Not only did Jesus die, but he arose from the dead, defeating death, while his ascension means he is at the Father’s right hand on our behalf now, as we await his second coming (Gen 1:1, John 4:24, 10:30 Luke 1:34-35, Luke 24:36-43,51; Heb 4:14, Acts 1:11)
We believe in the rebellion and fall of humanity, and our consequent moral depravity and death. From Adam on, all people have sinned, cutting all of us off from God and resulting in our death. While God is clear in His Word about what He calls “sin” (see Romans 1:18-32 & 1Cor 6:9-11 just to name a few passages) and that He hates sin (Prov 6:16-19), it is also clear that He not only loves the sinner, but sent His Son Jesus Christ into the world NOT to condemn the world, but to save it! (John 3:16-17). Even as we are sinful, the Holy Spirit is convicting the world of its sin, and the need of personal regeneration (Gen 3:1-19, Job 1:6, Rom 3:9-18, Gal 5:16, John 3:3, John 16:8).
Not only is the Holy Spirit reminding us we are sinful, but because Jesus died as a sacrifice for our sins and was resurrected, we can repent of our sin, accept the free gift of God’s forgiveness, which cannot be earned through good works or moral living (Eph 2:8-9) and be declared “not guilty” through faith in Him. This will lead to a life surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and his consequent provision of an abundant, blessed, and changed life through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We also believe in the physical resurrection of everyone, both of the just and the unjust, and that there is eternal life in heaven for God’s children, and eternal punishment in hell for those who have rejected Christ (John 16:8, Acts 13:38, 39; Rom 5:9, 18-19; 1 Cor 3:16, Gal 5:16; Rev. 20:11-15, 1 Cor 15:42-58).
ChristianCycling recognizes the importance of the local Church, including the practices of communion and baptism, as well as the need for Christian fellowship, communal worship and teaching. We also believe in a life dedicated to the proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ with both words and actions: (Heb 10:25, 1Cor 11:23-32, Matt 28:18-20; James 4:4, Rom. 12:1,2, 1 John 2:15-17, Gal 5:22-26; 2 Cor. 6:14-18, Acts 1:8, 2 Cor. 5:19, 20; Matt 28:18-20).
A statement of faith is necessary for ChristianCycling for a number of reasons. As ChristianCycling has grown, more organizations have contacted us for potential partnerships. How are they and we to know, at the outset, if we MIGHT be able to work together if each doesn’t know what the other stands for? Our statement also aids us as we work to decide what we will focus on, as it reminds us of what we hold to be most important.
With all public organizations, knowing what they stand for is important to knowing if we wish to be a part of them. Our statement of faith makes it clear to people what is most important to us, and what our values are, which allows them to make an informed decision to join us or not.
One other thing a statement of faith can do for us: it can challenge us. A statement like ours is challenging, and for many, includes things they may have never considered. The Christian life is not one of knowledge, but Paul does remind us…
“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his people in the kingdom of light.“ (Col 1:9-12)
Being challenged to learn and wrestle with what we believe, in accordance with God’s Word, and why we believe it, is an important part of our Christian life. By taking time to work through our beliefs, we invite God to mold and transform us, resulting in our maturing in Christ and unity with other Christ followers by “…being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” (Phil. 2:2)
ChristianCycling is more than just a club for cycling enthusiasts. In addition to regular cycling conduct expectations, we also require membership to uphold high Biblical and moral lifestyle standards as governed by the International Executive and Advisory Boards.
Those who espouse to these standards are more than welcome to join and be affiliated with ChristianCycling as members in good standing. Those interested in ChristianCycling who do not uphold these same standards are welcome to participate in most club activities, however, will not be extended the opportunity for membership.
In the event a member is found to no longer uphold the standards of ChristianCycling, an inquiry will be conducted and membership may be forfeited.
In consideration for my acceptance for membership in the ChristianCycling, I hereby freely agree to make the following contractual agreements and representations.
By accepting my membership into ChristianCycling, I agree for myself and successors that the above representations are binding by contract and are no mere recitals, fully understand its terms, understand I have given up substantial rights freely and without inducement or assurance of any nature and intend it to be a complete and unconditional release of liability to the greatest extent allowed by law.