About

THE CONGREGATION

The church of Christ at Idaho Street is a bible believing church with a Christ-centered message from the word of God. Expect a warm and friendly welcome when you visit us. We consider you to be our honored guest and we will do all that we can to make you feel right at home. We do not in any way try to embarrass or make anyone feel uncomfortable. We encourage you to participate in our worship and Bible classes. And please, feel free to ask any questions that you might have concerning the church of Christ at Idaho Street. We are one of a family of churches of Christ in this area. We would like to show our hospitality to you firsthand and we hope that you are edified by our service to God. We pray that you will consider becoming part of the family of Christ. Contact us for transportation to a service, further directions, prayer, or a even a private Bible Study at 334-875-6867. Enjoy the site! We love you!

What is the church of Christ?

One brief article cannot adequately explain all the convictions that we as a congregation have. However, from the simple items below, we hope you can get a concept of the basic beliefs that anchor us together.

Following the teaching of the Lord, we are known only as "Christians"

(Acts 11:26 26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.),

and when spoken of as a group, we seek to be only His church, thus one of the "churches of Christ"

(Romans 16:16 16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.).

The Bible is our only source of authority in doctrine, worship, and organization. The Bible repeatedly warns about the danger of changing the divine message

(Galatians 1:6-9 6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.).

As imperfect people, we pray to God for forgiveness

(Acts 8:24 24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the LORD for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.),

confess our shortcomings

(James 5:16 16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.)

and rely on each other for encouragement and support

(Hebrews 10:23-25 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more,as ye see the day approaching).

We are an independent and self-governing congregation under Christ alone as Head

(Ephesians 1:22-23 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.),

with no denominational affiliation or earthly headquarters, though we recognize a special closeness to other churches of Christ. We deplore the denominational divisions of today and pray for the time when all professed Christians will rid themselves of all humanly devised barriers and come into the unity of the faith that is in Christ, so that the world may believe that God sent Him

(John 17:20-21 20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.).

Those who are not yet Christians are taught to believe in Jesus Christ with the whole heart

(John 8:24 24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.),

to repent of sins

(Luke 13:3 3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.),

to confess their faith in the Lord

(Matthew 10:32-33 32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.),

and to be buried with Christ in baptism for the forgiveness of their sins

(Acts 2:38 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.;

(Acts 22:16 16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.);

(Galatians 3:26-27 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.);

(Mark 16:16 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.;

1 Peter 3:21 21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ).

Since baptism must be preceded by faith and repentance, we do not practice infant baptism. And since the baptism instituted by Jesus and practiced by the early church was immersion, we follow that practice today

(Colossians 2:12 12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.).

Thus, baptism truly symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ and this becomes to the penitent believer his burial of the former sinful self and resurrection to the new life in Christ

(Romans 6:1-7 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.).

Following baptism, we encourage one another to live in righteousness

(1 Peter 2:24 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.).

As a congregation, we exist for the purpose of following Him who came to minister and to give His life a ransom for many (Mark 10:42-45 42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.).

Therefore, to the extent that we can, we are active in mission work and benevolence. Our marching orders are the Lord's worldwide commission to teach and preach the good news

(Matthew 28:18-20 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.).

Our hope is His everlasting kingdom

(2 Peter 1:10-11 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.)

and the resurrection of the dead

(1 Peter 1:3-5 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.).

Our message is "Jesus Christ and Him crucified"

(1 Corinthians 2:2 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.).

Christ is our only creed, and the Bible is our only rule of faith and practice, "For we preach not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake"

(2 Corinthians 4:5 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.).

WE SEEK ALSO SEEK TO:

1. Love God

We are to love God with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength as this is the greatest command (Mark 12:29-30).

Our motivation to love God, each other in the lost is prompted by God's love for us, demonstrated in its greatest form by the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on a cross for our behalf. (1 John 4:19, 2 Corinthians 5:14-21, John 3:16, Luke 10:27)

Jesus says that those who love him will live a life of obedience to his commands for this is the will of God. (1 John 15, Matthew 7:27)

Our lives are not our own but we are bought at a price 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Our salvation totally depends on the work of God and nothing of our own merits. That work of God is one of mercy and grace. His work redeems those who believe his gospel message and receive His gift through baptism into Christ for spiritual rebirth (Romans 2:7, Acts 2:22-38, Ephesians 2:8-10, Titus 3:4-5, Colossians 2:11-14).

