history
...and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18)
In the late 1700s and early 1800s, in different locations and at different times, various men who were carefully studying the Bible each independently came to this conclusion: the Bible should be mankind’s only creed! This common realization eventually led to a common purpose: for all people to return to the reality of Jesus Christ’s church, the one described in the New Testament. Today members of the church of Christ strive to maintain this glorious restoration of the New Testament church.
Every word of God [is] pure; He [is] a shield to those who put their trust in Him. (Proverbs 30:5) For the word of God is living and powerful... (Hebrews 4:12).
The Bible contains the perfect word of God, ...and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,... (2 Timothy 3:16).
The church of Christ is not a denomination. There is no outside governing body. Each congregation is autonomous - each established congregation selects elders (men who meet the New Testament qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:1-8) to lead their congregation. These elders are under God's authority and must shepherd as His word teaches, in love and in truth.
Singing: The hymns are sung a capella; voices are lifted by the entire congregation in order to praise God and exhort one another. Following New Testament example and the historical example of early Christians, no mechanical musical instruments are used in the worship. (Men did not begin to add mechanical music to worship until the late 6th Century.)
Preaching and Teaching: Bible-based lessons are presented, structured upon scripture. The goal is for all to be strengthened, enlightened, and led to obedience. Each is responsible for studying God’s word to present ourselves approved…rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15).
Praying: The Bible teaches that prayers should be prayed in faith and trust, in petition and supplication, with thanksgiving. Romans 12:12 says,...rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;... During each worship service and during other gatherings, prayers are led by various willing men of the congregation.
Giving: On Sundays, members give monetary gifts back to God. First Corinthians 16:2 teaches us to lay by in store as we have been prospered. And as we lay by in store, the thought, planning, and preparation help to keep God foremost.
The Lord’s Supper: By having the Lord's Supper every Sunday, members of the church of Christ solemnly participate in focusing on Jesus' sacrifice for all mankind. Acts 20:7 says "And on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached to them ...". These believers were already meeting on the first day of the week to have the Lord's Supper and reverently memorialize God's ultimate gift--the sacrifice made for all by His only Son, Jesus Christ.
Everyone is invited by God to be a member of His family, His church. When we follow God’s plan, we can be certain that we'll have forgiveness of our sins and that His cleansing grace will continually be available to us.
Following the Bible will help us make the right choices for ourselves and our families. Being with other Christians will strengthen us and sustain us. We really will be family; we'll be brothers and sisters in Christ.
If you'd like more information about the church of Christ, please call (931)762-5161 or e-mail pulstch@pulaskistreet.com or office@pulaskistreet.org .
We hope you can visit us soon at Pulaski Street. We love to have visitors, and we love to welcome new members. We're looking forward to meeting you!