Our Beliefs
Worship
Christians are called to collectively offer up worship to God as a Church (Luke 4:8; John 4:21-24; Revelation 4:8-11; Revelation 14:7). There are many New Testament examples of Christians gathering together to worship God. From these examples, we find our example of how to worship Him today.
Evangelism
Evangelism, the preaching and teaching of the Gospel, is an essential work of the Church (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 3:10-11; 1 Peter 3:15). God has commanded that Christians share the good news about the salvation that God offers us through Jesus. We are told to actively share the Gospel with others through teaching (Acts 2:42; Romans 15:14; 1 Corinthians 4:6; 2 Timothy 2:1-2; 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 4:2-3). We are also commanded to share the Gospel through our good example (Matthew 5:14-16; Philippians 2:15). At West Main, we strive to share the Word of God with all the world through support for faithful missionaries in Honduras, Guatemala, Canada, and Russia.
Edification
Edification is building up the Church by promoting every Christian’s spiritual growth and development. Christians edify each other by showing genuine love towards each other (John 13:35; Romans 12:10; Philippians 1:1-4; Titus 2:11-12; 1 John 3:11), engaging in fellowship, and by forming strong bonds of friendship (Acts 2:42; Romans 12:10). At West Main we cherish our relationships with one another. This is exemplified by our congregation’s motto, “Stronger Together.”
Benevolence
Benevolence, helping those in need through acts of kindness, is essential to the Church. The Church is commanded to love all people (Matthew 5:43-48; Matthew 22:39; John 13:34; 1 John 4:19-21). We strive to demonstrate love through kind deeds done for our fellow humans (Matthew 25:31-46; Philippians 2:3-4; James 2:14-17).
Doctrine
As a congregation of the Church that Jesus founded, the West Main Church of Christ attempts to follow God’s instructions precisely as found in the Bible. We merely try to speak where the Bible speaks and to be silent where the Bible is silent. Notice 2 Timothy 3:16-17:
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Salvation
Salvation, the forgiveness of sins, and the deliverance from eternal punishment are among the most critical aspects of the Christian faith. Without salvation, we would all be lost and separated from God. All people need the salvation that Jesus offers!
Why do we need salvation in the first place? In a word: sin. Sin entered the world long ago by way of Adam and Eve. God gave one specific command to Adam and Eve, forbidding them to eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:15-17). Both Adam and Eve broke the Law of God and brought sin and death into the world.
Sin is indeed a terrible thing. Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2). Sin will enslave us (Romans 1:21-32; Romans 7:23-25). The ultimate result of sin is spiritual death (Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 6:23; Galatians 6:8; James 1:13-15). Every person who matures to adulthood commits sin when an evil desire is allowed to grow unchecked into sinful actions (James 1:14-15). Every sinner needs salvation!
Thankfully, our gracious God offers salvation to all who approach Him in faith and do His Will. God knew the consequences of the sins of humankind. He loved us so dearly that He did not want us to perish eternally because of sin (2 Peter 3:9) and was willing to sacrifice to provide us with a way to escape the punishment we deserve. Notice John 3:16:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
God loved us so much that He gave His Son to die in our place. Jesus loved us so much that He would die in our place. We deserved death because of our own sins. Still, Christ took our sins upon Himself, although He never committed any sin of His own (2 Corinthians 5:21). Because of His death, we now have the hope of eternal life and the opportunity to be cleansed of our sins without having to pay the proper penalty for sin: eternal death. But the question still remains: how do we receive the salvation that we all so desperately need?
Through Christ’s death on the cross, God offers us salvation. The New Testament provides us with God’s plan for the salvation of humankind. The pattern is simple enough for any sound mind and able body to follow God’s plan. The following steps are all part of the faith response we offer to God in response to Christ’s tremendous sacrifice:
Hear
The first thing one must do to receive salvation is hear the word of God (Luke 10:16; John 6:45; Acts 2:41; Acts 8:26-35; Romans 10:14-17; James 1:21; Revelation 1:3). This makes logical sense; who could obey God’s instructions for salvation without first learning His plan (Romans 10:14-17)?
Believe
After one has heard the Gospel plan of salvation, they have to believe or have faith in everything it entails (Mark 16:16; John 3:16; John 8:24; John 16:31; Ephesians 2:8; Hebrews 11:6). This faith includes a belief that God is the Father, Jesus is His Son, the Holy Spirit inspired the scriptures that we now know as the Bible, and that the promises contained in the Bible will be kept. Again, God’s plan for salvation
follows a logical flow. One must first hear the word and then accept it as the truth. If one does not believe in the Gospel, would they be willing to obey the remaining elements of the plan of salvation? Likely not.
