About
An Introduction to Christ's Church
What is the church of Christ?
Many are confused by the expression "church of Christ." They think "church of Christ is a terminology that identifies only a small segment of Christians, namely "the Church of Christ denomination" This is simply not true.
The "My Church" of Mathew 16:18
In (Matthew 16:18), Jesus Christ said, "I will build my church." It is the "my church" or church belonging to Christ (i.e. Christ's church), of this passage that we wish to consider in the study, and not some religious denominational bias. Let us consider the simple truths taught in God's Word on this most important subject.
One Body and One Church
In (Ephesians 4:4), we learn that there is only one body. In (Colossians 1:18), we learn that this "one body" is none other than the church belonging to Christ. In other words, the "my church" of (Matthew 16:18) is the church or body of Christ. (Ephesians 1:12)
In (Ephesians 2:16), we learn that all mankind whether Jew or Gentile, is reconciled in this body "by the cross" (Ephesians 2:13). Consequently, it does not surprise us to learn that the church (His Body) was purchased by Jesus' blood on the cross (Acts 20:28). Therefore, those who are identified as being in His body are also described as being blood-bought (1 Corinthians 6:20, 1 Peter 1:18-19). To be in Christ, then, is to be in His body, and to be in His body is to be in His church. If this is true, and the Bible clearly teaches us that it is, then a significant question would be: "How does on get into the church, or body of Christ?"
The Lord Adds to His Church Those Who Obey Him
(Acts 2:47) We learn that "And the Lord added to them day by day those that were saved." This is certainly as is should be, because Christ "became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him."(Hebrews 5:9). In order to be saved and added to the Lord's church, one must be willing to obey him. In (1 Samuel 15:22), Samuel, guided by the Holy Spirit informed Saul that "to obey is better than to sacrifice." The apostle John, inspired by the same Spirit that inspired Samuel, wrote: "Whoever says 'I know him' but does not keep his commandments is a lair, and the truth is not in him" (1 John 2:4).
Obedience is Absolutely Necessary
The Lord said, "unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins" (John 8:24). In (Acts 17:30), the apostle Paul said, "but now He commands all people everywhere to repent." In (Romans 10:10), we are taught that in order to be saved on must be willing to confess Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:32-33). While many are willing to acknowledge the importance of belief, repentance, and confession of Jesus as Lord in relationship to salvation by grace, the idea that baptism has anything at all to do with salvation is rejected. This, of course is terribly unfortunate because the Bible clearly teaches that baptism, like belief, repentance, and confession is absolutely necessary in order to accept God's grace of eternal salvation. If you doubt this, please invest a little of your time in studying the scriptures we are about to consider.
Baptized Into Christ
In (Galatians 3:27), Paul makes it clear that we are "baptized into Christ." In other words, we are "baptized into one body" (1 Corinthians 12:13). In (Acts 2:38), baptism is said to be "for (i.e. unto or for the purpose of) the remission of sins." Consequently, Saul of Tarsus was told: "And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on His name" (Acts 22:16). The apostle Peter explained the importance of baptism by saying "Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you" (1 Peter 3:21).
The Colossian letter refers to baptism as the "circumcision of Christ" (Colossians 2:11-12). Under the Law of Mosses (Old Testament Law), circumcision, the cutting away of flesh, was critical for am Israelite to be in a covenant relationship with God. Consequently, the circumcision of Christ, the cutting off or putting away of the sins of the flesh, is critical for us to be in covenant relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
There is a Relationship between Jesus' Blood and Baptism
Often, those who believe that baptism is not necessary for the remission of sins teach that an emphasis on baptism somehow denigrates the blood of Christ. The Bible, however, teaches there is a relationship between the blood of Christ and baptism (1 John 5:8). In (Matthew 26:28), we learn that Jesus' blood was shed for the remission of sins; but in (Acts 2:38), we learn that baptism is for the remission of sins. Again (1 John 1:7) we are told that the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin; but in (Acts 22:16), we are told that baptism cleanses us from sin. Once more, in (Colossians 1:14), we are taught that Christ's blood saves us; but in (1 Peter 3:21), we are instructed that baptism saves us. How can this be? How can both the blood of our Lord and baptism be for the remission of sins? the answer is relatively simple. Our Lord's blood was shed in His death (John 19:34), and we are baptized into His death (Romans 6:3). Therefore, it is in baptism that one first comes into contact with the precious blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Such clear Bible teaching is not hard to understand.
