*The Distinctive Plea of the Church of Christ*
It is primarily a plea for religious unity based upon the Bible. In a divided religious world, it is believed that the Bible is the only possible common denominator upon which most, if not all, of the God-fearing people of the world can unite. This is an appeal to go back to the Bible; It is a plea to speak where the Bible speaks and to remain silent where the Bible is silent in all matters that pertain to religion. It further emphasizes that in everything religious there must be a “Thus saith the Lord” for all that is done. The objective is religious unity of all believers in Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment). The basis is the New Testament. The method is the restoration of New Testament Christianity.
Who is Head of the Church?
Christ is the Head of the church and the savior of the body (Ephesians 5:23). We believe Christ died to establish His church to reconcile man back to God (Matthew 16:18-19). Christ purchased the church with his blood (Ephesians 2:28) 2000 years ago, in A. D. 33, on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:47). The church bears Christ’s name (Romans 16:16).
Church Leadership in Churches of Christ
The Bible teaches in Titus 1:5 that it is the responsibility of the minister or the evangelist to develop the local
church to the point that men may be ordained to be elders and deacons, according to the qualifications found in 1Timothy 3:1-14 and Titus chapter 1. Elders or bishops have the responsibility to oversee and shepherd the flock(Acts 20:28), ministers have the main responsibility to preach the word and work with elders to launch the church forward. Deacons are to serve under them according to their various abilities(2Tim. 4-1-8)(Acts 6:1-7). Ministers and elders are checks and balances one with the other(ITim. 5:17-21)(Acts 20:28-31).
What Do We Believe About the Bible?
We believe the Holy Bible is the complete and inspired word of God (II Timothy 3:15-16; II Peter 1:3). The Church of Christ believes that all things, especially in reference to spiritual matters must be proved by Biblical command, example, and necessary inference (Acts 20:7, Acts 2:42, I Corinthians 11:1-2). We believe in speaking where the Bible speaks and being silent where it is silent and that no man has the right to add to or take away from God’s word or God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in the Bible (Revelation 22:18).
Is Baptism by Immersion Essential?
The word baptize comes from the Greek word “baptizo” and literally means, “to dip, to immerse, to plunge.” In addition to the literal meaning of the word, immersion is practiced because it was the practice of the church in apostolic times (Acts 2:38, 8:38, 18:8). Still further, only immersion conforms to the description of baptism as given by the apostle Paul in (Romans 6:3-5) where he speaks of it as a burial and a resurrection.
How Often is Lord’s Supper Eaten?
It is expected that every member of the church will assemble for worship on each Lord’s day. A central part of the worship is the eating of the Lord’s supper (Acts 20:7). Unless providentially hindered, each member considers this weekly appointment as binding. In many instances, as in the case of illness, the Lord’s supper is carried to those who are hindered from attending the worship.
What Kind of Music is Accepted in Worship?
As a result of the distinctive plea of the church—a return to New Testament faith and practice— acappella singing is the only music used in the worship. This singing, unaccompanied by mechanical instruments of music, conforms to the music used in the apostolic church and for several centuries thereafter (Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16, Heb. 2:12). It is felt that there is no authority for engaging in acts of worship not found in the New Testament. This principle eliminates the use of instrumental music, along with the use of candles, incense, and other similar elements.
Does the Church of Christ Believe in Heaven and Hell?
Yes. The statements of Christ in Matthew 25, and elsewhere, are taken at face value. It is believed that after death each man must come before God in judgment and that he will be judged according to the deeds done while he lived (Heb. 9:27). After judgment is pronounced he will spend eternity either in heaven or hell.
Does the Church of Christ Have Creeds or By-Laws?
No. at least, there is no creed in the usually accepted meaning of that term. The belief of the church is stated fully and completely in the Bible. There is no other manual or discipline to which the members of the church of Christ give their allegiance. The Bible is considered as the only infallible guide to heaven.
How is One Added to Christ’s Church?
We believe that whatever Christians did during the Apostles time to be saved is what one has to do today to be saved (Acts 2:39, 22-47). Jesus Christ nor His word has changed (Heb. 13:8, Luke 21:33).
God's Plan of Salvation
1. Hear the Gospel. “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14).
2. Believe. “And without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him” (Hebrews 11:6).
3. Repent of past sins. “The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent” (Acts 17:30).
4. Confess Jesus as Lord. “Behold here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, if thou believeth with all thy heart thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” Acts 8:36-37).
5. Be baptized for the remission of sins. “And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).
6. Live a Christian life. Ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that ye may show forth the excellences of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
***Some Excerpts borrowed from Barrett-Baxter, Bastell***
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