Christians Only

It might appear strange to learn that there are millions of people in our world who are just "Christians", with no prefix to that name. You may find the idea inviting, to become a "Christian" only, without a denominational prefix to that name.

In the Bible the name "Christian" does not have a prefix. In Acts 11:26 we read, "The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." Peter wrote, "If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on his behalf" (1 Peter 4:16). Paul prohibited those whom he taught from being called "Paulites" or "Paulite Christians" (1 Corinthians 1:10-17).

Similar to Others, But Distinctive...

In many ways those of us who use the name Christian without a prefix are like other believers in Christ. We believe in the divine inspiration of the entire Bible, the inerrant Word, and that it is sufficient to guide all matters of faith. We believe that salvation is only in the blood of Christ, available by grace, and applied by faith and commitment to Jesus Christ, the Son of God. We believe that after death all men will give account of themselves to God in judgment. With others of real convictions we accept the moral principles of Jesus as absolute truths to be exemplified by the child of God.

We believe the truths mentioned above not because they are in a creed book, or because they were approved by a council or conference, but because they are found in the Bible. In fact, we believe everything else the Bible teaches. We have no man-written creed or catechism, but accept Christ as our creed and the Bible as our only guidebook. With this approach we are free to accept any truth which may be learned from God's Word.

Restoration Needed...

Historically, the congregations known in America and in other parts of the world as churches of Christ and Christian churches came into existence when individuals, congregations, and even associations of churches from different religious backgrounds came together to restore apostolic Christianity. Believing that the church as found in the New Testament was right, the plan was to reproduce that church today in every essential part. While many things have changed through centuries, the teachings of Jesus and His apostles have not.

Should you attend one of our worship services, you will find the Lord's Supper being served every Lord's Day, following the precedent of the first century Christians who assembled every first day of the week to "break bread"; (Acts 20:7). Designed for His people, it is His supper, not ours. Since the New Testament teaches a person to "examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup"; (1 Corinthians 11:28), we do not restrict others from the Lord's table.

The gospel message consistently taught throughout the Book of Acts is taught by us. Even as Peter preached the story of the crucified Christ who was raised from the dead, so we preach (Acts 2:22-36). In like fashion today, when men "pricked in their heart"; ask what they must do to be saved, we give the same answer that Peter gave to that question at Pentecost, "Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins"; (Acts 2:37-38).

Unity is in Christ...

We need to restore the concept of oneness taught in Ephesians 4:1-6, where Scripture speaks of one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. We need that unity for which Christ prayed when He asked that all His followers "be one in us that the world may believe that thou hast sent me"; (John 17:21). Paul wrote the Christians at Corinth that they "all speak the same thing, and that there be no division"; (1 Corinthians 1:10). Contrary to Jesus' prayer and Paul's teaching, the religious world is badly divided and doctrinal differences continue.

Without an "holier than thou"; attitude which would imply that we think we have arrived, we humbly seek to get as close to the Bible as possible and encourage every believer to do the same. The closer everyone gets to Christ and the New Testament plan, the closer we shall be to each other.

In the Community to Serve...

We are in this community to serve. We care about the physical, mental, and spiritual needs of people. We care because He cared and taught His people to care (Mathew. 25:35-45). We are here to "comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God"; (2 Corinthians 1:4). You are encouraged to help us serve!