OBJECTIVE

- To be faithful to Christ in ALL He teaches

Christ tells us that we can be true disciples only when we abide in the teaching of His word (John 8:31-32). The Old Testament (Old Law) was inspired and written for our learning (II Tim. 3:16-17; Romans 15:4). Study it in Bible classes and use it in preaching. However, recognize that it WAS fulfilled and abolished on the cross (Col. 2:14).

Uphold the New Testament as the covenant (testament) through which Christ directs His people today (Heb. 1:1-2; 8:6-7). The New Testament is our guide in all matters of faith and practice. Do not adhere to nor accept as authoritative any man made creeds. Each member must accept individual responsibility as a disciple to study and apply the teachings of Jesus (John 8:31-32). If each individual is guided solely by the word of God, unity not confusion will result.



WORSHIP

Jesus taught how those who followed Him were to worship God. He declared… "God is a Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth" - John 4:24

Over the centuries men have often abandoned the activities practiced by New Testament Christians for elaborate and irrelevant rituals, based upon human tradition and desire. The Christians at this congregation collectively seek to follow the simple and spiritual pattern of worship revealed in the New Testament. In our assemblies, one can expect to see the following:

The Lord’s Supper: The memorial feast of unleavened bread and fruit of the vine, observed each Lord’s Day in commemoration of Christ’s death (Acts 2:24, 20:7; I Cor. 11:23-26)

Congregational Singing: Vocal songs of praise, encouragement and education in spiritual truths (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16)

Bible Preaching: Simple and understandable studies from God’s word to exhort, rebuke and build faith (Acts 2:42 & 20:7)

Prayer: Humble appeals of petition and thankfulness to God through Jesus Christ (Acts 2:42; I Thess. 5:17)

Voluntary Contribution: A freewill collection from among the members each Lord’s Day to carry out the spiritual work of the church (I Cor. 16:1-2; II Cor. 9:6-7)

The Lord commands Christians to regularly assemble (Heb. 10:24-25), and true Christians worship God in every act of obedience to Him (Rom. 12:1). The Christians who make up this congregation limit our collective activities to only those things that we have Biblical authorization to do (I Cor. 4:6).



THE CHURCH

Churches, as described in the New Testament, are composed of people. A church is NOT a building in which people meet nor is it an organization that people join, like the YMCA. The churches established by Paul and Barnabas during their first journey (Acts 14:23) were people who had obeyed the gospel and became disciples (Acts 14:21).

How these churches are identified

Paul described several groups of disciples as "churches of Christ" (Rom. 16:16). This was an appropriate description because these groups of people ‘churches’ belonged to Christ in a special way. Jesus had saved them when they obeyed the gospel. As a result, they were dedicated to Him and ‘HIS’ teaching.

How to authenticate the claim to be a 'church of Christ’

There is no attempt to establish historical links with churches that existed in the 1st-century. Rather, the ‘proof’ is the close adherence to the principles Jesus and His apostles taught. This is the only basis for any group to claim to be ‘of Christ.’

This includes the following:

*Our personal conduct in speech, action and attitude
*The kind of worship we offer in our public services
*Recognition of God’s will in HIS plan for our salvation and for our fellowship in HIS service


In short, the teaching of Jesus and His apostles is a guide for all aspects of the relationship with God through Christ.



CHRIST’S CHURCH

When Jesus Christ came into the world, He declared that He would build HIS church (Matt. 16:18). The church ‘of Christ’ came into the world with a mission, and that mission is clearly set forth in the ‘New Testament.’

The apostle John described the world in which we live when he wrote "and we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness" (I John 5:19). Recognizing the condition of the world, the mission of the church becomes clear when we read the great commission recorded in Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16). The Lord Jesus Christ, came into the world to save lost people (Luke 19:10; I Tim. 1:15), the church shares the same mission.

The mission of the church is also to be compassionate toward the needy. It is to care for the widows and orphans (James 1:27), and as opportunity presents itself to do good to all men and especially to those who are Christians (Gal. 6:10). Many in the world (some in most of our communities) find themselves in dire situations (loss of home, sickness, etc.). What better way to demonstrate the love of God than through the compassion and benevolence we show (I John 3:17).

The religious world of our day is one of chaos and confusion, and each year there are new religious groups being established with their diverse and confusing doctrines. The church of Christ exists to promote unity (Eph. 4:3). Jesus Christ came to build HIS church (Matt. 16:18). He is not pleased with religious division (I Cor. 1:10; John 17:20-21).

The Christians, who make up the congregation desire to teach the lost, relieve the hardships of the needy, believing that if people will commit themselves to follow the Bible as their only guide, then these believers in Jesus Christ can be one.