Church of Christ Studies

 

 

 

At the Church of Christ near you, we teach truths found in God's Word, the Bible. Church members begin by believing in the basics of faith in God: that God exists and that He rewards those who seek and obey Him.
(Hebrews 11:6; Revelation 2:10; 22:14)

The Church of Christ is a non-denominational, Bible-believing body of Christians. We have no denominational hierarchy, and we come from a wide variety of backgrounds.

While we seek to understand and do what God's Word says, we don't claim that we do so perfectly, and we don't claim to have all the answers. We simply desire to let the Bible speak and follow it as closely as we can.

While we cannot compromise when God's Word speaks plainly, we recognize that Christian people can have differences of opinion. We value the freedom we have in Christ, and we try to hold these differences in a spirit of love.

We welcome you to join us as we seek to understand God's Word and apply it to our lives!

God the Father We believe in one God, the Creator of the Universe and the Giver of Life. God is an all- powerful, all-knowing, and ever present spiritual being. He is truthful, faithful, loving, good, patient, just, merciful, holy, and righteous. As Ruler of the Universe, God reigns supreme over nature, history, and human life.
(Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Hebrews 11: 3; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Acts 17:24-28)

Jesus the Son We believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God and co-equal with the Father. Though Jesus lived an uncorrupted human life on earth, his own people murdered him on a cross. After three days, Jesus came back to life, demonstrating his power over sin and death. He later returned to heaven with the Father, and now reigns in heaven, interceding for us until he comes again. He is the only way to the Father.
(John 1:1-3; 14, 18, Acts 2:23-24, 36; 1 Timothy 2:5; John 14:6)

The Holy Spirit We believe in the Holy Spirit, the presence of God in the lives of believers. God has given us the Holy Spirit as a comforter, guide, teacher, and guarantee of our eternal hope. The Holy Spirit recreates men and women, empowering us to live the new life to which we have been called. His work in us produces lives characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Through His Spirit, God grants gifts and abilities to believers for the strengthening of the church.
(John 14:16-17; Romans 8:9-14; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 4:11-13)

The Bible The Bible is the inspired Word of God, written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit, and is entirely true. Scripture is useful for teaching, preaching and training in faith. God's Word is the norm and standard for all subsequent Christian teaching.
(2 Peter 1:20-21; John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Humanity Both men and women are created in the image of God and are completely dependent upon Him. The primary purpose of humanity is to glorify God and to enjoy a relationship with Him. Unfortunately, all men and women rebel against God's standards and deserve the separation from Him that sin brings. Reconciliation with God is only available by His grace for salvation and new life.
(Genesis 1:26-27; Psalm 23; Mark 12:29-30; Romans 3:23-24)

Sin and Salvation All people are created in the image of God and have tremendous potential for good, but we are all marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called sin. As a result of our sin, we have a shattered and broken relationship with God that can only be made whole through Jesus Christ. Salvation is God's free gift (grace) to us but we must accept it by acknowledging Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior (confessing); turning from our sinful life-style (repentance); being immersed in water (baptism); and trusting in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works.
(Romans 5:1; 3:23; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 1:12; 14:6; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; Mark 16:16)

The Church The Christian church is the community of God's people. Jesus is the head of the body, the universal church, which is united by its common faith in Him. The church participates in the worship of God, the fellowship and training of believers, and the spread of God's love in the world. The ministry of Jesus continues in the church as people love and help those separated from God and others.
(Matthew 16:16-18; Ephesians 1:22-23, 2:19-20; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Acts 2:42-47)

Baptism We are commanded in the Bible to be baptized by immersion in order to receive both the forgiveness of our sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:37-39). Baptism is done out of obedience to Jesus Christ and is a part of our salvation process. Baptism illustrates how God cleanses us of our sins as well as how He raises us to new life in Jesus Christ.
(Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 1:9-11; Galatians 3:26-27; Acts 8:26-40; 9:17-19; 10:47-48; 16:15; 16:29-33)

Communion We believe in the declaration of forgiveness established by Jesus through communion. Communion is recognized in the church as a reminder of his death for us. Each participant may know of the forgiveness offered to him or her through the body and blood of Christ. We celebrate communion every Sunday when we gather, as the early church did.
(Matthew 26:26-28; Luke 22:19-20; Acts 2:42-47, 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29)

Singing We sing without instrumental music in our worship services. This is a matter of conviction with us. Since the New Testament doesn't mention instrumental music, we believe that it is best to leave it out of our worship services. In addition, we find it to be quite meaningful when everyone is asked to participate in the singing.
(1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:18, 19; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 2:12)

Spiritual Gifts Every disciple of Jesus Christ has been given specific gifts or talents by the Holy Spirit to advance the kingdom of God. These gifts or talents are to be diligently developed and used at home, church, and in society.
(Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; Ephesians 4:11-13)

Equality Jesus Christ came to restore not only our relationship with God-but also to bring unity and dignity to men and women of all races, ages, and classes. All persons are made in the image of God, and every disciple of Jesus Christ is to reflect that image in the home and in society.
(Galatians 3:26-29; Ephesians 2:11-22; John 17:20-26; Acts 10:9-23; Colossians 3:11-14)

Eternity and Salvation We are created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through the forgiveness and salvation of Jesus Christ. To be eternally separated from God is called Hell. To be eternally in union with God is called heaven. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. Eternal life begins the moment we receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of our life.  We can only receive Him as Lord and Savior when we obey the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the Power of God unto Salvation (Romans 1:16).  We are not saved by saying the Sinner's Prayer and kneeling at an altar.  The Sinner's Prayer is not found in the New Testament.  We believe that for one to come to Christ and receive Him as Savior, one must "obey from the heart that form of doctrine which has once and for all been delivered unto the saints."   Thus, the sinner must obey the Gospel and walk in the Light.  We then have the assurace of God's Word that the blood of Christ will cleanse us of our sins.   This is something a Christian must do daily, Walk in the Light and remain faithful to God and Christ (Rev. 2:10; Rev. 22:14).  Then, when this life is over, we have the assurance of those words of the apostle who said, "I've fought the fight.  I've kept the faith.  Henceforth, there is laid up for me (eternal life) a crown of life...a crown of righteousness."  We believe that James through inspiration of the Spirit got it right when he wrote, "Faith without works is dead."  In this case works is works of obedience.  It was said of Christ "Yet learned He obedience through the things which he suffered."  We believe that those who belong to Christ should do likewise. We believe that Salvation and Eternity are possible when we are like Christ and become obedient to His will and His Authority.
(John 3:16; 14:17; Romans 6:23; 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; 21:27; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9; Matthew 25:41)