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The church of Christ was established in 33AD. It was prophesied to begin in Jerusalem (Isa 2:1-3). And so it was on the day
of Pentecost in (Acts 2) we can read of the establishment of the church in Jerusalem. It was also prophesied, when it would be
founded, (Isa 2:1-3) tells us, in the last days. When we read in Acts 2, we find this statement: "But this is that which was
spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all
flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall
dream dreams" (Acts 2:16-18). Did you catch the phrase "But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel". This
phrase explains that it was happening right there and then, in Jerusalem, and in the last days. This was written about 2000
years ago. That is when the last days began. That is when the church was to begin. That is also where the church was to begin.
And it all happened just the way it was supposed to happen, where it was supposed to happen, and when it was supposed to
happen.
The church is not something that was started by a man in the 18th century, in some other part of the world. It was founded by
Jesus, in the right time, 33AD, (Acts 2), and in the right place, Jerusalem, (Acts 2). The church of Christ.
Since it was built by Jesus (Mat 16:18), it is subject to His requirements. You might think of it this way: If you owned a
business, you would decide the type of business it would be. If it would be open on the weekends. If it would be a store, gas
station, auto repair, heating and cooling, whatever you choose. You would control all of the particulars. This is the same for
Christ's church. He decides the particulars, after all He died for it (Acts 20:28). He decided that all are welcome. He decided it
would be open 24/7. He decided it would serve every one regardless of their economic position. In fact the only stipulation He
has is, we must be honest, have a honest heart. You see when one has a honest heart he will do that which is right. He will
recognize certain truths that cannot be circumvented. This will lead him to the truth of freedom (John 8:32). He can learn the
truth, be obedient to it, and God will add him to the church of Christ (Acts 2). This is how it was done in the first century,
making the first Christians, and this is how it is to be done today with the exact same results, the making of Christians.
Contrary to popular belief the Bible also teaches that their is only one church (Eph 4:4-6), (1Cor 12:13), etc. We can read of
this church in the New Testament. We can read how one becomes a member of this body. We can read when the members are
to meet. We can read what would take place in these meetings. We can read that no one, is to add to, take from, nor alter
these instructions in any way. So, when we begin to understand these basic principles, we can plainly see, if there are any
alterations, God would not accept it.
We are a people that believes in proving everything we do, religiously, by the scripture. If it cannot be proven by the scripture,
then we cannot accept, nor participate in such. This is a bold claim to make. However I would encourage any one who does
not believe this claim to put us to the test. We are open to any and all types of discussion, public, private, email, phone, etc.
As a matter of fact, we know, this type of attitude is a good thing for everyone involved. If we are mistaken about something,
we will repent and change immediately, but and if, we are correct, we expect the exact same from those that challenge our
view. You see, there are no losers if all parties are willing to be honest. Every time, there will be a benefit from the results of
such honest approach to the word of God. If we are wrong, we change, if those who oppose us are wrong, they change. The
end result is, we are not wrong. We get right, either way. Remember what Jesus said in (John 8:32) And ye shall know the
truth and the truth shall make you free. If we are wrong we are not free, but if we are right (truthful), we can be made free.
We recognize that all religions cannot be on the road to heaven. Hindus, Buddhist, Moslems, False Teachers of Christianity,
cannot be on the road to heaven. Why? Because Jesus said "I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the
Father, but by me" (John 14:6). Even all those that believe in Christ will not be on the road to heaven. Why? Again Jesus said,
"Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven: but he that doeth the will of my Father
which is in heaven (Mat 7:21-23). The Bible absolutely teaches there is one church (Eph 4:4-6). We will stand with the Bible
every time. We put scripture in it's proper context, and make proper application of it. We are ready, willing, and able, to defend
the doctrine of Christ (2John 9). We are very distinctive, and believe that there must be clear lines drawn on issues, backed
solely by the Bible. We know that there is a standard of authority in which we must obey from the heart, the perfect law of
liberty (James 1:25), the Bible.
steve@jamesstcoc.com
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Before anyone can be saved they MUST :
- Believe that Jesus is the son of God, Risen from the dead, having all authority. (Mt 28:18-20)
- Repent, from the heart, stop doing that which is wrong and start doing that which is right (2Cor 7:9-11)
- Confess in your belief of Jesus (Rom 10:9-10)
- Be Baptized in water for the forgiveness of sins. (Mk 16:16), (Acts 2:38), (1Pet 3:21)
These things will make you a Christian, God will add you to His church where all the saved are (Acts 2:47)
- Live faithfully till the end of life's way (Rev 2:10)
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