About the church of Christ
(2 Timothy 3:16-17)“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Our authority is Christ
We accept Jesus Christ as Lord and we respect His authority. Jesus distinguished between abiding by His authority and merely believing in Him when He said, “And why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46). Adding to, or taking from the simple instruction of Jesus is to fail to honor Him as Lord.
We have no conferences, synods, councils, nor earthly headquarters because Christ has not authorized these. Such man-made systems only serve to compete with Christ’s authority and they often bind human traditions upon others, which Jesus condemned (Matthew 15:3-9).
We teach the message of the crucified and risen Lord. The Gospel message is for all! And we urge that all accept this gift of eternal life by following God’s plan of salvation:
- Repent toward God and have faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 20:21)
- Confess Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:10)
- Be baptized into Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38)
- Live a life of faithful service to Christ (Revelation 2:10)
Our faith is pleasing to God when it compels us to obey Him. This active faith is how we become God’s children.
(Galatians 3:26-28)“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Baptism expresses this obedient faith and is the culminating act by which God places one into a proper relationship with Jesus Christ. We would be happy to study the Bible with you concerning the wonderful gospel of Jesus Christ.
The nature of the church
All who are in fellowship with Christ are members of His spiritual body, the universal church (1 Corinthians 12:12; Colossians 1:18). This universal church is a spiritual body with Jesus as its head. This body is made up of Christians throughout the world (Ephesians 1:22-23; Acts 2:47). As such, the universal church has no earthly or physical organization.
Wherever Christians extend fellowship to each other in worship and work, we find a congregation or local church. In the Bible we read about churches in Jerusalem, Rome, and other places. These were not different kinds of churches (as is so prevalent today), but congregations of Christians in various places.
These congregations were independent and self-governing, each having elders (also known as bishops and pastors) watching out for their souls (Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Peter 5:1-4). Assisting the elders were deacons who ministered to the needs of the congregation (Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8-13). The members were dedicated to following the example of Jesus in their daily lives (Eph. 5:1-2).
Our honored guest
When you visit us, you will be treated as our honored guest. We won’t embarrass you in any way. In keeping with the Bible, our worship to the Lord includes only the activities that He authorized by command or example.
On Sunday, the first day of the week, we:
- Observe the Lord’s Supper as a memorial of our Savior’s death (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:24-26).
- Praise God and edify one another through singing (Colossians 3:16)
- Offer prayers of supplication and thanksgiving (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
- Exhort one another, through sermons, to continue steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine (Acts 2:42).
- Take up a collection, in order that members can * Give as they have purposed in their heart, (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:7). As a visitor, you are our guest; you are under no obligation to give.
Throughout our service, two principles govern all that we do:
- “Let all things be done for edification” (1 Corinthians 14:25);
- “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40).
Stop by soon. We look forward to meeting you.