In (John 16:13), we are told that the Holy Spirt would guide the apostles into all truth. He did exactly that, and, in doing so, taught Christ’s blood was shed in His death so that we might have the remission of our sins. Furthermore, He revealed that by believing in Christ, repenting of our sins, confessing Jesus as Lord, and being baptized in water by the authority of Christ, we could be saved. In other words, the "one Spirit" has directed us to be immersed by the "one baptism" into the "one body" where there is continues cleansing by the blood of Christ (Ephesians 4:4-5). In (1 John 5:8), the Bible says, "and there are three that bear witness on earth, the Spirit, and the Water, and the Blood; and these three agree in one." My Friend, if it is not in baptism that the Holy Spirit, water, and the blood of Christ agree, then where is it?
In (Acts 2:40), it is said that "...with many other words he [the apostle Peter] testified and bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying "Save yourselves from this crooked generation'". Those who "gladly received his word [that day] were baptized"(Acts 2:41). Don't you want to be a member of the church Christ referred to as "my church," namely the church or body of Christ? Then why don't you "repent and be baptized every one you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins"(Acts 2:38).
What To Expect When You Visit Us
Many People are hesitant to attend to attend worship services at an unfamiliar church. To help relieve any doubts you may have regarding this congregation, we would like to explain what you can expect when you visit with church of Christ.
You may expect Courtesy and Kindness
The Bible traches that God is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34); therefore, we treat everyone with the same courtesy, respect, and kindness.
You may expect Order and Reverence
Good order will prevail at every service (1 Corinthians 14:31-33). You will observe on of the brethren lead the congregation reverently in prayer (1 Timothy 2:1-5). Like first century Christians, we will engage in singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19). The words used in our songs will be easy to understand (1 Corinthians 14:15). God has commanded the sincere praises of his people to come from the heart (Colossians 3:16). Therefore, the only instrument we use for accompaniment is the heart.
You will observe the congregation earing bread and drinking the fruit of the vine in memory of the death of Christ (Matthew 26:26-29). We do this on the first day of every week, like the Christians in the first century (Acts 20:7).
Also, on the first day of the week you will observe members of the congregation giving free will offerings to financially support the work of the congregation (1 Corinthians 16:2). We do not ask non-members to financially support our work.
You Will See the Bible Is Our Only Guide
You will observe that the Bible is the textbook to which reference is repeatedly made in our bible studies and sermons. We do not teach the commandments of men as doctrine (Mark 7:7), we want you to read the Bible for yourself to see "whether those things are so" as they did in Acts 17:11.
You will hear about the Salvation in Christ
You will hear obedience to the will of Christ emphasized as necessary to salvation: faith in Christ as taught in the gospel (Romans 10:17); repentance (Luke 24:47); confession of faith in Christ (Romans 10:9-10); and baptism for the remissions of sins (Acts 2:38).
If there should be a response from someone in the audience to the appeal method above, you will see them taken to a pool of water, where, in simple likeness to the burial of Christ, they will be buried in water and raised to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:3-4). You will be welcome at all of our services. Please come and bring you Bible to "search scriptures" with us.
Life God's Way
Without having an understanding of where we came from and why we are here, trying to decide what to do with our lives is like trying to be a pilot of a ship in the middle of a storm without a compass or any idea of which way to go. Living by the Word of God allows us to have lives that are completely filled with joy (imagine being filled with joy every single day), fulfillment (imagine living the true vision of what life is really supposed to be like), and purpose (imagine waking every day to be part of a cause with a mission to fulfill). The Creator makes known to us the ways of life and make is full of joy and peace as we fulfill our mission here on Earth. See (Act 2:28), (Romans 15:13), (John 10:10) and (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). Try life God's way and you will be amazed at what He can do in you.
We encourage you to think on these things and if you would like to ask questions about the church or other biblical topics, we would be delighted to study with you. Please feel free to come to any services or use the Contact Us section of this website to ask questions or send a message.