About the Church of Christ
We are simply Christians, without denominational names and practices. We believe the Bible is the inspired word of God and we try to follow it as our only authority in religion. Since we find no denominational names in the Bible, we wear no such names. We have no human creeds to set forth doctrine because the Bible contains all the Christian is to believe (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
In keeping with our effort to carefully follow the Bible, our worship consists only of those activities authorized by command or example in the New Testament.
- On Sunday, the first day of the week, we observe the Lord's Supper as a memorial of our Savior's death (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:24-26).
- We praise God and edify one another through singing (Colossians 3:16), and offer prayers of supplication and thanksgiving (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
- Through sermons we exhort one another to "continue steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine" (Acts 2:42).
- We take up a collection so members can give as they have purposed in their hearts (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:7). As a visitor, you are our guest, so please do not feel under any obligation to give.
In addition to our worship services, we have Bible classes on Sunday morning and Wednesday evening for all ages. From age one and up, we offer an opportunity for your systematic study of God's Word. We are blessed to have a group of dedicated men and women who take their teaching of God's Word seriously and prepare their classes accordingly.
The Authority Of Christ
We accept Jesus Christ as Lord and respect His authority. Jesus said, "And why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" (Luke 6:46). Adding to, or taking from, the simple instruction of Jesus is to fail to honor Him as Lord. We have no conferences, councils, nor earthly headquarters because Christ has not authorized these. Also, such man-made systems only serve to compete with Christ's authority and often bind human traditions upon others, which Jesus condemned (Matthew 15:3-9).
The Gospel is For All
We proclaim the message of the crucified and risen Lord. We urge all to accept God's gift of eternal life in His Son (Romans 6:23). God's plan for salvation involves...
- Repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 20:21)
- Confessing Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:10)
- Being baptized into Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38)
- Followed by a life of faithful service to Christ (Revelation 2:10)
We understand that in order for our faith to be pleasing to God we must trust Him to the extent of obeying Him (Hebrews 5:9). It is through such faith that we become God's children.
Baptism
Baptism, as an expression of obedient faith, is the culminating act by which God places one in a proper relationship with Jesus Christ. We would be happy to study the Bible with you concerning the wonderful gospel of Jesus Christ and how one should respond to it.
The Nature Of The Church
All who are in fellowship with Christ are members of His spiritual body, the church universal (1 Corinthians 12:12; Colossians 1:18). The universal church is a spiritual body, with Jesus as its head and saved people throughout the world as members of His body (Ephesians 1:22-23; Acts 2:47). As such, the universal church has no earthly or physical organization.
Wherever Christians extend fellowship to each other in worship and work, we find a congregation or local church. In the Bible we read about churches in Jerusalem, Rome, and other places. These were not different kinds of churches (as is so prevalent today), but congregations of Christians in various places.
These congregations were independent and self-governing, each having a plurality of elders (also known as bishops and pastors) watching out for their souls (Acts 20:17,28; 1 Peter 5:1-4). Assisting the elders were deacons who ministered to the needs of the congregation (Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8-13). The members were dedicated to following the example of the Lord in their daily lives (Ephesians 5:1-2). The church at Tehachapi seeks to be such a congregation of Christians.