THE CHURCH OF CHRIST
WHAT IS THE CHURCH OF CHRIST?
It Is Not a Denomination
The church of Christ is not a denomination founded by man nor a part of any religious organization founded by man. It originated in Heaven in the mind of God and was set up on earth in the city of Jerusalem on the first Pentecost following the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Lord (Ephesians 3:8-11; Acts 2). Instead of working with denominations, members of the church of Christ plead all believers in Jesus Christ heed His prayer for unity and become one in His blood-bought body, the church (John 17:20-21; Ephesians 4:4-6; Acts 20:28).
Christ Is Its Foundation
The foundation of the church of Christ is Jesus Christ himself (1 Corinthians 3:11). A building is only as strong as its foundation. The same is true of a church. If a church is built upon a man or a human creed, it will fall. Only Jesus Christ has a right to build a church for He alone is "the Christ, the Son of the Living God" (Matthew 16:13-19).
The Bible Is Its Only Creed
The belief or creed of the church of Christ is based upon the great truth that "Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16). Just before Jesus returned to Heaven, He commanded His apostles to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen" (Matthew 28:19-20). Apostles and evangelist of the first century, under the direction of the Holy Ghost, wrote the teachings of Jesus. This we have in the New Testament. We have no other law, guide, or standard of authority. This is truly a creed that needs no revision. It is perfectly suited to the changing conditions of man in all countries, cultures, and climates of the world in all the centuries until Jesus comes again! (2 Timothy 3:16, 17).
Its Members Are Christians and Christians Only
The designations used by the church of Christ are only those which are found in the New Testament for the church and its members. In Acts 11:26 we read that the "disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." Members of the church honor Christ by wearing this divinely given name. In Romans 16:16 we read: "The churches of Christ salute you." Christ said, "I will build my church" (Matthew 16:18). The name "church of Christ" simply means that the church belongs to Christ for He is its purchaser and builder. Salvation is found only in the name of Christ (Acts 4:11,12).
Its Worship Is "In Spirit and In Truth"
The worship of the church of Christ is plainly given in the New Testament. Jesus said: "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). The day Christians worship is Sunday, the first day of the week, the "Lord's Day" (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Revelation 1:10). The acts of worship which are specified by God are: singing, preaching, praying, giving, and the Lord's Supper (Colossians 3:16; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; Acts 20:7; 2 Timothy 4:2; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2).
It Does Not Use Instrumental Music or Choirs in Its Worship
The music of the church of Christ is singing. This is the only kind of music which is authorized by God in His word for the worship of His church (Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19). Singing is commanded of all Christians, not just a favored few. Choirs, quartets, solos, and choral groups are not mentioned in the New Testament. Therefore there is no authority for such! Instruments of music such as pianos, organs, drums, guitars, etc. are not mentioned in the New Testament either. To use such is to go beyond what God has written. It is sinful! (2 John 9-11; Revelation 22:18, 19).
Its Members Give As Prospered
The finances of the church of Christ are free-will offerings of the members as God has prospered them. They are given upon the first day of the week when the Christians meet to worship (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:7). They are to be used for the work of the church in preaching the gospel of Christ and helping the needy (Mark 16:15; 2 Timothy 2:2; Galatians 6:10). Other means of raising money for the work of the church such as garage sales, auctions, suppers, festivals, taxes, and tithes are not commanded in the New Testament. Therefore, they are done without the authority of Christ (2 John 9-11).
Christ Is Its Only Head
The organization of the church of Christ follows the simple pattern given in the New Testament. Jesus Christ is the only Head of the church (Ephesians 1:22, 23; Colossians 1:18). The headquarters of the church of Christ is in Heaven where the Head, Jesus Christ, is (Acts 1:9-11; 2:30-33). Christians in each community meet together to worship and serve God (Acts 20:6, 7; 1 Corinthians 1:1, 2). Each one of these congregations is a "church of Christ" and as a whole are "churches of Christ" (Romans 16:16). Each local church of Christ is self-governing under Jesus Christ, the Head. They are led by men known variously as "elders" (Acts 14:23), "bishops" (Philippians 1:1), or "pastors" (Ephesians 4:11). These different designations all refer to the same office (Acts 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5, 7; 1 Peter 5:1-4). These leaders must have all the qualifications given by God before they can serve in the eldership (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). Deacons are servants of the church (Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8-13) who also must be qualified before they can serve. Evangelists are preachers of the gospel (2 Timothy 4:1-5). They may serve local churches under their elders or carry the gospel into new areas (1 Timothy 1:3; Acts 8:5-40; 21:8-9).
