Note: This information is presented as a service by Minutes With Messiah. Minutes With Messiah is not the publication of this, or any, congregation. This information is posted on this site for the benefit of those who may wish information about the Riverside congregation until that congregation develops their own web site. Although this information comes directly from materials published by Church of Christ Riverside it does not imply approval of the answers or articles on www.minuteswithmessiah.com by the elders or members of the Riverside congregation.
The church of Christ is a group of people dedicated to learning and doing the will of Christ as He has made it known in His New Testament.
Organization
The churches of the New Testament were locally organized with elders and deacons, but the only ties to other congregations were those of concern and common cause.
We follow that organization.
Membership
The New Testament promised admission to the Lord's church (which included forgiveness of sins) to all people of every race, nationality, and economic status on the condition that they believe in Jesus as the Christ (confessing Him), turn away from sin, and be baptized (immersed in water) into Him.
We preach that gospel (good news).
We gladly welcome all who have obeyed the gospel who wish to be members here. Furthermore, we are eager to study the Bible with anyone who is interested, with the hope that he also may decide to obey the gospel of Christ.
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Worship
In the New Testament, members of the church were expected to be faithful in assembling to stimulate and encourage each other as they engaged in songs, prayers, the Lord's Supper, Bible proclamation, and giving.
We expect that devotion.
Conduct
The New Testament teaches that Jesus Christ is the standard of right and wrong and should be imitated in all things.
We urge that holy living. [ Return to top ]
Three Suggestions for Proper Bible Study
We know that we must study the Bible to understand God's will. These suggestions will help us get started in the right way:
Properly divide the Bible.
The Bible is divided into two major divisions--the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament is a history of God's dealing with men, particularly the Jews, before the Christian age in which we live. The Mosaic Law, which began at the giving of the Ten Commandments, was given only to the children of Israel. (Deuteronomy 5:1-3) This law was fulfilled by Christ and was nailed to the cross. (Colossians 2:14) The Old Testament is no longer binding on man. The New Testament is God's law for today. Read: John 1:17; 6:68; 12:48; 14:16; Hebrews 1:1-2; 8:6-7; 9:15-17; 10:9-10. [ Return to top ]
Study the context of each passage of scripture and interpret each difficult passage in the light of easily understood passages
The Bible is truth and truth agrees with itself, so do not place an understanding on one passage that contradicts another passage.
Study all the Bible teaches on every subject
Consider all God says on a subject before reaching a conclusion. Failure to do this may lead to a misunderstanding of the truth. [ Return to top ]
Salvation
The message of the Bible is what God has done to offer salvation to mankind and the way He wants mankind to respond in accepting that offer. The culmination of God's work is in Jesus Christ who dies for our sins and was raised to give us hope. God's part in salvation is called grace. (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 2:11) Of course, God's part in salvation is by far the most important part, but He does expect, and in fact demand, that we do our part, which is called obedience. (Matthew 7:21; Romans 6:16-18; Hebrews 5:8-9; James 2:17-26) [ Return to top ]
What Must I Do to be Saved?
Believe in Jesus Christ
- Mark16:16
- John 8:24
- Romans 5:1-2
- Galatians 3:26-27
Repent of sins
- Acts 2:38
- Acts 17:30
Confess faith in Christ
- Matthew 10:32
- Romans 10:10
Be Baptized
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- Mark 16:16
- Acts 2:38
- Acts 8:38-39
- Acts 22:16
- Romans 6:3-4
- Galatians 3:27
- Colossians 2:12
- 1 Peter 3:21
Our Guide Book:
All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work."
2 Timothy 3:16-17
...appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.
Jude 3
But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed.
Galatians 1:8