The church of Christ had its beginnings in 33 A.D. after Jesus spoke the words, “upon this rock I will build My church” in Matthew 16:18. The church’s only authority is the Lord because He is the Head of the church and shed his own blood to purchase it (Col. 1:24; Acts 20:28). After Jesus rose from the dead and ascended back to the Father in heaven, the apostles began to preach the terms of admittance into the kingdom (church – cf. Col. 1:13). When people asked what they should do to be saved, they were told to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38). When individuals obeyed these commands, we read that the Lord added them to the church (Acts 2:41, 47).
The church we read about in the Bible is not a building, but a called out group of peculiar people who are steadfastly following the teaching of God’s word (1 Cor. 12:12-14; 1 Pet. 2:9). In the New Testament, we read of many congregations in different locations that were called “churches of Christ” (Rom. 16:16). This name is used so as to show honor and respect to Jesus as the Founder and Head of the church. The Bible teaches that there is but one body (Eph. 4:4) that is made up of various members who meet and work together in local, autonomous congregations. Those members are called Christians (Acts 11:26) and are restricted from wearing any other name (1 Cor. 1:10ff). When the church was established, there were no counsels, synods, or city-wide organizations to plan and accomplish the work of the church. Every congregation was responsible for being active and functioning according to the will of God (note the churches in the Revelation letter – chapters 2 and 3).
Jesus is spoken of as being Savior of the body (Eph. 5:23; Col. 1:24). It is important then (understanding our need for forgiveness – cf. Rom. 3:23; 6:23) to be a part of His body. Those that obey Christ faithfully have a valid hope of eternal life (Heb. 5:8-9; Rev. 2:10).
The church of Christ in Ashland is a congregation that is striving to be a replica of the 1st century church. We do not accept denominationalism (division) because Christ did not accept it. Rather, He desired that we would all be one in Him by following His commands (John 17:17-21; 2 John 9). We strive to simply read and apply the plain teachings and instructions of God’s word and dismiss all man-made doctrines and creeds (Matt. 15:9). We want to speak where the Bible speaks and remain silent where it is silent. We want to have Biblical authority for all the we say and do (Titus 2:1; 1 Cor. 4:6; Gal. 1:8-9; 1 Pet. 4:11)
We are a growing family of Christians that desire to share the word of God with the world around us and to show the love of Christ through the daily lives we lead.