The Church began on the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem around the year A.D. 30 (Acts 2). The church was established by Christ and is based upon the fact that He is the Son of God (Matthew 16:16-18). He is the Church's only Head and final Authority (Ephesians 5:23).
Although Jesus desired unity in the Church (John 17:20-21), over years several hundred denominations have been created as the result of social, theological, traditional and personal differences. This is, of course, most unfortunate. However, during the 19th century, several men decided to put aside all denominational creeds, names, and differences, to unite upon the basis of the New Testament.
This movement became known as the Restoration Movement because it represents an attempt to restore the first century Church in all essential matters as revealed in the New Testament. The Christian Church/Church of Christ is a part of this movement. Our plea is for "all Christians to unite on the basis of the New Testament, to restore the New Testament Church, and to take the Gospel into all the World."
The Restoration Movement has some noteworthy statements that describe our goal:
"Where the Bible speaks, we speak; where the Bible is silent, we are silent."
"In essentials, unity; in opinions, liberty; in all things, love"
"No book but the Bible, no creed but Christ, no name but Christian."
It is our belief that the New testament is our only rule of faith and that man does not have the right to make creeds that overrule God's Word.
It should be noted that no one "Joins" the Church, but when you become a Christian, God adds you to the Church (Acts 2:47). Christians throughout the world belong to Christ's one Church.
Although Jesus desired unity in the Church (John 17:20-21), over years several hundred denominations have been created as the result of social, theological, traditional and personal differences. This is, of course, most unfortunate. However, during the 19th century, several men decided to put aside all denominational creeds, names, and differences, to unite upon the basis of the New Testament.
This movement became known as the Restoration Movement because it represents an attempt to restore the first century Church in all essential matters as revealed in the New Testament. The Christian Church/Church of Christ is a part of this movement. Our plea is for "all Christians to unite on the basis of the New Testament, to restore the New Testament Church, and to take the Gospel into all the World."
The Restoration Movement has some noteworthy statements that describe our goal:
"Where the Bible speaks, we speak; where the Bible is silent, we are silent."
"In essentials, unity; in opinions, liberty; in all things, love"
"No book but the Bible, no creed but Christ, no name but Christian."
It is our belief that the New testament is our only rule of faith and that man does not have the right to make creeds that overrule God's Word.
It should be noted that no one "Joins" the Church, but when you become a Christian, God adds you to the Church (Acts 2:47). Christians throughout the world belong to Christ's one Church.
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