Repent
After discovering the plan for redemption and accepting it as the truth, one must repent of all the sins in their life (Matthew 21:28-32; Luke 13:3-5; Acts 2:38-41; Acts 17:30; Acts 26:20; 2 Peter 3:9). Repentance is a change of mind and heart that will ultimately lead to a change in daily living. God requires that we symbolically put to death our old selves, the sinful people we used to be, and become an entirely new
person created in the likeness of Christ (Romans 6:6; Romans 8:12-13; Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:9-10; 1 Peter 2:24). Repentance is another logical step in the quest for salvation. After we have heard and believed the word of God, which convicts us of sin and shows us that we are worthy of spiritual death because of our sin, we cannot continue living in the very evil that put us in such a hazardous
situation! A change must be made. God will not grant us the gift of salvation if we continue in a life of sin.
Confess
After one has committed to true repentance, they must verbally confess their belief that Jesus is the Son of God (Matthew 10:32-33; John 11:27; John 12:42-43; Romans 10:9-10; Philippians 2:9-10; 1 Timothy 6:12-13; 1 John 4:15). This confession is simply a verbal acknowledgment of your firm belief in Jesus and His teachings. This is the first of many confessions you should make for Christ as a Christian.
Be Baptized
The final step in the faith process of salvation is a symbolic burial or immersion in water that we now call baptism (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:16; John 3:3-5; Acts 2:38; Acts 8:38-39; Acts 10:47-48; Acts 22:16; Romans 6:4; Galatians 3:26-27; Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:21). After coming up from the waters of baptism, we have at last received the forgiveness of our sins and the salvation that comes with it! Our sins have been forever washed away, and the promise of heaven and eternal life is now ours.
Live for Jesus
After we have received the salvation of the Lord through new birth, we must live a faithful Christian life (Matthew 5:16; Matthew 7:21; Matthew 25:21-23; Luke 12:42; Titus 2:11-12; Hebrews 3:12-14; Hebrews 6:1-6; 2 Peter 2:20-22; 1 John 1:7; Jude 21; Revelation 2:10). If we accomplish this task, we will be significantly rewarded with a home in heaven with God for eternity (Matthew 5:21-23; 1 Peter 1:3-9;
Revelation 2:10). As Christians, we will still face temptation and occasionally fall to sin. As long as we continue to move forward in faith, with a repentant heart, God forgives all our sins, and we remain in fellowship with Him. The Bible describes such a faithful Christian life as “walking in the light” (1 John 1:7). Because of His amazing grace, we can have confidence in our salvation (1 John 5:13).
Have you come to God in faith and received the salvation of the Lord? Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like to speak with us further about this or any topic.
Church Organization
The West Main Church of Christ patterns its organization after the instructions and examples found in the New Testament. The head of the congregation, and of the Church as a whole, is Jesus (Matthew 17:5; Matthew 28:18; 1 Corinthians 11:3; Colossians 1:18; Colossians 2:10). Christ is the head of His Church, the Church he built and founded (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 5:23). All other Christians serve under the reign of Christ. The headquarters of our congregation and the Church as a whole can be found in heaven (Acts 2:29-36; 1 Peter 3:22). We recognize Christ as the only one with the authority to direct the activities of His Church.
1 Corinthians 12 tells us that all Christians are members of one body, the Church. Just like the human body is made up of different parts, each of which performs a different vital and interrelated function, the Church is made up of other elements, each of which is essential to the functioning of the Body of Christ. In the New Testament, we read of several important positions in the Church.
Elders
Although Christ is the head of the Church, Jesus did find it essential to appoint leaders in the local congregations of the Church. These leaders, commonly known as Elders, Bishops, Overseers, or Pastors, were given the responsibility of the spiritual oversight of their local congregations (Acts 14:23; Acts 20:17; Titus 1:5). These men were to help guide the congregation as they attempted to follow the
teachings of Christ. The Elders do not have the authority to add to or change God’s Word (Revelation 22:18-19) but rather have the authority to direct the local congregation in its activities. The Bible instructs that each congregation should have more than one Elder (Acts 14:23; Acts 20:17-28; Titus 1:5-9). The Elders only have authority over the Christians in their local congregation (1 Peter 5:2), meaning each congregation is autonomous from the other communities, bound only by the Word of God. The qualifications of an Elder can be found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. The responsibilities of an elder include ruling the local congregation (Romans 12:8), guarding the flock and ensuring they are hearing the Word of God (Acts 20:28-31), setting a good example (1 Peter 5:3), and watching out for the
souls of the local congregation (Hebrews 13:17).