2. Glorify God

As the body of Christ, his church, we are to glorify him and reflect the glory of his grace to not only this world but the heavenly realms as well. (1 Corinthians 10:31, Ephesians 1:1-14, 3:1-21)

Because of this we are constantly called to live a life that reveals His wisdom and how we live in how we function in this world.

(Romans 15:5-7, 1 Peter 2:12, Matthew 5:14-16)

3. Worship

We are to worship God in all we do (Colossians 3:17)

We are to be God's living sacrifices in our gratitude for his salvation (Romans 2:1, Colossians 1:1-12)

We are to do all things as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24)

We are to worship God in spirit and truth - i.e. In the way that is in accordance to His word (John 4:23)

4. Become a part of a Spiritual family through baptism

We are baptized into Christ, being clothed with Him and becoming a part of the family of God and are given the Holy Spirit setting us apart as His children with the seal of our salvation. (1 Corinthians 12:12, Romans 8:9,14, Ephesians 1:13-14, Acts 2:38-47, Ephesians 1:13-14)

As members of God's household we must live according to the will of God (Ephesians 2:19-22 Matthew 12:49-50)

We are to love each other as Christ loved. (John 13:34-35, 1 Peter 1:22, 4:8, Romans 12:10, 1 Peter 4:8)

We are to be involved in each others lives, living out the "one another" scriptures found in the Bible. (Romans 15:14, Galatians 5:13, Ephesians 4-5, etc.)

5. Outreach

We are to love others as ourselves (Matthew 22:39, Luke 10:2, Luke 19:10)

We are to reach out to the lost in order to bring them to Christ (Matthew 28:18-20, 1 Timothy 2:3-4, 2 Thessalonians 1:8, 1 Peter 4:17, 2 Corinthians 5:20)

We are to also reach out to the poor, the widows, the orphaned, etc.

(Matthew 25:31-46, Galatians 6:10)

6. Acknowledge Jesus as The Son of God

Jesus is the son of God (Matthew 14:33, Matthew 26:63-64, Romans 1:1-4)

Jesus is the exact representation of God (Hebrews 1:3)

He and God are one (John 10:30, John 17:11, 22)

Through Him we have access to the Father by one Spirit (Ephesians 2:18)

Our lives are hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3)

We can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13)

When you visit with us, please feel free to sit anywhere - there are no reserved seats. If you feel comfortable in doing so, please fill out a welcome card and drop it in the offering basket (we use it for recordkeeping and to thank our guests for coming). You may also use the welcome card to submit prayer requests, to ask a question, or to request other information concerning the congregation. Any sincere questions about the teaching of the Lord will

always bring out our attitude of searching the Scriptures to find the answer.

If you have any comments about any of the thoughts above or some other area, we would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. You may contact us at 334-875-6867 or at idahostreetcoc@gmail.com.

The church of Christ at Idaho Street is located in the historic city of Selma, Alabama. We are a bible believing church made up of Christians with a Christ-centered message. Because of its divine origin and use in the New Testament, we believe the name Christian far surpasses all the titles and designations of men; hence, we are Christians only, and we seek no other identifying name.

The word Christian, "follower of Christ," is found three times in the New Testament:

1. "And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch" Acts 11:26.

2. "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian" Acts 26:28.

3. "Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf" 1 Peter 4:16.

We learn the following from these three references:

* Those in the world referred to the early disciples as "Christians" (Acts 11:26).

* The name Christian was recognized and used by King Agrippa, a man in a seat of authority (Acts 26:28).

* Furthermore, the name Christian was utilized and authorized by Peter, a divinely-inspired apostle (1 Peter 4:16).

Thus we see the name Christian has the approval of God, while any other name originating from man has God’s disapproval, for Paul condemns the Corinthians when they began to call themselves after the names of men (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). If one follows Christ, he should bear His name and His name alone. If one wears the name of another man, then it naturally follows that he holds to the teachings and beliefs of that man. Since we seek to follow Christ and His teachings alone, we renounce all party names, denominational names, and titles of men.

The Church of the New Testament, consisting of those who are "called out," is not and never was intended to be a denomination among denominations.

We bear the description or name "church of Christ" because the church belongs to Christ (Matthew 16:18, Acts 20:28), and because the Scriptures authorize such a description and name to identify the congregations of believers (Romans 16:16).

Despite the existence of a multitude of denominations today, the Bible teaches that Christ established only one Church (Ephesians 4:4, Colossians 1:18). The Church holds the same mission held by Christ when He came to this earth: to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10).

