About Us
The church was in the eternal purpose of God; "To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Ephesians 3:10-11). God planned every aspect of the church. God continues to have a plan for the church, and we need to know what that plan is. We often lose sight of God's plan for the church.
We need to remember that the church is Divine in its establishment and every aspect about it. It needs to be today what it was as revealed by the Word of God. Paul wrote, "Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you" as recorded in Romans 16:16. Throughout the world, religion is found in every land; Churches abound on every hand. In the days of Paul religion abounded (Acts 17:22-23). However, the only one acceptable to God was Christianity and the only churches of the New Testament were churches of Christ. This principle is still true today. True churches of Christ exist today and can be recognized among the many human institutions claiming to be the church Christ established. So let us consider churches of Christ in the New Testament.
There was no earthly headquarters
Each congregation was autonomous
No single head of the church existed, accept Jesus
Each congregation was Pre-Denominational
There were no creeds, church manuals, catechisms, etc.
The only source of religious authority was the gospel/New Testament
There was only one plan of salvation for everyone
Immersion in water was the only baptism accepted
The only leaders of each congregation were Men, that met the qualifications
to be elders or deacons (1 Timothy 2:1-12)
These men were designated elders (because of age), shepherds/pastors (as teachers of their flock) and bishops (to oversee the work of their congregation)
Does your church meet these qualifications to be considered the church of Christ?
Worship Activities
Our worship activities each Lord's day include...
Singing "psalms and hymns and spiritual songs," without any instrumental accompaniment, to praise the Father and His Son and whereby we also teach and admonish each other (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16-17).
Praying to God, the Father, through the mediation and in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ (John 16:23-24; Colossians 3:17; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 4:14-16; et al.).
Partaking of the Lord's supper, involving eating unleavened bread and drinking fruit of the vine (grape juice) as the Lord instructs His church to do (Matthew 26:26-28; Luke 22:19-20, 29-30; et al.). We do this in memory of His death for us upon the cross (1 Corinthians 11:23-26), and, following apostolic precedent, we thus partake each first day of the week (Acts 20:7).
Contributing some of the wealth God has entrusted to our stewardship that the work of His church may be accomplished (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8:1-24; 2 Corinthians 9:1-15). These offerings are given of each person's free will, with no quota or percentage (e.g., tithe) imposed. The New Testament authorizes no other means of funding the work of the church. Visitors are not expected to contribute.
Studying the Word of God by means of a Biblical sermon, through which God and His Son are glorified and we are edified (Acts 20:7, 32).
God's Plan of Salvation
God's Part
He loved us and gave His Son for us (John 3:16)
His Son, the Christ died to save us (Romans 5:8)
Christ gave us the saving Gospel (Romans 1:16)
Christ built His church for us (Matthew 16:18)
God wants all men to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4)
Christ is preparing Heaven for us (John 14:2)
Man's Part
Hear the saving Gospel (Romans 10:17)
Believe in God's Son (John 8:24; 20:31)
Repent of one's sins (Luke 13:3)
Confess one's faith in Christ (Romans 10:10)
Be baptized for forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38)
Live a life of faithfulness to God (1 Corinthians 15:58)
God has done, His part.
Have you done yours?
