The Church of Christ is the church which Jesus Christ built, Christ himself being the chief corner stone (Eph: 2:19-22). The church began in Acts chapter 2 on the day of Pentecost.
The church is not a building of wood and stone,
but a living building made up of many members who are obedient to the commands
of Christ (1 Peter 2:5-10). God blesses each member and desires us to use
our possessions and talents to help the congregation we are a part of to
grow, both in number and spiritually
(1 Cor. 12:12-26).
The scriptures refer to the church by several acceptable names. However in Romans 16:16 the church was referred to as "churches of Christ". In other words the churches which belong to Christ, our Lord and Master (Matt. 23:10).
We have no hierarchy. Our only leader is Jesus
Christ; through His example and teachings recorded in the scriptures for
us. The Bible is our only guide. Elders and Deacons are chosen in each
congregation, if qualified men are available (1 Tim. 3:1-13). These men
serve and over see the local congregation under the guidance of the scriptures.
No organization of men above the elders makes decisions for this congregation.
All joint works between the congregations of the churches of Christ are
decided by the individual congregations.
The Churches of Christ Salute You-- Rom 16:16
By George W. DeHoff
Throughout the world are congregations of Christians who have obeyed the commands which our Blessed Lord said for sinners to obey to be saved. These Christians meet for worship and are organized into local congregations. They are neither Catholic or Protestant. They belong to no denomination. They have no central government nor earthly headquarters. Each congregation is independent taking the New Testament as its sole and only authority in religion. The members insist that if we believe the same things the early Christians did and do the same things they did, it will make us the same thing. Paul was a member of no denomination, yet was a Christian and a member of the Lord's Church.
The church of Christ was established on Pentecost day, A.D., 33, as we read in Acts 2. Every saved person was added to the church(Acts 2:47). The church is composed of all Christians on earth. The members of the church were called "Christians" (Acts 11:26). The Lord gave this name (Isa 62:2). Humans names are condemned (1Co 1:12-13;Acts 4:12).
"The Word of God is the seed of the Kingdom" (Lu 8:11). This seed produced Christians when first planted. If we plant the same seed today, we will reap the same product. The life is in the seed. If there were not a Christian on earth today, you might become one by believing, repenting, confessing your faith in Christ and being baptized. If there were not a church of Christ on earth we might start one by obeying the gospel the apostles preached. Paul went to Corinth and preached the gospel. "Many of the Corinthians hearing, believed, and were baptized" (Acts 18:8). Paul later addressed them as the church of God" and "the body of Christ" (1Co 1:2; 1Co 12:27)
Nineteen centuries have passed since the beginning
of the church. but we still have the same truth. We have today the same
church unchanged in name, doctrine, organization, faith and practice. We
dare not use any creed except the New Testament (2John 9). we must not
add to our worship any doctrine or commandment of man (Mat 15:9). Our plea
is for unity--not during a so-called union meeting--but for all time on
the platform given in God's word (Eph 4:4-6). We plead no merit of our
own--only the merit of Christ's shed blood and of his holy word.
The New Testament is the Word of God. It is inspired of God and is superior
to any human confession of faith (2Ti 3:16-17). Will you not join with
us in standing on the solid rock of God's word?
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Why don't you use instrumental music?
We have no scriptural authority or example of
instruments being used in the New Testament worship services.We are told
to sing and we know that the apostles did sing therefore it is permissible
and necessary to include singing in our worship, but not with the use of
mechanical instruments. Matt. 26:30, Mark 14:26,
1 Cor. 14:15, Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16, James 5:13
For
a further explanation and too listen to our singing click here.
Why do you take of the Lord's Supper every
Sunday?
Christ instituted the Lord's Supper at His last
Passover meal before his crucifixion (Matt. 26:26-29) and asked them to
do this in remembrance of him. In I Cor. 11:23-29 we are told how
to partake of the Communion with our Lord. In Acts 20:7 we are shown that
the disciples came together on the first day of the week (Sunday) for this
purpose. More scriptures on the Lords Supper.
For further reading on this subject click here.
Why do you take up an offering?
In I Cor. 16:1-2 we are commanded to "lay by
in store, as God has prospered him." We are to give back to God a portion
of what He has blessed us with. We are taught in 2 Cor. 8:1-7 and in 2
Cor. 9:6-9 how we should give ourselves first to God, generously and cheerfully.
The money received is used to support the Lord's work, both here and in
other
countries. We do not expect our visitors to give to the work here, although
we appreciate any gift given to the Lord.
Do you call your preacher a Reverend, or Minister, or Pastor? We
simply call our preacher our brother as we do other brothers in Christ.
A minister is one who serves, but may not be a preacher. Likewise, a pastor,
is used Biblically to refer to an elder, and, though an elder may be a
preacher, a preacher is not always an elder.
We do not use terms that note any distinction of one member over another,
other than the terms used in the New Testament to refer to the positions
of deacon or elder. To read some actual sermons
or sermon outlines click here.
What do you believe about prayer? Prayer is a part of the worship service as well as a part of our daily lives. It is the method by which God hast aside for Christians to communicate with Him through Christ. We pray daily, we pray in the will of God, we pray with confidence, we pray expecting and believing, we pray for strength, we pray for healing, and much more. Read more about prayer by clicking here.
What happens when someone answers the invitation given in a church
service? The invitation to become a Christian is always open. Anytime
one has been taught the word of God and knows what action on their part
is necessary to be added to the church he or she may respond to the ever
open invitation to accept salvation. We do not add members to the
church but God adds members under the conditions specified in Acts 2:37-47.
To
learn more about this click here. Or continue to read below.
Do you have Bible study?
Yes, we believe that there is no wrong time or day of the week to study
the Word of God. Our congregation has Bible Study classes available for
everyone who wishes to attend before our worship service on Sunday morning
and on Wednesday evening. Study is also carried on at other times and days
during the week in the homes of various members and daily on the internet.
Ladies Bible Classes are currently held on Thursday mornings at the church
building. Times and days when group Bible study is available is determined
by each congregation. Learn more about Bible
Study by clicking here.
HEAR: Romans 10:17
"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing
by the word of God."
BELIEVE: Hebrews 11:6
"But without faith it is impossible to please
him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is
a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
REPENT: Acts 17:30
"And the times of this ignorance God winked at;
but now commandeth all men every where to repent:"
CONFESS CHRIST: Romans 10:9-10
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the
Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from
the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness;
and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
BE BAPTIZED: Acts 2:38
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized
every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,
and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
LIVE FAITHFULLY TILL DEATH: Rev. 2:10b
"Be ye faithful unto death,and I will give thee
a crown of Life."
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