| What is the Church of Christ? NAME Calling ourselves simply “Christians” we are dedicated to Christ and to a restoration of His church, as outlined in the New Testament. The term “Church of Christ” simply designates ownership, Rather than being the name of another denomination (a practice condemned in 1 Cor. 1:10-13), we plead for religious unity based upon the teaching of Christ (John 17: 20,21) and the apostles (Eph. 2:20). Rule of Faith and Practice The unity of teaching and practice enjoyed is due to our acceptance of Christ as “all authority” (Matt. 28:18). Since faith cometh by hearing the Word of God (Rom. 10:17) and whatsoever is not of faith is sin (Rom. 14:23), we conclude that anything not authorized by the Word of God is not approved of God. We must therefore exclude any teaching or practice not found in the Word and we must include any found therein (Rev. 22: 18,19) We speak where the Bible Speaks and remain silent where the Bible is silent. Organization Christ being the head of the church (Eph. 1:22), there are no earthly headquarters anywhere. Each congregation is self-ruled and independent of every other congregation. Officers of each are chosen according to qualifications found in (1 Tim. 3:1-13) and (Titus 1: 5-9) and serve in capacities outlined in 1 Peter 5: 1-4. Worship In Worship, we conform to the pattern outlined by Christ (John 4:24) that God is a spirit, and those who worship him must worship him “in spirit and in truth”, spirit being from the heart, truth being according to that authorized in the Word. The church written about in the New Testament engaged in five items of worship: Preaching (the apostles doctrine, Acts 2:42), eating the Lord’s Supper (“breaking bread”), singing, praying, and giving. We have a specific example of the church coming together to break bread (Acts 20:7) and to take a collection from the members (1 Cor. 16: 1,2) on the first day of the Week (Sunday). Membership Those we read about in the New Testament, who obeyed the commands of the Lord which He had outlined to the apostles (Mark 16: 15,16), were added to the church by the Lord (Acts 2: 47). Today Christians have no right to demand anything more or anything less of those wishing to become a child of God than that which we can read in the New Testament. Mission Since Jesus sent His disciples out into all the world to share the Good News—Gospel-- (Matt. 28:19,20), we likewise recognize our responsibility to take the message to every creature today that all might have the opportunity to receive the blessings which He made possible by His death at Calvary (Cross). “Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” Church Phone Number: 803-772-0102 |
|||
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |