Central church of Christ
Doctrinal Statement
Who We Are
We are simply a family of Christians, from different walks of life who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. We have fully dedicated ourselves to worship and work together as a congregation according the teachings of Jesus Christ and His apostles. We wear no name but Christ’s (Christian), yet we do not claim to have attained everything His great name represents.
As members of the church-family at Central, we do not claim to be the only Christians. But we do make it our aim to go back to the New Testament for authority for everything we practice and therefore, try to be what first century believers were—Christians only.
We are fully convicted from the evidences and examples found in the Bible, that disciples in the first century were not members of different religious organizations or denominations, practicing and teaching different doctrines. Rather, they were united in one body, practicing one faith, under one Lord: Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 4:4-6). Belonging only to Christ may seem strange to many. Especially considering the fact that there is a vast array of differing religious bodies in America, but we are tied to no denominational body at all.
The only way to have true religious unity is for all of us to accept the Bible alone as our creed. We do not claim to understand everything in Scripture perfectly (Deuteronomy 29:29), but we do believe that God’s Word is infallible (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Thus, we continue to search and learn.
Religious Authority
We believe (just as the Bible teaches) that God the Father has granted ALL authority for life and faith to His son, Jesus Christ. Jesus is the absolute and final authority for all things pertaining to how we are to live in this world, and on every aspect of one's spirituality, faith, and religion. (Matthew 28:18-20; Ephesians 1:16-22) Before His death, Jesus told his apostles that he would send them the Holy Spirit to help them after he had gone. He told them that the Spirit would guide them into ALL truth (John 16:12-13). The apostles were inspired by the Holy Spirit of God to teach and write God's truth (1 Corinthians 2:1-16; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21), Thus the Holy Spirit revealed to them everything we needed to know about life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Jude told the early Christians in the 1st century to "Contend earnestly for the faith" because it had been "once for all handed down to the saints." Jude 3.
We must follow the doctrine of the N.T. apostles because they received it from the Holy Spirit (John 16:12-13), who received it from Jesus (John 16:13-14) who received it from the Father (John 12:49; Matthew 28:18). The apostles doctrine must be obeyed because...
1) Jn 16:13...Apostles were guided into "ALL TRUTH."
2) 1 Jn 4:6..."By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error."
3) Gal 1:6-9... There is no other gospel besides the gospel the apostles taught. Those who teach differently are accursed.
4) 1 Tim 6:3-5... Those who teach differently have impure intentions and are deprived of truth.
5) Rom 16:17-18...We must beware of those who act contrary to the apostles doctrine.
6) 2 Tim 3:16-17... "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God..." Including epistles of apostles.
7) Jude 3...The "FAITH" has been once for all handed down!
The apostles teach us that there is "one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all (Ephesians 4:4-6).
What To Expect
The hospitality of a warm welcome! Many will likely introduce themselves to you and you will be asked to fill out a Visitor’s Card. You will be an honored guest! You will not be called on or embarrassed in anyway. We don’t want you to feel uncomfortable.
Fair & legitimate opportunities to openly discover and understand God’s universal message and plan with the Holy Scriptures.
An atmosphere filled with unconditional love and respect for one another, regardless of race, gender, etc..
To learn more about God’s design for Christian faith, relationships, worship, salvation, and daily living.
An orderly, reverential worship service to God the way He explains it by inspiration of the Holy Spirit through the apostles. There will be no random outbursts or disruptive actions.
Worship based on Bible examples. There will be “A cappella” congregational singing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16), public prayers (Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 14:15), Bible teaching (Acts 2:42; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 14:26), Observance of the Lord’s Supper (Acts 2:42, Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians11:23-26), and a collection (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8:1-15; 2 Corinthians 9:1-15). However, KEEP YOUR WALLET OR PURSE CLOSED! Because as a visiting guest, you will NEVER be asked or required to give money.
To hear challenging lessons & sermons that are easy to understand. It is our endeavor each week not only to teach and advocate Bible truth, but to present it in a simple yet profound way that can be clearly understood. No speaking in tongues. No going over your head.
The opportunity to be heard. If you did not understand something about our service, and (or) you would like to learn more about our congregation, our door is always open. We would love the opportunity so sit with you and address any questions or concerns you may have.
To be offered an opportunity to be saved. At the end of every service, the invitation is extended to anyone who would like to obey the gospel and be saved. We will not call on anyone. The decision is solely your own.