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Parsons church Of Christ
136 Tennessee Ave South
Parsons, TN 38363
Tel: (731) 847-2462 |
About Our Faith
What Churches of Christ Believe
In the first place, the "churches of Christ" have no official positions or beliefs. We have no convention, no earthly headquarters, no organization of any kind above the local level. In other words, every congregation is independent. Our unity derives from a shared respect for the absolute authority of Jesus. Thus, what we think is unimportant. What matters is the Word of God spoken by Christ and his inspired apostles.
Our aim is to truly be the church Jesus purchased with his own blood (Acts 20:28). In doctrine, practice, attitude, and lifestyle we strive to imitate the New Testament church. If Peter or Paul could return to life and visit our assemblies, we would want them to recognize the church they helped establish in the first century. We are keenly aware of our failures to measure up to this high ideal, but this is our goal.
Our fervent interest in restoring the New Testament church has made us distinct from most other religious groups. For mature Christians, the differences are not a source of pride but rather of anguish. We pray, as our Lord Jesus did, that we "may all be one" (John 17:21). Here, then, are a few of the key differences which set us apart:
Our authority is different.
The church of Christ in Parsons
recognizes that men are not perfect and can be in error. Therefore, we
do not follow any manual, catechism, discipline, or human creed.
Instead, we derive our authority in all things from God Himself. In 2
Timothy 3:16-17, Paul says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of
God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete,
thoroughly equipped for every good work.” We recognize that the Bible
is God speaking to man. The Scriptures provide us with everything that
we need to know to be pleasing to God.
Our name is different.
Early disciples wore the name
“Christian” (Acts 11:26; 1 Pet. 4:16). Phrases like “churches of Christ”
(Rom. 16:16) and “church of God” (1 Cor. 1:2) appear in the Bible as
descriptions of the saints' relationship with the Lord, but those early
brothers and sisters never said, “I'm Church of Christ” or “I'm a Church
of Christ Christian.” We try to avoid such usage, too. “Church of
Christ” is a biblical designation, but it is not the official name of
our religious body. Rather, it is a description of who we are - we are
the church that belongs to Christ. Other New Testament descriptions of
the church are equally acceptable.
Our worship is different.
The early church sang praises to God without instrumental accompaniment. This is a historical fact. Mechanical music was introduced in church worship centuries after the apostolic era. Moreover, all the New Testament instructions concerning music in worship command singing, nothing more (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16).
Our teaching about salvation is different.
Many religious groups teach would-be converts to "say a prayer and ask Christ into your heart." With all respect, we have not found this plan of salvation in the Bible. The New Testament plainly teaches that God's marvelous grace is bestowed upon those who have expressed faith in three distinct ways. First, they have confessed Jesus as Lord and God (Rom. 10:9-10). Second, they have repented, turned from their sinful ways and sought God (Acts 3:19). Finally, they have been immersed for the forgiveness of their sins (Acts 2:38, 22:16; Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:26-27; Col. 2:12; 1 Pet. 3:21).
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