At the West Main Church of Christ, we have three men who serve as our Elders: Ronnie Crosswhite, Earl Nichols, and Chuck Tharp.
Deacons
In the New Testament, we also find instructions for setting up deacons, men dedicated to serving and helping the Church. These deacons, like all members of the Church, are first and foremost under the authority of Christ but are also under the authority of the local Eldership (Acts 20:28-31). Deacons are men commissioned to serve the Church in some capacity (Acts 6:1-6; 1 Timothy 3:8-13). The qualifications of deacons are presented in Acts 6:1-6 and 1 Timothy 3:8-13. The responsibilities of deacons can vary depending on the needs of the local congregation. Still, the role is always that of a servant.
At the West Main Church of Christ, fourteen men serve as deacons.
Evangelists (Preachers)
Another essential role in the Church is that of evangelists, also known as ministers, teachers, and preachers. A preacher is a servant of the Lord that actively engages in teaching the Word of God to others, often in a public manner (Acts 21:8; Romans 1:15; Galatians 4:13; Ephesians 4:11-15; 1 Timothy 4:6; 2 Timothy 4:2; 1 Peter 4:11). Although these men have dedicated themselves to teaching the Word
of God, it is the responsibility of all Christians to share the Gospel with others (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15).
At the West Main Church of Christ, our Pulpit Preacher is Kerry Williams.
Worship
Worship is essential to Christian life and the Church as a group. Worship is showing God reverence and adoration through various acts of worship. The modern definition of worship is as follows:
Worship: reverent honor and homage paid to God or a sacred personage or to any object regarded as sacred (Dictionary.com).
The original Greek word for worship, proskuneo, carries the idea of bowing yourself towards or kissing the divine in a demonstration of the utmost respect and awe.
True worship has taken different forms throughout the history of humanity. In the Old Testament, worship often involved the offering of animal sacrifices to God (Genesis 8:20-22; Leviticus 7:11-15; Leviticus 9:3-4; Leviticus 23:19; Numbers 6:14; 1 Chronicles 29:20-21; 2 Chronicles 7:4-5). The worship of the Old Testament also involved many ceremonies and memorials, including the observation of the Passover, Pentecost, and the Sabbath Day. Today’s worship, the worship of the New Testament, takes on a simpler form.
In John 4:23-24, Jesus instructs us concerning the worship God desires:
“But the hour is coming, and is now here when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
This passage shows that true worship must be done with the proper attitude and in the appropriate spirit. Worship is not meant to be offered in a mindless and ritualistic manner. True worship should actively engage the heart of the worshiper. If worship is not accompanied by a real passion for God, it cannot be deemed accurate, even if it was done “in truth.”
The passage in John 4 also shows us that true worship must be done correctly, based on the truth of God’s Word. What does the New Testament tell us about how we should worship our God?
The Bible shows us when we are to worship God through the example of the first-century Christians. Worship should be offered on the first day of every week, Sunday (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2). God does not, however, forbid us from worshiping on other days of the week; He reveals that we should at least spend time in worship on the first day of each week.
We strive to model our worship in the same manner as the original Church as found in the New Testament. Several worship activities can be observed in the New Testament: partaking in the Lord’s Supper, singing, praying, teaching, and giving.
1. Observe the Lord’s Supper: Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:17-26; Luke 22:14-23; Acts 2:42; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 10:16-21; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
2. Singing: Matthew 26:30; Acts 16:25; Romans 15:9; 1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 13:15; James 5:13
3. Praying: Acts 2:42; Acts 16:13; Philippians 1:9-11; Colossians 1:9; Colossians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; 1 Timothy 2:8; Hebrews 4:16; James 4:2; James 5:16
4. Teaching: Acts 2:42; Acts 5:39-42; 2 Timothy 2:2; 2 Timothy 4:1-4; Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 Peter 2:2; 1 Peter 3:15
5. Giving: Matthew 6:1-2; Luke 16:1-15; Acts 4:32-37; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8:5; 2 Corinthians 8:8-9; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
At the West Main Church of Christ, we seek to follow the New Testament pattern of worship. We would love for you to join us in worshiping God. Below you can find our meeting times. If you have the opportunity, come visit and worship with us!