The Westside Church of Christ
Welcome to the Westside Church of Christ in Waldo, Arkansas. We are committed to helping each other lead lives devoted to Jesus, and helping people from all backgrounds develop their spiritual lives.
Regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey, we’re sure you’ll find our congregation welcoming, and our teaching inspiring and relevant to your life. Whether you’re interested in coming to one of our services or attending one of our special events, we hope that you will give us the opportunity to know you!
What is the church of Christ?
This question is a question that I wish more people would ask. There just simply are not enough seeking the answers to that question. When you read the New Testament you will find that there is no mention of many of the “Churches” that we see today. There is no mention of creeds and “different views”. There is a Church that is spoken of with Christ as the founder and head of that Church. I am going to answer the question posed in this tract in three parts. First we will look at the name, then the authority, and finally how to identify the Church of the New Testament.
Please take a minute to read the material below to explain more about who we are and what we believe.
- We do not have any creed but simply believe that God’s word is our authority. We believe the Bible is the inspired, complete, and perfect word of God (II Timothy 3:16-17 and II Peter 1:3).
- We believe that if you ask us a Bible question we are commanded to give you a Bible answer (I Thessalonians 5:21, I Peter 3:15, and Romans 12:2).
- We believe that we cannot add to or take from God’s written word (Revelation 22:18-19, Deuteronomy 4:2, Galatians 1:8-9).
- We believe that we will be judged based upon the Law of Christ (John 12:48). Thus, we believe the Law of Moses [Old Testament] is not binding today (Colossians 2:14, Romans 7:1-6, and Hebrews 9:15-17).
- We do not practice any doctrines that are man-made, this would be a violation of God’s Law (Galatians 1:10 and Matthew 15:7-9).
- We believe that the Bible speaks of ONLY ONE Church (Ephesians 4:4, Ephesians 1:22-23, Colossians 1:18, Matthew 16:18, and I Corinthians 12:12-13).
- We believe the Church of Christ is that ONE Church because:
- It uses a Bible name (Romans 16:16 and Ephesians 4:12).
- It was not formed by division and does not bear anyone else’s name (I Corinthians 1:10).
- Christ is the founder and head (Matthew 16:18 and Colossians 1:18).
- We worship in Spirit and Truth (John 4:24).
- Every first day of the week Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7, Matthew 26:26-30, and I Corinthians 11:23-29).
- Every first day of the week contribution (I Corinthians 16:1-2).
- Bible only preaching (II Timothy 4:2, Romans 1:16, Mark 16:15-16, and Matthew 28:19).
- We pray (I Thessalonians 5:17).
- We sing without the accompaniment of an musical instrument realizing that only the heart is where the melody in New Testament worship is to be made -(Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16).
- We believe what the Bible teaches relative to the plan of salvation:
- One must hear God’s word (Romans 10:14-17, Matthew 13:19, and Matthew 28:19).
- One must believe that Gospel (Mark 16:15-16, Hebrews 11:6, John 8:24, and John 3:16).
- One must repent of their sins (Luke 13:3;5, Acts 2:38, Acts 26:20, and Acts 17:30).
- One must confess that Christ is the Son of God (Acts 8:37, Romans 10:10, and Matthew 10:32-33).
- One must be baptized by immersion for the remission of sins into the body of Christ his Church (Acts 2:38, Romans 6:1-6, Galatians 3:27, I Corinthians 12:12-13, I Peter 3:20-21, Acts 8:12, Acts 22:16, II Corinthians 5:17 and John 3:1-5).
Not A Denomination
For this reason, we are not interested in man-made creeds, but simply in the New Testament pattern. We do not conceive of ourselves as being a denomination --nor as Catholic, Protestant, or Jewish -- but simply as members of the church which Jesus established and for which he died.
And that, incidentally, is why we wear his name. The term "church of Christ" is not used as a denominational designation, but rather as a descriptive term indicating that the church belongs to Christ.
We recognize our own personal shortcomings and weaknesses--and this is all the more reason for wanting to carefully follow the all-sufficient and perfect plan God has for the church.
All of the passages above are just the beginning of the truth. Christ said: (John 8:32)“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” We hope and pray that you will consider the things above. We pray that you will study for yourself these things (Acts 17:10-11 and II Timothy 2:15).
Again we urge you to study with us, that we may help you as Philip did the Eunuch (Acts 8:26-39).
If you have read this page and you are seeking to find the New Testament Church, look no further. We are it! Examine us with the Bible and you will find that we speak where the Bible speaks and we are silent where the Bible is silent! Ask us today about Salvation and the way to eternal life. Ask us today about Salvation and the way to eternal life, and we will gladly open God's Word and study with you.
(Acts 22:16) “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”