My Faith

Wednesday, February 10, 2010 6:20am EST GMT -0500

I am a member of the Lord’s church, i.e. churches of Christ (Romans 16:16) because ...

  • the church was founded by Jesus (Matthew 16:13-20).
  • the church’s only creed is the Bible (2 Timothy 3:14-17).
  • the church’s worship is in spirit & truth (John 4:24).
  • the church’s governance is congregational and autonomous (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5; James 5:14).

I believe the restoration plea is scripturally based.

  • Speak where the Bible speaks & remain silent where the Bible is silent (1 Peter 4:11).
  • Do Bible things in Bible ways & call Bible things by Bible names (Colossians 3:17).
  • In matters of faith — Unity (John 17:20-21; 1 Corinthians 1:10).
  • In matters of opinion — Liberty (1 Corinthians 8; Romans 14; Galatians 5:13; 1 Peter 2:16).
  • In all things — Love (1 Corinthians 16:14)

I believe the gospel plan of salvation is:

  • grace: Ephesians 2:8-10
  • hearing: Romans 10:17
  • believing: John 8:24
  • repenting: Luke 13:3,5; Acts 3:19
  • confessing: Romans 10:9; Acts 8:37
  • being baptized: Mark 16:16; John 3:3-5; Acts 2:38; 10:48; 22:16; Romans 6:3-6; Galatians 3:26-27; Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:21
  • remaining faithful: Revelation 2:10

I believe God’s grace (giving undeserved good) gave not only His Son but also law. The law He gave produces faith and faith produces works. However, we fall short and our works require mercy (withholding deserved punishment). Regarding grace, law, faith, works and mercy, consider the following references:

  • grace: Titus 2:11-14; Colossians 1:23; Romans 10:18; Hebrews 10:26-27; James 1:25; 2:12; John 14:15; 1 John 5:3; Ephesians 2:8-10
  • law: 1 Timothy 1:5-11
  • faith: 2 Timothy 3:14-17; Romans 10:17; James 2:14-26
  • works: Titus 3:4-8; Romans 10:3
  • mercy: 1 Timothy 1:12-16
  Other relevant references are:
  • James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5
  • Matthew 5:7; James 2:13
  • John 15:10; 1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9

I believe acts of worship (Acts 2:42) are specifically:

  • teaching: Matthew 28:20
  • praying: Ephesians 5:20
  • singing: Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16
  • partaking of the Lord’s Supper: Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Acts 20:7; 1 Corithians 10:16; 11:23-29
  • giving: 1 Corithians 16:1-2; 2 Corithians 9:6-8

Visit the sites below to learn more: