“The churches of Christ salute you" (Rom. 16:16)
Jesus said, "Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste of death till they see the kingdom of God present with power" (Mark 9:1). He told His apostles, "I will build my church...and I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 16:18-19). Upon the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Jesus Christ, His church was established in the city of Jerusalem (Acts 1-2). For the first time in history individuals were "added to the church" (Acts 2:47). In the New Testament, the terms "church" and "kingdom"often refer to the same institution (Colossians 1:13; 4:16). The prophets of the Old Testament spoke of a kingdom that would be established in Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:2-3) during the days of the Roman Empire (Daniel 2:36-45). Joel prophesied that a day was coming when the Holy Spirit would be poured out on all flesh and that deliverance would come from Jerusalem (Joel 2:28-32). Acts 2 records the fulfillment of these wonderful prophecies! The church/kingdom of God is on earth today.
The church of Christ at Tuttle, Oklahoma is a group of people who believe in following God's plan for the church as revealed in the Bible. We strive to do everything "in the name of the Lord" (Colossians 3:17).
Our worship is simple and follows the pattern that is revealed in the pages of the New Testament:
Praising God in song with "the fruit of our lips" (Heb. 13:15).
Weekly observance of the Lord's Supper (1 Cor. 11:23-26).
Weekly contribution to the Lord's work (1 Cor. 16:1-2).
Public prayers to God (Acts 12:5).
Preaching that comes from the inspired word if God (2 Tim. 4:2-5).
“What must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30)
This question was asked by a man who was holding Paul and Silas in prison in the city of Philippi nearly 2,000 years ago. It is still a relevant question today. Apart from Christ, all are "under sin" (Rom. 3:9). What did the Philippian Jailor "do to be saved?"
He was instructed to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31). Without faith in Christ salvation is impossible (Jn. 8:24).
He listened to the word of the Lord (Acts 16:32). Faith is produced by hearing the word of God (Rom. 10:17).
He "washed their stripes" (Acts 16:33). Paul and Silas had been arrested and beaten with rods (Acts 16:22-23). The act of washing their stripes was a sign of repentance (Acts 17:30-31).
He was baptized (Acts 16:33).
All of the above "steps" are required for a person to have their sins washed away. From Acts 2, when the church was established, to 1 Peter 3:21, there are both commands and examples of individuals being baptized "for the remission of sins." Jesus Himself stated, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned" (Mk. 16:16).
After obeying the gospel a person must "keep himself in the love of God" (Jude 21). The Bible does not teach the "once saved, always saved" doctrine that many claim it does. A child of God must "walk in the light" in order to have fellowship with God (1 Jn. 1:7).
We are dedicated to spreading the gospel through local and worldwide evangelistic efforts. We strive to worship our Lord in spirit and truth. (John 4:24)