Introduction
Have you ever wondered about these people who call themselves, "the church of
Christ?" Many have, and many of these folks have some misconceptions about this
group of people.
It is our aim and prayer that we can challenge you to come and attend our classes and
worship services and become better acquainted with us. It is also our desire that your
heart might be pricked" as those hearts were on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:37), thus
causing you to have a desire to become a child of God
The Name
Many people look at the name "church of Christ" and assume that we are just another
denomination among many. However, this is not the case. We are not a denomination we
are neither Catholic, Protestant, or Jewish, rather we are members of the one church
(Eph.1:22-23; Col.1:18) which Jesus died for (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet.1:18-19).The name"church of Christ" simply shows ownership; that is, these people (church) belong to
Christ. The term "church of Christ" as it is used in the Bible never represents a building
but rather it is always in reference to a people. We find that the name "church of Christ"
is a Biblical name and therefore, one that will please God (Rom.16:16). There are other
names which would be Biblical, such as "the body of Christ" (1 Cor.12:27), "the
household of faith" (Gal.6:10), or "the church of God"" (1 Cor.1:2).
All these are phrases are descriptive of who the church belongs to. Because it is our
desire to glorify God, we use the name "church of Christ." By what authority can we or
can others wear names which are not Biblical names? Paul stated: "Whatsoever do in
word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,..." (Col.3:17). "In the name of the
Lord Jesus" means by his authority. Therefore, I ask again, by what authority do we or
others wear names which are not Biblical?
The followers of Christ were called Christians, "...the disciples were called Christians
first in Antioch" (Acts 11:26). Peter said in reference to these people, "Yet if any man
suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf" (1
Pet.4:16). This is the name in which we glorify God, no one can glorify God in any other
name.
The Bible Is All Sufficient
As Christians, we believe that the Bible is all-sufficient. By the term, "all-sufficient", we
simply mean that one will find all that is needed within the Bible to guide his footsteps to
heaven. Paul said, "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 perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Tim.3:16-17). The
word "perfect" means to be complete, Paul places further emphasis on this thought by
saying that the man of God is "throughly furnished" meaning completely furnished. Thus
we learn that with God's word (the Bible) we as Christians can be completely outfitted,
or lacking in nothing as it pertains to God's will. Paul also stated, "For I am not ashamed
of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that
believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek" (Rom.1:16). If the gospel was all that
Paul needed, then it is all that we need today, for it is still the "power of God unto
salvation". John informed us that we are not to take away or add to this book, and if we
do, "God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city..."
(Rev.22:18-19).
The so called, "still, small voices","direct operation of the Spirit","an inner light",or "superior philosophies" are superfluous and vain. We do not need any "latter-day-revelations". The Bible is complete. Peter said, "According as his divine
power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the
knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue (2 Pet.1:3).
Man made creeds and by-laws only serve to distract us from the truth. Therefore, we
reject all creeds and by-laws of men, Our only creed is Jesus Christ, our only law is the
Bible.
The Worship
We read in the book of Acts that the early Christians, "...continued steadfastly in the
apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers" (Acts 2:42).
If we are to please God, then we must do the same as did the early Christians. Jesus said"God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and in truth" (John
4:24). To worship in spirit means with the proper attitude toward God and our
fellow-man. To worship in truth means that all that we do must be done in accordance
with the word of God. "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth" (John 17:17).
God has given us a pattern as to how He would have us worship Him. Therefore, as did
the early Christians, so do we gather together upon the Lord's day to observe the Lord's
Supper (Acts 20:7; I Cor.11:24-26). This they did every first day of the week, therefore
we must do the same. They were also commanded to give as they had prospered upon
the first day of the week, (1 Cor. 16:1-2). We likewise lay by in store and give on the
first day of the week as God has prospered us. On this day, as well as other times when
we come together, we place great emphasis on preaching and teaching God's word, (2
Tim.2: 15). We also understand that God has placed great emphasis on prayer in the life
of Christians (Acts 2:42;Jam.5:16-17), without prayer in our lives we would be helpless
against the forces the devil.
The Music
When Christians come together to worship God they are commanded to sing
(Eph.5:19;Col. 3:16).We are opposed to mechanical instruments of music in Worship to
God. The reason for this is because they are not authorized. No where within the pages
of the New Testament will one find where the early Christians used the mechanical
instrument of music in their worship to God. In every reference that is made in regards
to the kind of music which God desires of His people it is always vocal music (singing),
(Matt.26:30; Mark 14:26; Acts 16:25; Rom.15 :9;1 Cor.14:15; Eph.5:19; Col.3:16;
Jam.5:13). Paul said, "So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God"
(Rom.10:17). He also stated, "...for whatsoever is not of faith is sin" (Rom.14:23b).
God has not given us the evidence (revealed it in His word) for the use of the instrument,
therefore, to use such instruments is without authority and sinful.
The church of our Lord must not add to nor take away from that which God has
revealed (Rev.22:18-19).Thus we will not use mechanical instruments of music in our
worship to God.
Membership
In most "churches" you will have to be voted on to see if they will let you become a
member of their "church". However this is not the case with the Lord's church. You will
not find anywhere in the Bible where churches voted as to whether or not a person could
become a member of the church. You will find where the Lord added the saved to the
church (Acts 2:47). We believe that the Lord has given a plan as to what men must do in
order to be saved:
Unlike the "churches" around us, we believe that unless a person is baptized for the remission of sins, they cannot be saved. It is by means of baptism that one enters into the kingdom (John 3:5). If a person is not in the kingdom of the Lord, then he is in the kingdom of Satan, there are no other kingdoms. By baptism we mean as did the early church, that one must be completely immersed. The Bible always speaks of baptism as a burial (Acts 8:35-39; Rom.6:3-4; Col.2:12). Pouring, sprinkling and such like is not baptism God will not accept these as baptism.
WE INVITE YOU TO INVESTIGATE
It is our sincere prayer that you will come and investigate the church of Christ in your
area. You will find them to be a kind and loving people. And a people who are dedicated
to doing all that God has enjoined upon them. We pray that it is your desire to do the
same. May God bless you in your studies of His Holy Word.