A brief introduction to the church of Christ

The church of Christ dates back to the days of the New Testament (Romans 16:16). It was founded by Christ on the Day of Pentecost, A.D. 33 (Acts 2), not long after His ascension back to heaven. In the years that followed, it rapidly grew to fill Jerusalem, then Judea, Samaria, and
finally the whole Roman Empire (Acts 1:8; Colossians 1:23). In America, the first churches of Christ were planted in the late 1700s, a movement that began to go back to the Bible and do Bible things in Bible ways and call Bible things by Bible names (cf. 1 Peter 4:11).

We believe that Jesus is the Son of God (John 20:30-31), that the Bible is inspired of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17), and that Christ will return to take His kingdom home to God (1 Corinthians 15:24). We emphasize sincere worship (John 4:24), every-member evangelism (Acts 8:4),
godly living (Titus 2:11-12), love for each other (John 13:34-35), and helping those in need (James 1:27). We believe the Bible teaches that sinners are saved by learning of Jesus, faith in Jesus, repentance of sin because of Jesus, confession of Jesus, and baptism into Jesus

(John 6:44-45; Mark 16:15-16; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 2:38).

The church of Christ is organized with elders, deacons, preachers, and members, as in New Testament times (Philippians 1:1). It has no governing body on earth higher than the local congregation. The church of Christ is noted for its emphasis on returning to New Testament Christianity and for its desire to unite all Christians into one body (1 Corinthians 1:10). We believe that the New Testament is the only rule for faith and practice in religious matters (2 Timothy 3:17; 2 Peter 1:3), and that God's Word must authorize all that is done in
Christian worship (Colossians 3:17; Revelation 22:18-19). Thus we try to strictly follow the New Testament. We believe it is possible to have religious unity in a day of division, by simply following the New Testament pattern and putting aside human traditions.

 

To put it simply, the church of Christ is seeking to be the same church one reads about in the New Testament. We aim to restore its doctrine, its practice, its lifestyle, and its zeal.

 

Friendly. The church of Christ strives to be a "visitor friendly" church. Since many of our members were at one time visitors themselves, we know how guests feel on their first visit. We make it our goal to be "the friendliest church you have ever visited." We aim to treat others the way we want to be treated, like Jesus said (Matthew 7:12). You'll receive a warm greeting and find assistance to locate your class (or your children's) and/or a comfortable seat in the worship service. You will not be singled out, made to stand, encouraged to give any "testimony," or in any other way made to feel embarrassed. The services are simple, reverent, practical, and meaningful.
 

Bible-based, Christ-centered, heaven-bound. When you visit, you will meet people who, just like you, sincerely want to follow the teachings of the Bible and please God with their lives. You'll find that every sermon and class is based on the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17). In fact, members and guests are urged to bring their own Bibles and follow along. We strive to do Bible things in Bible ways, and to
call Bible things by Bible names - nothing more or nothing less. We seek to exalt Christ in our songs, prayers, sermons, and lives (Colossians 1:18). An air of hope fills the church as we think of the beautiful promise of heaven for God's faithful children (Revelation 21).
 

Lord's supper observed each Sunday. The church of Christ has communion every week, just as they did in New Testament times (cf. Acts 20:7). It is a highlight of the week to be able to commemorate Christ's death and celebrate His promised return.
 

Beautiful singing. The whole congregation sings a capella (without mechanical instruments), just as they did in New Testament times (Ephesians 5: 19; Colossians 3: 16). Visitors may sing along or simply listen. Many first-time visitors comment on how beautiful the singing is. Some say they find it easier to focus on the song's meaning, since the words are more easily understood than they are with musical accompaniment.
 

Free materials. You will find free booklets pamphlets tracts, and back issues of publications available in the entrance areas. These are free to any member or guest. Often there will be study materials distributed during Bible classes and worship services. A persona] home Dible
study (open Bible or video) is available for those who want to know more.
 

A place for everyone. Christ's church is made up of all kinds of people (l Corinthians 12; Galatians 3:27-28). You will find that members of all different races, educational backgrounds, and economic levels are made to feel comfortable in our services. We mean it when we say, "Everybody welcome!"

Emphasis on family and Bible school. The church of Christ places a great emphasis on Bible school. We feel that children are important, and that our God-given responsibility is to assist parents in teaching them about their origin, purpose, and destiny. They should come to know their Creator, Redeemer, Lord, and Savior early in life (Ecclesiastes 12:1; Matthew 19:14). They have been born into a mixed-up world, so we try to ground them in the simple truth so they will know right from wrong.

 

Consider these reasons for bringing your children to Bible classes each week:

• Bible classes help children learn about the most important subjects in the world: Jesus, God, the Bible, morals, and salvation. Our Bible school is non-denominational. Every lesson is based simply on the Bible - not a catechism or creed book.

• Bible classes start with children during their formative years. They do not have to be five years old to begin Sun- day school, as they do to begin public school. Cradle roll classes start babies off right. (They love itl) The early years are important; parents only have children for a short time, so each week counts.

• Our Bible school has an excellent staff of qualified and caring teachers. They enjoy what they do. They love seeing children learn about Jesus, Bible stories, and Bible principles needed for successful living. Most have their own children or grandchildren enrolled in Bible school. Some have decades of experience dealing with children just like yours. We invite you to come a few minutes early and meet the Christian who will be your child's teacher.

• Our Bible school uses a planned curriculum that builds a child's knowledge from ground zero to cover the entire Bible by high school graduation.

• Bible school uses artwork and varied teaching styles to make learning fun. Take-home materials allow parents to reinforce the lessons between classes.

• Bible school allows children to make friends with others their own age. Many parents find their children begging to go to class after a few weeks.

• So bring your Bible and come for that visit you've been thinking about. We'll save you a seat on Sunday.