It Is Made Up of Obedient Believers
The membership of the church of Christ is made up of all those who hear the gospel of Christ, believe in Jesus Christ, God's Son, repent of all their past sins, confess that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the living God, and are baptized (buried) in water for the remission of sins (Romans 10:17; John 8:24; Acts 17:30, 31; Acts 8:37; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:4). Members who remain faithful unto death will receive the crown of life (Revelation 2:10; Galatians 6:7-9).
It Is the Only Church In the Bible
The Bible speaks of but one church, the church of Christ (Ephesians 4:4; Colossians 1:18). Christ has promised to save His church at the Last Day (Ephesians 5:23). No salvation is promised to those out of Christ but instead they "shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power" (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9)
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU VISIT
The People
What kind of people can you expect to find at Old Jefferson? We are a diverse group. Our members come from all walks of life and with varied backgrounds. Understand that some are mature Christians and some are just babes in Christ and need more spiritual growth. Our goal is that we help and encourage one another to grow and reach our heavenly home together. We understand that we are not perfect and we have our faults, therefore we recognize that we are all sinners in need of the cleansing blood of Jesus (Mark 2:17; Rom. 5:6-9; Eph. 1:7; 1 John 11:7). That’s the reason we can worship together, stick together, and with God’s help, accomplish more things that make a difference.
The Singing
In a book rack near you, there will be a hymn book for your use. When the song leader announces a number, you can turn to that number in the hymns book to find the words and music. One of the unique things about churches of Christ, and something you may not know, is that the music is “a capella”. That is, we sing without the accompaniment of musical instruments. This is a conviction with us, not just a preference. We are seeking to worship according to the New Testament pattern. Since the New Testament leaves instrumental music out, we believe it’s best to exclude it too (1 Cor. 14:15; Eph. 5:18,19; Col. 3:16; Heb. 2:12). We think you will find the singing meaningful, with everyone being invited to participate.
Prayers
Prayers are led by the men. Prayers are offered to give praise to God and to make our petitions known which may be specific at times.
The Preaching
You will notice that the preacher doesn’t have a title. He won’t be referred to as Pastor or Reverend. He will probably be referred to as brother, or minister, or just be called by his first name. He won’t be wearing any special robes which set him apart. The reason for this is our belief in the priesthood of believers we all are equal (Matt. 23:8-12; Gal. 3:26-28; 1 Pet. 2:5,9). The sermon will last between 30 to 35 minutes and we think that you will find it uplifting and Bible-centered.
The Invitation
At the close of the sermon, the preacher will “extend an invitation.” This is simply an expedient time to invite those who are moved to make a commitment to Christ through baptism or request prayer support. He will encourage those who wish to “respond” to come to the front of the auditorium while the congregation sings a hymn. Don’t feel ill-at-ease during this invitation. You will not be singled out in any way. There may be several who respond or none at all. Some may respond for baptism. Some to confess sins. Some to ask for prayer for a specific need. Some to “place membership” with this congregation. If anyone responds for baptism, you will witness the baptism during this service.
Baptism
The baptism will be by immersion and for the remission of sins (Acts 8:35-39; Rom. 6:3,4; Col. 2:12; Acts 2:38).
The Lord’s Supper
If you visit on a Sunday morning, the Lord’s Supper will be included in the worship proceedings because churches of Christ observe this memorial every Sunday. Again, the reason for this is our desire to follow New Testament teaching. The first century church celebrated this observance on the first day of the week and we continue to follow their example (Acts 20:7).
During this memorial, plates containing pieces of unleavened bread will be passed throughout the congregation. The bread symbolizes the body of Jesus (1 Cor. 11:23-25). Each participating person will break off a piece of the bread and eat it. Those participating have been baptized into Christ. Next, trays filled with small cups will be distributed. The cups will contain “fruit of the vine,” usually grape juice, symbolizing the blood of Jesus (1 Cor. 11:23-25). Each participant will drink the contents of one of the cups.
The Offering
If you visit on a Sunday morning, trays will be passed to collect the weekly financial offering (1 Cor. 16:1,2). As our guest, you are not expected to make a donation. God does, however, command our regular members to “lay by in store on the first day of the week.”
What Will Be Expected of You
Nothing at all! You are welcome to participate, but don’t feel obligated to. Just observe if that is your choice. You will be asked to fill out a visitor’s card. This simply provides information so the church can write or call to thank you for your visit. Supply the information if you are comfortable doing so.