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Come And See |
The church of Christ had it's beginnings about 33 A.D. after Jesus spoke the words, "upon this rock I will build my church" Matthew 16:18. The only authority the church would ever have would be the Lord, because He is the head of the church ( Colossians 1:24 ). After Jesus died to purchase the church with His shed blood (Acts 20:28), and ascended to the Father in heaven, the apostles began to preach the terms of admittance into the kingdom (church). When people asked what they should do, they were told "repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins..." (Acts 2:38). The Bible then records that about three thousand were added to the church by the Lord after obedience to these commands. The Bible teaches that the promise still exists for any and all to be a part of God's family today. The text says, "the Lord added to the church daily, those that were being saved" (Acts 2:47). The church is not a building, but a called out group of peculiar people, who are continuing steadfastly in the doctrine of the Bible (Acts 2:42; I Thessalonians 2:14). In the New Testament we read of many congregations in different locations that were called "churches of Christ" (Romans 16:16) This is not used in a denominational sense, but rather to respect and honor Jesus the builder and head of the church. The Bible teaches there is one body (Ephesians 4:4), and every congregation, although independent to be faithful to the will of God, were united as a universal body of the saved. Those who are saved are called Christians (Acts 11:26), and were restricted from wearing any other name (I Corinthians 1:10ff). There were no counsels or synods or even city wide organizations to plan and do the work of the church other than the congregation itself. Every church was responsible to be active and function according to the will of God (See the churches in Revelation) The importance of being a part of the Lord's church, is that He is the "Savior of the body" which is His church (Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:24). Those who are contending for the one faith of the gospel (Jude 3) can look forward to salvation (Hebrews 5:8-9) The church of Christ in Ashland is a congregation that is striving to be a replica of the 1st century church. Our plea is not to accept denominationalism (division), but to "all be one" in non-denominational unity...just as Jesus prayed (John 17:17-21). We are simply reading and applying the simple teachings and instructions of the word of God, that we can be sure to put away all man made doctrines (Matthew 15:9) and creeds, obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. We want to speak where the Bible speaks, and remain silent where the Bible is silent. We want to have Bible authority for all that is said and done (Tit 2:1; 1 Corinthians 4:6; 2 John 9; Galatians 1:8-9; I Peter 4:11) The church in Ashland is a growing family of Christians, that desire to share the word of God with the world around us. We want to let you know that you are welcome to join us any time. Does this have a special appeal to you? If so take a look at our material and email us. We would be happy to study with you and send you more information if you so desire.
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