Restoring New Testament Christianity

History of Church Restoration

During the late 18th century, men and leaders of different denominations throughout the world, studying independently of one another, began to question the establishment of denominations and creeds and some of the practices that were being taught. These men asked: Why not go back to the origins of the first-century church? Why not rely on the Bible as the only guide to our lives and worship, rather than the creeds of man that had caused division in the church? These men encouraged teaching only what the Bible teaches, without additions or subtractions, which are both condemned in the New Testament (Galatians 1:6-9; Revelation 22:18,19).

Each Congregation Is Self-Governed

The restoration of the church is not the establishment of another denomination, but instead is the practice of non-denominational Christianity. Each congregation is autonomous and independent of other congregations. They are not ruled by a bureaucracy formed by man to govern the activities and worship of the congregation. These type of organizations are not authorized in the New Testament.

Congregations of the churches of Christ are led by elders selected by the local congregation from among its members. These are men that meet the qualifications of an elder as described in the Bible in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Deacons are also selected by each congregation to serve in the work of the church. These are men that meet qualifications described in the Bible in 1 Timothy 3.

Worship

Our worship is conducted in a simple manner that includes the Lord's Supper, scripture reading, prayer, congregational singing, and a sermon from God's Word. These same items of worship were also observed by first-century Christians. See our Ministries/Worship web page for information on what to expect when you visit and worship with us. .

How Do I Become A Member?

Churches of Christ do not have a written set of procedures or initiation steps that must be met for you to obtain membership. The steps necessary for becoming a Christian, a member of Christ's church, are described in the New Testament. The steps taken by first-century Christians to be saved will bring you salvation as well.

The establishment of the church is recorded in Acts 2 and all those who repented and were baptized were saved (vs. 38). Since that day, all who were saved were added to the church. Verse 47 tells us that God did the adding. For this reason there is no established criteria that must be met to be considered a member of Christ's church other than those recorded in the New Testament. We have no authority to require any more of someone than their submission and obedience to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The New Testament describes the following key steps in being saved:

Churches of Christ are known for putting an emphasis on baptism, but the emphasis is not as a church creed or ordinance, but as a command of Christ recorded in the New Testament. Baptism is taught in the New Testament as an act that is essential to salvation (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16). Baptism is performed as an immersion by churches of Christ, symbolizing the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (Acts 8:35-39; Romans 6:3,4; Colossians 2:12). Immersion is used because the original Greek word from which the word baptize comes means "to dip, to immerse, to submerge, to plunge." Sprinkling does not meet the New Testament definition of baptism and does not properly symbolize the burial of Christ as we are buried in the watery grave of baptism. We also do not practice infant baptism because the New Testament teaches a baptism for sinners who repent and turn to the Lord, believing Him to be the Son of God. Infants neither have sins to repent of, nor can they affirm themselves as believers. The New Testament declares baptism to serve the following purposes:

Christ died for the sins of the world, and an invitation has been extended to everyone (Acts 10:34,35; Revelation 22:17). His saving grace is available for all to choose. No one is predestined for salvation or for condemnation. Those who choose to come to Christ in faith, obedient to the commandments given in the New Testament, will be saved. Others will reject His plea and be condemned (Mark 16:16). They will not be lost as a result of a predetermined condemnation, but because they have chosen that path in this life.

Where are you in your life? We hope and pray that if you haven't accepted the salvation offered by Christ, that you will do so and become part of His church. If we can assist you in any way please contact us at the addresses or phone numbers listed below, or contact our Pulpit Minister, Ron Williams, at ron@lincolnchurch.org.

God Bless You.