INTRODUCING OURSELVES

As individuals we simply identify ourselves as Christians--Christians only. We do not wear a de-
nominational name and we do not follow denominational creeds. As a congregation we simply identify
ourselves as a church of Christ. This is to emphasize our relationship with Christ. We have been bap-
tized into Christ (Gal. 3:26-27) and we truly try to follow the teachings of Christ in all activities of
work, worship and organization. We are not identified with any denomination and are not organi-
zationally tied to any other church. We are not a denomination, but are an independent, autonomous
congregation of God’s people. The Scriptures reveal that each congregation should be self-governing
under the supervision and oversight of elders (1 Pet. 5:1-3).
We accept the Bible as the inspired Word of God, following it as our only guide in religious mat-
ters. We attempt to speak where the Bible speaks and to be silent where it is silent. We fully accept the
authority of Christ in all things, doing His things in His ways. We do not presume to add to His in-
structions or to distract from them.
When we go back to the New Testament, back before all the religious confusion and division of to-
day--back before human creeds and denominations alienated and divided men who believe in Christ
--we learn that God’s children were simply called “Christians” (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Pet. 4:16). We
believe that the New Testament is sufficient to instruct us in all our spiritual needs (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
When we simply preach and teach and obey what it teaches, we will be just what the early Christians
were.
We do not claim to be perfect. We have shortcomings. The Bible tells us that all sin and fall short
of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). For this reason we need Christ. His perfect sacrifice paid the price for
our sins (2 Cor. 5:21). In Christ we have fellowship with God and with one another (1 John 1:6-7).
As a congregation we have joined hearts and hands in a mutual work of service. We want to share
the good news of Jesus Christ with others. For this reason we make provision to preach the gospel. We
engage in public worship following the example given by the apostles (Acts 2:42). We encourage one
another to love and good deeds (Heb. 10:23-25). We love each other. We rejoice with them that rejoice
and weep with those who weep, as Paul instructs us to do in Romans 12: 15.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: Great men never feel great--small men never feel small.
Have a great week!
Love ya,
Jesse