What This Belief Means in Our Lives

Spirit-Led Living

Living by the Spirit means that we do not gratify the desires of the flesh/sinful nature.

• Being Spirit-filled means that we live in accordance with the Spirit and have our minds set on what the Spirit desires.
• We acknowledge that it is God who works in us to act according to his will and purpose and therefore deserves all the credit for the good that we do.
• We believe the only way possible to live up to the standards of the Christian life is by the Holy Spirit within us and that the power does not belong to us.
• We seek to be boldly open to the opportunities the Spirit provides in service and outreach.

(Gal. 5:16; Rom.8:5; Phil. 2:13)

 

Prayer

When we pray, we are intimately worshiping our loving Father in Heaven and that prayer is absolutely necessary for the believer to build a powerful and personal relationship with God.

• Our attitude in prayer is one of devotion, gratitude and thanksgiving as we petition God to forgive us, bless our loved ones and use us to touch the lives of the hurting with the love of Christ.

(Matthew 6:6; Philippians 4:6; Col. 4:2)

 

The Bible Is Our Sole Authority

• The entire Bible was given to us by God to teach us what is true and makes us realize what is wrong in our lives and helps us do what is right. It is our manual for living.
• The Scripture alone is the reliable and truthful authority in religious matters today. It corrects false theologies, when interpreted the way the Lord intends.
• Our first question when faced with a decision is ”What does the Bible say?”
• We practice regular Bible reading, Bible study, and obey strictly the commands of Christ.

(2 Timothy 3:15-17; Matthew 28:20)

 

Sharing Our Faith in Christ With Others

• We prepare ourselves to be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks us the reason for the hope that we have.
• It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the gospel with those to whom God brings us into contact.
• We fulfill our great commission by teaching about Christ crucified, buried and resurrected and by inviting friends and loved ones to worship.

(1 Peter 3:15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

 

The Priesthood of Every Believer

• We are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a people belonging to God, that we may declare the praises of him who called us and offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
• The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to Christian service, regardless of his or her vocation.
• We practice this truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging every member to find a place of service and ministry.

(1 Peter 2:5, 9; Rev. 1:5)

 

The Autonomy of Each Local Church

Christ is the recognized head of this body of disciples, His church.

• No other person, group or council has the authority to dictate our beliefs or practices.
• We believe every local congregation to be self-governing and independent from any outside control.
• Although autonomous, the churches of Christ fellowship with each other because of their commonality of the gospel message and their cooperative interpretation of Scripture.
• In matters of faith and salvation we have unity. In disputable matters of opinion we have liberty. And in all things we have mutual love and respect.

(Colossians 1:18; 2 Timothy 2:15)

 

Giving

• We practice the New Testament blueprint for the supporting of the mission of Christ’s church.
• We recognize that giving God the ”first-fruits” of our income is the Biblical standard.
• Many give beyond ten percent in expression of their love for God.

(1Corinthians 16:1-3; Mark 12:41-44)