The churches of Christ listed on this site plead for the complete restoration of New Testament Christianity. We believe that the Lord’s Church of the New Testament, just like the tabernacle of the Old Testament, contains certain divinely-given patterns that must be followed by those who would truly please God (Hebrews 8:5). The Lord has given us a pattern to follow if we wish to obtain eternal salvation (see What Is the church of Christ), and a pattern for worship "in spirit and in truth" (John 4:23-24) (see We Believe the Bible in What Is the church of Christ section). We believe we can only be the Church of the New Testament by following these divine patterns contained in the New Testament.

Jesus said in (Matthew 16:18), "...upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it." Jesus came to this earth almost 2000 years ago in order to build His Church. Not even the "gates of Hell," or the powers of death, could hinder the establishment of the Lord’s kingdom. Likewise, despite being separated by many years and many miles from the time and place of the establishment of the Lord’s Church (Acts 2), nothing today can prevent the existence of the Church of Christ. But we may only be a part of that blessed divine institution if we are truly willing to follow the same divine pattern followed by that Church of the New Testament. When we follow the divine pattern found in the Bible, we are following the teachings of Jesus the Christ and then and only then do we have the privilege and honor of wearing the name "Christian."

Our location is the church of Christ at Idaho Street because we meet at 705 Idaho Street. We would like to show our hospitality to you firsthand and we hope that you are edified by our service and that you will consider becoming part of the family of Christ. Please visit us or a church of Christ in your area. Become a Christian today.

What to Expect

Our style of worship is simple, patterned after the teaching and example of the Christians in the New Testament. The entire worship program is planned, but not rigid. Our Sunday morning worship assembly begins promptly at 11:00am.

According to the example of the Scriptures,

we partake of the Lord's Supper on the first day of every week

(Acts 20:7 7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.).

Jesus established the practice of sharing the bread and the grape juice so that Christians would

remember the sacrifice of His body and blood

(1 Corinthians 11:23-26 3 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.).

We leave to each person the decision to participate in the Supper. If you choose not to participate, don't be embarrassed. Feel free to just pass the plate or tray to the person next to you.

Typically following the preaching,

we provide an opportunity to make an offering.

This is the means by which our members make their weekly contributions in support of the Lord's work. As our guest, you are welcome but not expected to make a donation.

Our giving is generous and proportionate to our income.

(1 Corinthians 16:1-2 16 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.).

• Our music is the praise of our lips without instrumental accompaniment

(Hebrews 13:15 15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name).

We believe that

a cappella congregational singing

both enhances our personal involvement in the worship service and conforms to the new Testament pattern. A cappella literally means, "in the manner of the church," or, "as in the chapel," and was the only accepted form of church music for nearly a thousand years

(Ephesians 5:19 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; ;

Colossians 3:16 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.).

• Our prayers are genuine,

and not just as a part of the program. There will be several prayers during the service, and there may be prayers for specific needs and requests

(Matthew 7:7-11 7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?).

• The preaching of the word of God has a prominent place in worship.

You will notice that the preacher doesn't have a title such as Pastor (unless there are two or more who meet the qualifications I Timothy 3) You will notice that the preacher doesn't have a title of Reverend, Father, or Pope. He will probably be referred to as brother or simply called or referred by his first name or last name. He won't be wearing any special robes to set him apart. The reason for this is our belief in the priesthood of all believers

(1 Peter 2:9 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;).

We believe that all Christians are equal in God's sight. The sermon, which is preached after prayer/song during worship, is the time when the "good news" of God's love and Jesus' redemptive life is proclaimed and applied to our lives today. We believe you will find it encouraging, relevant, and Bible-based.

At the end of each lesson, we invite all people to obey Jesus' commands and accept the Lord's free offer of salvation through baptism

(John 14:15 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.).

• The Bible is the Authority by Which We Live

(Psalms 119:105 105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.);

2 Timothy 4:2 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.;

John 12:48 48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

The Church, the Body of Christ, is Made Up of Those Who Have Come to the Salvation Extended by the Grace of God

(Ephesians 2:8-10 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.)

Through:

Hearing

& Believing the Gospel Message –

John 3:16 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.;

John 8:24 24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

Repenting of Sin –

Acts 2:37-38 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.;

Luke 13:3 3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Confessing Jesus Christ –

Romans 10:9-10 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. ;

Matthew 10:32-33 32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

Being Baptized into Jesus for the Remission of Sins by immersion of water –

Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 6:3-11; Galatians 3:26-28; 1 Peter 3:20-21

We acknowledge

Jesus is Coming Again

(John 14:1-6 14 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.;

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Heaven and Hell Are Real

Matthew 24 42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.;

Revelation 21-22 21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. 22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.