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Who We Are
Simply ChristiansThe church of Christ in Round Lake Beach is simply a local congregation of God's people, just like those you read about in the New Testament. We are are just a non-denominational church of Christ - simply Christians, neither Catholic, Protestant, nor Jewish. We believe the Bible is the inspired word of God and we try to follow it as our only authority in religion. Since we find no denominational names in the Bible, we wear no such names. We have no man-made creeds to set forth doctrine because the Bible provides us to all good works (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Following just the Bible will make us just Christians and members of Jesus' true church, just like Peter, Paul, and other New Testament Christians (Acts 11:26) . Followers of Jesus ChristWe accept Jesus Christ as Lord and respect His authority. Jesus said, "And why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" (Luke 6:46). To add to or take from the simple instructions of Jesus is to fail to honor Him as Lord (Acts 17:11; Galatians 1:8,9; 2 John 9-11). We have no conferences, synods, councils, or earthly headquarters because Christ has not authorized these. Such man-made systems compete with Christ's authority and often bind human traditions, which Jesus condemned (Matthew 15:3-9). Proclaiming Salvation for All through the GospelWe proclaim the message of eternal life through the sacrifice of the crucified and risen Son of God (Romans 6:23). God offers His salvation to all, but the sinner must respond by:
The faith that the Lord requires for salvation must express itself in obedience (Hebrews 5:9; 1 Peter 1:22-25; Matthew 7:21-27; Romans 6:17,18). It is through obedient faith that we become God's children.
Baptism, as an expression of obedient faith, is the culminating act by which God places one in a proper relationship with Jesus Christ (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21; Acts 2:38). We would be happy to study the Bible with you concerning God's gift of salvation through Jesus Christ and how one may receive it. The Nature Of The ChurchAll who are in fellowship with Christ are members of His spiritual body, the church universal (Ephesians 5:23-25; Colossians 1:18). The universal church is a spiritual body, with Jesus as its head and saved people throughout the world as members of His body (Ephesians 1:22-23; Acts 2:47). As such, the universal church has no earthly or physical organization. Christians in a local area should fellowship together in the worship and work of a congregation or local church (Acts 9:26). In the Bible we read about such churches in Jerusalem, Rome, and other places. These were not different kinds of denominations (as is so prevalent today), but simply congregations of Christians in various places. The work that our Lord authorized for such local congregations is spiritual in its goal and emphasis: saving souls, helping Christians grow in Christ, and worshiping God (Acts 11:26; 20:7; 1 Timothy 3:15). These congregations were independent and self-governing, each one seeking to appoint a plurality of qualified elders (also known as bishops or pastors) to oversee the work of local church (Acts 14:23; 20:17,28; 1 Peter 5:1-4; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Hebrews 13:17). The members were dedicated to following the example of the Lord in their daily lives (1 Peter 2:21; Ephesians 5:1-2). The church at Round Lake church seeks to be such a congregation of Christians -- a church of Christ -- in our community. What To Expect When You VisitYou may expect to be treated as an honored and respected guest. In keeping with our effort to carefully follow the Bible, our worship consists only of activities authorized in the New Testament.
Since our Lord commands us not add to or take from His teachings, we sincerely seek to worship in these ways without any human changes (Matthew 15:9; Galatians 1:8,9; 2 John 9-11; Revelation 22:18,19). You can find a schedule of our meetings on our
home
page. We invite you to meet with us at any of these times. Church of Christ
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