Is the church of Christ a new religious organization?
No. In fact, the church of Christ has existed for nearly 2000 years. The church, which is Christ’s kingdom on the earth, had its beginning in the first century on the day of Pentecost. The establishment of the church was recorded in the Bible in Acts, where we read that on the first day about 3,000 received the word preached by the apostles and were baptized (Acts 2:36-41).
Who founded the church of Christ?
It was not founded by any man, but by the Lord Himself. The Bible says, “Except the Lord built the house; they labor in vain that built it” (Psalm 127:1). The sole founder of the church was Jesus Christ, for He said, “Upon this rock I shall build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).
What books or standard of authority does the church of Christ follow?
The church of Christ does not follow or accept the teachings of men, including human teachings or creed books. We follow only the teachings of the Bible because, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Bible is God’s word, His truth, and only its message contains the correct guide to make men free (John 8:32). Our creed is the Bible: it is the only authority that we accept in our faith and practice.
To what religious organization or denomination does the church of Christ belong?
The church of Christ is nondenominational. We are not connected with the Roman Catholic Church, Mormon Church, denominations in the Protestant Reformation, or any other group. We belong only to God. We are simply Christians, just as the disciples were called “Christians” in the first century (Acts 11:26). We strive to follow the pattern for the church that is found in the New Testament in order that today we might be just as the non-denominational church which Jesus founded nearly 2,000 years ago.
Why do you call yourselves the “church of Christ”?
Jesus promised His apostles, “Upon this rock I will build my church” (Mathew 16:18). Therefore, the church belongs to Christ. The Bible also records that God purchased the church with the blood of His own, that being Christ Jesus (Acts 20:28). The church is thus His by right of ownership. We wear the name of Christ to give honor to our Savior and head, to whom we belong. There are several descriptions of the church in the New Testament, including “church of God” (1 Corinthians 1:2), “churches of Christ” (Romans 6:16), “body of Christ” (Ephesians 1:22,23), “house of God” (1 Timothy 3:15), and “kingdom” of God’s Son” (Colossians 1:13).
How do you become a member of Christ’s church?
According to the Bible, men do not join the church or are voted in, but rather God adds those who obey His will into His church through means of water baptism (Acts 2:47, Galatians 3:27). One must be born of water and the Spirit in order to enter the kingdom (John 3:5). The condition that one must meet in order to be added to the church is to obey the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Do you use instrumental music in your worship?
In the Old Testament commands were given to worship God using musical instruments (2 Chronicles 29:25, Psalm 150). However, in the New Testament, the Bible is totally silent concerning instruments in worship. We seek to practice the only authorized type of music for the Lord’s church. Therefore, we give God exactly what He has commanded in the New Testament by singing without musical instruments. (Colossians 3:17; Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 2:12; James 5:13).
What role do women play in your worship services?
The Bible speaks of how women are to conduct themselves in worship (1 Corinthians 14:34-36). The Bible explains why women are to keep silent and why they are not permitted to speak in church. It was because “Adam was formed first, then Eve.” This is the way God has specified that it will be. The reason women are to be submissive and not speak in the worship of the church is God has specified that the man is to rule over the woman (Genesis 3:16). God’s word is very clear on this subject. It says it is not to be permitted. In other words, it is forbidden (1 Timothy 2:11-13).
When a woman gets up before the church to teach, preach, lead prayer, or lead singing, she is in violation of what God has commanded. She is perverting the worship of God. As a result of this rebellion, God is not worshipped in spirit and in truth and our worship becomes vain or useless when we follow the desires of men instead of what God wants.
How often do you partake of the Lord’s Supper?
We partake of the Lord’s Supper every first day of the week. It is apparent that the Lord’s supper was an important part of worship on the Lord’s Day (Acts 20:7). As such, it would have been observed once a week, since every week has a first day (Sunday).
Are members of the church of Christ the only ones who will be saved?
The Bible is most definitely right and whoever disagrees with it or does not follow it is wrong (Matthew 24:35; John 12:42-48). Only those who submit themselves to the Lord’s will and seek to obey Him will be saved (Matthew 7:13-27; 2 Thessalonians 1:8; 1 Peter 4:17; Matthew 25:31-46).
What do you believe about baptism?
Baptism accomplishes the following according to the scriptures:
1. Remits & washes away former sins – Acts 2:38, 22:16, Titus 3:5
2. Necessary in order to be placed “into Christ” & “added to the church”
– Galatians 3:27, Acts 2:41, 47
3. Baptism is absolutely necessary in order to receive salvation
– Mark 16:16, John 3:3-5, 1 Peter 3:21
4. Baptism does not merit salvation; it provides the believer with access to grace through faithful obedience & submission to God’s word – Titus 3:4-7