ABOUT THE CHURCH OF CHRIST

WHat the bible teaches

WHO ARE WE?

We are simply a group of Christians (people who have turned away from our sinful ways of living, from the false teachings of this world, and from the things that displeased God. We have obeyed God’s form of doctrine which is the gospel of Jesus Christ), and have become members of Christ’ body, His church, nothing else.

Jesus said, “UPON THIS ROCK I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH” (Matthew 16:18). This He did in Acts chapter 2, and purchased it with His own Blood Acts 20:28. After Jesus’ resurrection, Peter taught the people in Jerusalem in Acts Chapter two about the salvation offered through Christ’s death, 3,000 souls obeyed what Peter taught on that day “And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved;” Acts 2:47.

We are that church. Therefore, we are NOT a denomination or part of a larger religious order. Denominationalism is based upon division which is clearly condemned in Scripture. “There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God;” Ephesians 4:3-6.

Our Authority:

We follow no creed nor commandments of men. We believe the Bible is the word of God and is complete for us. (2 Tim. 3:16-17). We accept and submit to the Bible as our sole standard of authority (Colossians 3:17; 1 Peter 4:11). We ask everyone to be like the Bereans of Acts 17:11 – to search the scriptures daily to see if what we are teaching is according to the revealed word of God.

The Mission Of The Church:

“To seek and save the lost” –  Luke 19:10

The Bible clearly shows the church’s role is to spread the Gospel (The power of God unto salvation – Rom. 1:16)

We appeal to all people that they reject any concepts of religion based on the words and thoughts of men. We want all honest truth seekers to accept the pure doctrine of Jesus Christ and pattern their lives after the truth found in the Bible.

Worship Activities:

Our worship is simple and based entirely on the pattern for worship found in the New Testament. We will greet everyone with kindness (Acts 10:34-35, Gal. 3:28) We practice only those things that we find authority for in the New Testament with a sense of order. (1 Cor. 14:33 & 40)

Prayer

You will see one of the members leading the congregation reverently and quietly in prayer (1 Tim. 2:1 – 5).

The Lord’s Supper

If you visit on Sunday, the Lord’s day, you will see the congregation partaking of the Lord’s supper: eating unleavened bread and drinking of the fruit of the vine in memory of the death of Christ (Matt. 26:26 – 29). We do this every Sunday, like Christians in the first century (Acts 20:7).

Giving

You will see that a collection is taken only on Sunday and at no other time (1 Cor. 16:1 – 3). This congregation is supported by free will offerings.

Singing

Like the first century Christians we engage in acapella singing of songs, hymns, and spiritual songs (Eph. 5:19). An organ, piano, or other musical instruments are never used. The words of our songs are easy to understand (1 Cor. 14:15) and sung from the heart (Col. 3:16).

Teaching and Preaching the Bible

Teaching and preaching is an important part of our assembly and it is our responsibility to proclaim only the truth as recorded for us in God’s word (Colossians 3:17; 1 Timothy 3:15).

The Church’s Organization:

Scripture indicates that Jesus is the head of the church. “And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body” Ephesians 1:22 -23. It stands to reason that, having a heavenly head; the church has no earthly headquarters. We have no councils or synods where men decide what the church is to do. All legislative authority belongs solely to Jesus Christ in heaven. Moreover, as there is only one head, Christ also has but one body. Col.1: 18

Only in regard to various local bodies does the Bible speak of a plurality of churches. However, this is not to say they are churches of a different type. They all have the same divinely appointed head, mission, teaching, practice, and organization, as 1 Corinthians 4:17 clearly shows: “I have sent to you Timothy,… and he will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church.”

Our Message:

The Bible teaches that a man is separated from God when he sins. Therefore, mankind has a common need: the forgiveness of sins. Our simple message to people is to obey the gospel. The gospel will lead people to Christ and into His church where forgiveness is found.

We believe that we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-10). The grace of God, demonstrated in Christ’s death on the cross, is free, but there are conditions required of those who would receive it.

Many different man-made teachings and theories are heard in religions today concerning forgiveness. Here is what the Bible says about it: For anyone living outside of Christ and want to receive forgiveness of sins, he or she must…

Hear the Gospel

  • Romans 10:17 – So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
  • Matthew 13:9 – He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

Believe and Have Faith in God and Jesus

  • Hebrews 11:6 – But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
  • John 20:30-31 – And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

Repent of Your Sins

  • Luke 13:3 – I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.
  • Acts 17:30 – Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent,

Confess Jesus is the Son of God

Rom. 10:9-10 – that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Be Baptized for the Remission of Sins

  • Acts 2:38 – Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
  • Mark 16:16 – He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

Live Faithfully

  • Revelations 2:10 – … Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
  • 10:22 – And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.
  • 1 Cor. 15:58 – Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

This is not an idea or concept that someone created over the past few hundred like many of the “worldly concepts” being taught today by many.  This is GOD’s plan are recorded in the inspired Word of God.  What can we do to assist you?  If you would like to study the Bible with us, please reach out to us.  We would love to guide you through the New Testament so you can see what the Bible actually says for yourself.