The Church of Christ (part 2)

The Bible Only The church is made up of people who want to follow the Bible only. Since no denominational names are found in the Bible, no denominational names are worn. No creeds are necessary to set forth doctrines to be believed because the Bible contains all that the Christian is to believe.

Authority of Christ Each member accepts Christ as Lord and respects His authority. Jesus said, “And why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord’ and do not do what I say” (Luke 6:46). To add to, or take away from, the simple instruction of Jesus is to fail to honor Him as Lord. No conferences, synods, councils, nor earthly headquarters exist because Christ has not authorized these.

Obedient Faith Each member understands that the faith that is pleasing to God is a faith that trusts God to the extent of obeying Him. It is through faith that we are God’s sons. “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” (Galatians 3:26-27). Baptism, as an expression of obedient faith, puts one into the proper relationship with Christ.

Baptism is Necessary Jesus said, “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned” (Mark 16:16). Care is given to obey His teaching by immersing those who believe in order that they receive the forgiveness of sins. The apostles, by authority of Christ said, “... repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38).

In Christ All who are in fellowship with Christ are members of His universal body, the church (1 Corinthians 12:12; Colossians 1:18). The universal church is a spiritual entity. It has no physical organization. Wherever members extend fellowship to each other in worship and work, a local fellowship, or assembly, is found. Every Christian should want to be a part of such an organization.

We read in the Bible of churches in Rome, Corinth, Jerusalem, and in other places. These were not different kinds of churches. They were local fellowships, or assemblies, of Christians.

Worship You may see a sign in your community identifying a place of assembly for Christians. On the first day of the week (Acts 20:7) the Lord’s Super is commemorated (1 Corinthians 11:24-26), God is praised in song (Colossians 3:16), prayer is offered (1 Timothy 2:1-2), each member has an opportunity to give monetarily as they have decided (1 Corinthians 16:1-2), and God’s Word is the basis for all teaching (Acts 2:42).

Every First DayIn keeping with the effort to follow the Bible carefully, the Lord’s Supper is observed as a memorial each Sunday. The early Christians met every first day of the week ( 1 Corinthians 16:2). They came together to keep this memorial on the Lord’s day (Acts 20:7).

Vocal Music With the desire not to add to the Lord’s instructions, no musical instruments are used in worship. Christians were instructed to sing, “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19).

Bible Study Emphasized Periods of Bible study are scheduled at various times during the week. Study of the inspired Scriptures is of great importance because it is through the knowledge of God’s message that faith comes. “So faith comes by hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Christians should grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). A cordial welcome awaits you at any of these gatherings.[Also see the link for "Structured Bible Study Methods"]

Our Hope We look forward to the coming of Christ. We want to be found faithful in Him when we stand before Christ in Judgment. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10). Those who are faithful have this promise, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:3)

Our PrayerIt is our prayer that you will choose to follow the Bible only. Will you accept Jesus as Lord and through obedient faith? You, along with others who obey Him, will be the CHURCH OF CHRIST.

WHAT CAN YOU DO? You can accept the authority of Christ by doing what He commanded (Matthew 7:21; John 14:15; 15:10-14; Luke 6:46). Notice the pattern for becoming a Christian as revealed in the Scriptures. The Gospel was heard, resulting in faith (Romans 10:17). Repentance of (turning away from) sin (Acts 17:30) and confession of Jesus as the Son of God followed (Romans 10:10). Believers were baptized INTO Christ for the remission (forgiveness) of sins (See Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Peter 3:20-21), and added to His church (Acts 2:47). Christians were taught to be faithful even to the point of death (Revelation 2:10).

WE WELCOME YOU Following the instructions of the Scriptures, members of Christ’s body [collectively called the “churches of Christ” Romans 16:16),] assemble as congregations for worship, encouragement, and Bible study. The congregation in your community welcomes you to investigate the Bible with us. With a spirit of brotherly love we would seek to reconcile any differences by following the Bible ONLY. We recognize the Bible as God’s inspired word, the ONLY reliable standard of faith and practice. We desire the unity for which Christ prayed and which the Bible emphasizes in the expression, “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Together we seek to maintain “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

A friendly welcome awaits you. We do not wish to embarrass you in any way. You will not be asked for contributions. We assemble for Bible study and worship each Sunday morning and we welcome you to meet with us. We would be happy to talk to you about your questions and we want to be of encouragement.

If you have any comments or questions --- or would like the location and contact names of a congregation of the church belonging to Jesus Christ near you, please e-mail me at BibleTruthsToU@gmail.com or call 253-396-0290. Thanks Dennis Crawford, editor.