The Christian Church is NOT a Denomination

There is no Biblical authority for such a denominational structure ruling over the Church that belongs to Christ. Each congregation is under the oversight the Elders, Bishops, Pastors, or Shepherds (all titles of the same position). Anyone who meets the qualifications found in I Timothy 3, and Titus 1, and desires the position, may become an Elder of the a congregation. This Elder, however, has no authority over any other congregation.

The Minister, Evangelist, or Preacher's (all titles of the same position) role is primarily that of a proclaimer of the Gospel to the lost, and to exhort and teach Christians the Word of God(II Timothy 4:2).

Each congregation is served by Deacons. Anyone who meets the qualifications found in I Timothy 3, and Titus 1, and desires the position may become a Deacon.

In addition to these specific positions, every Christian is expected to serve in whatever area he or she has been gifted in by the Lord (Romans 12:3-8).

The History of the Christian Church

Although Jesus desired unity in the Church (John 17:20-21), over years several hundred denominations have been created as the result of social, theological, traditional and personal differences. This is, of course, most unfortunate. However, during the 19th century, several men decided to put aside all denominational creeds, names, and differences, to unite upon the basis of the New Testament.

This movement became known as the Restoration Movement because it represents an attempt to restore the first century Church in all essential matters as revealed in the New Testament. The Christian Church/Church of Christ is a part of this movement. Our plea is for "all Christians to unite on the basis of the New Testament, to restore the New Testament Church, and to take the Gospel into all the World."

The Restoration Movement has some noteworthy statements that describe our goal:

It is our belief that the New testament is our only rule of faith and that man does not have the right to make creeds that overrule God's Word.

It should be noted that no one "Joins" the Church, but when you become a Christian, God adds you to the Church (Acts 2:47). Christians throughout the world belong to Christ's one Church.

The Doctrine of the Christian Church

1. The Bible as the complete, infallible, and inspired Word of God (II Timothy 3:16)
2. God, our loving just Father, is the supreme Ruler of all the Universe for all eternity (Genesis 1:1)
3. Jesus is the Christ (Matthew 16:16)
• The Incarnate Son of God (John 1:14)
• Born of a virgin (Matthew 1:25)
• Lived a sinless life (Hebrews 4:15).
• Died on the cross and received God's punishment for the sins of mankind (I Peter 2:24)
• Was buried and rose from the dead on the third day both physically and spiritually (I Corinthians 15:3-4)
• Is now in Heaven with His Father, but will return to gather the Church into eternal life in Heaven (John 14:2-3) and send the wicked to eternal punishment in Hell (Matthew 25:46)
4. God's plan for our salvation is to:
• Believe that Jesus Christ is God's Son (Mark 16:16)
• Repent (turn away from) your sins (Acts 2:38)
• Confess Christ's Name (Romans 10:9-10)
• Be Baptized into Christ by immersion (Acts 2:38)
• Be Faithful to Him throughout your life (Revelation 2:10)
5. The Holy Spirit will regenerate any person who obeys this plan of salvation (John 3:5) and will indwell in that person (John 14:16).