2919 FM 517 RD E
Dickinson TX 77539
Introductions Page
We offer you two introductions. A short one, on this page, and a longer studies in pdf format.
Introdruction To The Church of Christ
A 18 page, 5 part study covering the prophecies about it, it's founding, our enterance into it, and the worship and work of the church.
Want to know a little about us? Please consider the following article:
Just A Christian
An Affirmation and Plea
We read with interest the news reports of the ever growing disenchantment within modern religious denominations. Disenchantment fueled, not only by meaningless rites of worship, but also with the pronouncements of the leadership. (Pronouncements that reflect only the preferences of the influential elite or a noisy minority while ignoring the convictions of the rank and file.) Because of these aspects of modern religion some have decided Christianity is not relevant to the needs of modern man. We believe that many who have made this decision have done so because they are not sufficiently acquainted with the scriptures to be able to distinguish between the New Testament gospel of Christ and that which has been added by man – additions that truly are not relevant to serving God.
Have you ever wondered why it is not possible for one to accept Christ, be saved from sins, worship God according to the Scripture, live a faithful Christian life, and go to heaven when life on earth is over; all without ever joining any denomination – just like they did in the first century? Are you disenchanted with or perhaps questioning the need for denominational religion? Have you felt an urge, perhaps a yearning, to return to the simple uncomplicated religion of Christ? Do you have the desire to strip away all unnecessary elements of religion and simply abide in truths of Christ – truths that alone can transform the soul and bind it to God? Let us suggest that the possibility for the fulfillment of these desires actually exists.
Let us begin with this essential fact, which is the foundation, and build on it. Jesus Christ is the son of God. His coming, His mission, and His new message were all foretold in the Old Testament (Gen. 49:10; Isa. 53; Jer. 31:31-33; Zech. 6:13), which Jehovah used to govern Israel until Christ should come and establish the New for all mankind (Gal. 3:19, 23-24).
The New Testament is the word of Christ. It reveals the religion of Christ (Heb. 9:15-17). By studying the New Testament we become aware that among the followers of Christ in Bible times no denominational organization existed whatsoever! (Hence all such began at a later time.) We observe people hearing the gospel and in faith obeying the conditions of God's grace. That is, they turned to God and were baptized in order to be forgiven of their sins. Being thus save, they were added to the Lord's people, or church (Acts 2:36-47).
As the gospel spread, we find them assembling together in congregations in various localities. Each congregation was under its ownelders (Acts 14:23) and under no one else on earth. These elders could not make law or be master. They were given the responsibility of tending and caring for the congregation as shepherds would a flock (Acts 20:17,28, 1 Pet. 5:1-3). The only headquarters the New Testament disciples knew was heaven, where their head, Jesus Christ, was and is (Eph. 1:22-23). Their worship was something to participate in, not something to watch. On the first day of every week, for instance, they would eat the Lord's supper and hear preaching (Acts 20:7, 1 Cor. 11:23-19). They would share their mutual responsibilities by giving of their prosperity, and we find contributions being collected only on the first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:1-2). In all this they were all, by necessity, involved – for each was a priest (1 Pet. 2:5,9, Rev. 1:5,6). No one could perform his service of worship for him.
They lived godly lives. They cared for their poor. They taught others. They sent out preachers when they could not go. With simplicity of faith and fervor there was no need of centralization. Without organized machinery the gospel was preached throughout civilization in a short time (Col. 1:23). Christianity is not complex – man, not God, has made it complex. These disciples were known as Christians (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Pet. 4:16). They wore no sectarian names. Their religion was not sensual or materialistic. They sought to impress God with the only thing that ever impresses Him – contrite obedience (1 Sam. 15:22) because of a willing faith (Heb. 11:6). Their appeal was not social or recreational. They offered the gospel to a troubled world for it was God's power to save (Rom. 1:16); any other appeal was beneath them.
Many will say, “If only we could do that today.” Good news, it's possible! In this area some have rejected religion organized by man, as have other men and women worldwide, seeing in it no necessity or relevance – only a source for division. They desire the simplicity of what Christ created, and their number is increasing. How many have taken such a stand? Who knows?! They are related and connected only in Christ, with no man made organization and machinery to keep a tally. Periodicals such as TIME Magazine have listed the number in this nation alone in excess of 2.25 million. We will not try to number the people spiritually belonging only to God.
What is important is this group of people meet within minutes of where you live. They worship and serve God in the same way as the early disciples. Christ is their only creed, scripture their only guide. They are not members of any denomination, but simply a group of people, or church, that belongs to Christ. They would like to share Christ with you and all the world.
You to can be JUST A CHRISTIAN and serve God without belonging to any denomination, bound by no denominational laws or obligations. If such freedom appeals to you, please visit or contact us.
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Is the difference between the church you attend and the one in described in the previous article only a matter of one's interpretation of the scripture? We encourage you to examine the following items in light of the scriptures compared to what your church practices. (If you are unsure of the scriptural support for what your church practices, please ask your preacher, he can provide scriptures for all his practices, if they are in the Bible.)
What Christians Do (as we studied in the article):
No denominational organization whatsoever! No conventions, associations or earthly headquarters. Does your church have any of these? Where is the scripture for it? ____________________
Baptism was for salvation – one's sins were not forgiven until they were baptized. Does your church teach something else? Where is the scripture for it? ____________________
Lord's Supper taken weekly only on Sunday. Does your church practice something else? Where is the scripture for it? ____________________
Gave as freely as prospered. They did not tithe 10% nor raise money through car washes, garage sales, etc. Does your church do any of this? Where is the scripture for it? ____________________
To the troubled world they offered the pure gospel as the only means of salvation. They did not provide social and recreational activity to appeal to man's fleshly desires. Does your church place emphasis on the physical, which is temporary or the spiritual, which is eternal? ? Where is the scripture for it? ____________________
Anytime two people differ religiously, it is either (1) because of a lack of respect for Bible authority, or (2) not understanding how to establish Bible authority. If what your church practices is different from what we understand is to be practiced by Christians according to the Bible, we would cherish an opportunity to study with you to determine the truth.