THE CHURCH OF CHRIST IN BILLINGS                                    # 502

             We are so glad that you have taken the time to investigate the Billings Church of Christ.  You will learn a tremendous amount about us from a thorough study of all the “Bible Principles” messages.  We hope you will study through these lessons carefully on your own.  However, this article is designed to be a brief synopsis of points already examined, anticipating your questions about our identity.

            First of all ... we are Christians, no more, no less.  Names and creeds which divide believers in Christ are wrong (I Cor 1:10-13).  We are affiliated with no denominational convention, synod, or headquarters.  We answer to no one but God and have no creed but the Bible.  To hide behind the theology of some denominational bureaucracy is fruitless, for the Bible teaches that “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body ...”  (II Cor 5:10).  We study God’s Word carefully, as Christians did in New Testament days, “examining the Scriptures daily” to be sure the things taught are true  (Acts 17:11).  Because we are independent & autonomous, all monetary contributions remain in Billings to be distributed according to the wise determination of the local members for the further spread of the Gospel of Christ.

            We exalt Jesus Christ.  Thus, the term “CHURCH OF CHRIST” is not a title, but a description.  We are “that church which belongs to Christ,” His possession, purchased with His own blood  (Acts 20:28).  Jesus is the head of His church  (Ephesians 1:22-23).  Therefore, no one else in heaven or on earth can fill that position ... and we honor no one who tries.  Jesus has been given all authority  (Matthew 28:18).  Therefore, no other person, conference, council, or board has the right to authorize doctrine for His church which has not already been given by His inspired and duly appointed apostles  (John 17:6-18).  The Word of Christ will judge us in the last day  (John 12:48).  Therefore, personal feelings, preferences, opinions, and beliefs mean nothing.  The opinions of pastors, preachers, teachers, and friends mean nothing.  We exalt Jesus, and we obey Him.

            We imitate the first century church.  Jesus promised to build His Church  (Matthew 16:18).  The second chapter of Acts explains how the church began.  The remainder of Acts tells about the growth and spread of the church.  Under the authority and leadership of Jesus’ Apostles, congregations appeared throughout the world.  Unity was possible because the Apostles taught the same doctrine in every location  (I Corinthians 4:17).  The letters they wrote, directing the congregations, were inspired commandments  (II Timothy 3:16;  I Corinthians 14:37).  Thus, the traditions begun by the Apostles were intended to be continued  (II Thessalonians 2:15; 3:6).  Respecting Apostolic Traditions, we strive to restore the pattern for church Organization, Worship, and Purpose which is taught in the New Testament.

            Our Worship is simple, yet meaningful.  Sunday is the first day of the week.  Upon the first day of the week, Jesus Christ was raised from the dead.  Our primary purpose for assembling is to honor and remember Him.  We observe the memorial feast called “The Lord’s Supper” on the first day of every week, as was the habit of the church from the beginning  (I Corinthians 11:23-26; Acts 20:7).  Like the early church, we occupy our assembly time in this, plus four other practical activities.  When they gathered, they would pool their monetary contributions to be used for Godly purposes  (I Corinthians 16:1-2).  So do we.  They would unite their minds together in prayer  (Acts 4:31-32).  So do we.  They taught and encouraged one another through singing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).  We do that too.  And, they devoted their attention to the teaching and preaching of God’s Word  (Acts 2:42; 20:7).  This is what the apostles authorized.  This is what we do.  It is all we do.  We have authority for no other practices than these.

            One of the most important things we do is attempt to practice Christian living in our daily lives.  Jesus taught us about love and compassion and purity of heart.  This task can be challenging.  But as a united body, we can encourage one another in Godly living.  This special fellowship is the secret weapon of every Christian.  We hope you will want to be a part of this group.  It is exciting and rewarding.  Please accept this invitation to come and visit.  If you have questions, any one of a number of people would be glad to help you search for a Bible answer.  The Billings Church of Christ could be and should be your church home.  Why not give it a try?