Thursday, March 18, 2010
First Christian Church

 

Basic Beliefs and Practices of First Christian Church

Since our founding in 1836, the First Christian Church of Shelbyville has attempted to increase respect, understanding and brotherhood among Christian believers of all denominations. Attempting to hold true to the teachings of Jesus and the practices of the New Testament Church, we strive for a Christian faith which is both culturally relevant and Biblically sound.

No attempt is made to impose a set of man-made doctrines or traditional interpretations of religious thought upon any member. There is no attempt to make a list of religious ideas or concepts in which all members must believe, nor does the church have a written creed in which a person must pledge belief to become a member. The Holy Scriptures are our only authority and in matters not clearly addressed in Scripture, members are accorded the freedom of private interpretation and the right to individual judgment as the Holy Spirit gives them guidance.

Members are bound together in fellowship and service by belief in the central theme of the New Testament-- that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the only Savior of humanity and that His Word, the Bible, is our highest authority.

In general, there is a common denominator of understanding which is accepted by members of the Christian Church. The following list is a sampling of some of the most significant of these:

WE BELIEVE that the Bible, particularly the New Testament, forms the basis of our Christian thought and action.

WE BELIEVE that the church, the body of Christ, is a holy fellowship through which God seeks to work His will in every age. It includes all who place their faith in Him through His Son, Jesus Christ.

WE RECOGNIZE the principle of self-government for each local congregation.

WE BELIEVE that the church is universal and ecumenical, as well as congregational and local.

WE INSIST upon the minister’s freedom of the pulpit, and the right of the local congregation to select its own ministers.

WE OBSERVE the Lord’s Supper, or Holy Communion every Sunday, and welcome all Christians to participate.

WE PRACTICE believer’s baptism by immersion, the New Testament practice recognized as the most adequate symbol of complete surrender and the Biblical ideal of death, burial and resurrection to new life.

WE PARTICIPATE in and encourage interdenominational fellowship of Christians in worship, study and service.

WE BELIEVE that the Church of Jesus Christ is essentially, intentionally and constitutionally one, consisting of all those who profess their faith in Christ and obedience to Him in all things according to Scripture.

WE BELIEVE that each individual has access to God without the necessity of priest or minister to serve as intermediary. Each person can approach God directly, expressing praise and adoration, seeking guidance and receiving forgiveness.

WE BELIEVE that each person is sacred in God’s eyes, and that each has a personal responsibility to serve and teach and witness for Jesus wherever there is an opportunity. Apart from Christ, humanity is lost and therefore it is our responsibility as partakers of His grace to share Him with those who do not know Him.

The church’s minister, recognized as called of God and set aside for specific duties within the Christian fellowship, is expected to maintain a high standard of Biblical education, conduct and worship.

Because of the freedom of thought and opinion in the Christian Church, many people with varying religious convictions find a home within our membership. Many couples from differing church backgrounds have brought spiritual unity to their homes by membership in the Christian Church because it allows them to bring their own personal faith together around the central idea of faith in Jesus Christ according to Scripture alone.

People presenting themselves for membership here are asked only one question: "Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, and do you accept Him as your Lord and Savior?"

WE INVITE YOU to join with us at First Christian Church. By acknowledgement of your need for forgiveness of sin and simple affirmation of faith in Christ as your Lord and Savior you become a Christian. As a Christian you need a place to call your church home. We want to be that place.

Important Quotes from Our Heritage...

"No creed but Christ, no book but the Bible."

"Where the Scriptures speak, we speak; where the Scriptures are silent, we are silent."

"In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, love."

"We are not the only Christians, but we are Christians only."

"The Church of Christ on earth is essentially, intentionally and constitutionally one; consisting of all those in every place who profess their faith in Christ and obedience to Him in all things according to the Scriptures."