We would like to introduce you to our fellowship and how we view salvation in Christ Jesus. This information is not designed to answer all your questions, but rather to create questions. We are always ready to explain our beliefs in clear and unpretentious terms.
With that said, we are a Non-denominational, Christ Centered, Family Oriented group of people that meet together to worship in study, song, and prayer.
Our Fellowship In Christ Jesus
Our fellowship is "non-denominational" in that we see ourselves as neither Catholic nor Protestant. We neither have nor are associated with any higher governing body; each congregation is autonomous (self-governing). We see Jesus as our spiritual "head or guide" (Ephesians 1:22) and our authority in all things spiritual (Matthew 28:18-20).
Jesus' life and word governs our lives and worship. We believe that God's word is clear when He directed His followers to "neither add to, nor take from the word which He commanded unto us" (Deut 4:2). We accept His guidance that The Holy Bible is complete unto all our needs. Therefore, we do not need man-made rules to govern our spiritual lives.
Our name is derived from Romans 16:16 where the apostle Paul said "The churches of Christ greet you". There are other equally clear names which could have been used; however, we believe that this one most clearly identifies our relationship as a body with Christ Jesus. This name also represents the independence of each congregation from others of the same name.
Our Worship
We seek to worship God in both in spirit and truth as our Father in heaven desires us to do. On each and every Sunday we fellowship and praise our Lord through the following:
Song: Our song service is a cappella (without instrumental accompaniment). We are not all “master singers” (!); but God did give each of us our own voice, and He understands that we are simply "lifting up our voices in song and in praise".
Prayer: Our prayers are both simple and forthright. We ask God for His assistance and intervention in those things which will enhance our spiritual relationship with Him; and at the same time, strengthen us in our will to do His work upon this earth. In other words, we desire to be the example for others that He would have us to be.
Teaching: We teach as we are commanded in Acts 5:42; without ceasing. The message to be drawn from God's word is without limits. It brings moral well being to each of our lives from the time we are small children to adulthood; just as it brings peace and inner strength when we are laying on our deathbed. It is the foundation upon which a well-balanced life is built.
The Lord's Supper: The Lord's Supper was established by Jesus Christ in an upper room just prior to His being crucified. Through this practice (the eating of unleavened bread and the partaking of the fruit of the vine) we establish the memory of Christ's death on the cross for our sins. It is only through His death that we have any hope of a better life with Him in the hereafter.
Giving: We believe our lives upon this earth are richly blessed this earth have been blessed in many ways. We also believe that each of us should return a portion of those blessings through our work on this Earth for His cause. Therefore, there is no mandatory offering (eg, tithing). For example, some who have less financially give more in the form of time by teaching Bible classes or taking His word to others. Everyone gives in their own way as they feel they have prospered.
The Basis of Our Faith
We believe there are three constants in our spiritual life upon this earth. First and foremost is that ALL people fall short of the standard God has set for us (Romans 3:23). Second, we are separated from God because we fall short (eg we sin!) - sin being defined as failing to meet God's standard (Isaiah 59:1,2). Third, God desires for us to live eternally (Romans 6:23). In the Scripture God has outlined a simple path, which if followed will lead us to eternal life with Him in heaven. This path is well defined in several Scriptures:
One must believe in Jesus and in His message (Mark 16:15,16 & John 8:24)
One must repent of his sins (Luke 13:3 & Acts 2:38)
One must confess Jesus as Christ the Son of the Living God (Matthew 10:32, 33; Acts 8:37, et al)
One must be immersed for forgiveness of sins (Christ was an example even though He was sinless (Mark 16:16 & Acts 2:38)).
One must continue to learn and to work to please God; to draw near to God; to perform good works; to worship in truth and in spirit; to work to become as Christ like as possible; and to remain faithful to God. (Acts 17:11; 2 Tim 2:15; Hebrews 10:19-22; Hebrews 10:23; Hebrews 10:25, 26; Galatians 3:26, 27; Ephesians 1:3; and Revelation 2:10)
As "humans", we may attempt to be good enough or to do enough good works to save himself. From his own feelings and personal preferences, a man may even develop his own plan to save himself. He may do this with great personal zeal and with the utmost of sincerity; yet, the truth is, man can neither save himself nor devise a scheme which will save him. It is all in God's hands. Ultimately, each of us is relying on the mercy of God in heaven to save us. Why then, would we not want to do what God has commanded us to do? It is simple; yet challenging, and provides recognition to God as our King. Is it because God's plan is just too simple for the complex mind of man?
The Bottom Line!
At Tri-Lakes, we believe that we must strive in all things spiritual and in our daily life to be as Christ would have us to be. Are we perfect? The answer is a resounding NO! We understand that we are at the mercy of God and, in the end, depend upon His grace for our salvation.
We recognize that each of us has strengths and weaknesses, highs and lows. We work hard to support each other in times of personal trial (eg. the death of a loved one, illness). We believe strongly that like the first century Christians we continue to be in constant need of teaching, reproof, correction, and instruction from God's inspired word. We believe that only His word, learned and applied in our daily lives, can bring us to completeness and thoroughly equip us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16, 17).
Have We Challenged Your Thoughts?
How does what you have read here compare with your understanding of God's plan for man?
At Tri-Lakes Church of Christ, using God's word as the foundation, we stand ready to study with you or to answer any question you might have.
