ABOUT US

Not every church sees the salvation our God offers us quite the same way. We think it is a good idea to share with those considering membership in our church family how we see it here. At Comstock Church of Christ, we believe that the forgiveness of sins and the salvation offered by Jesus Christ is a gift. Salvation is the gift of God, offered graciously to us because He loved us and gave his only Son to pay the penalty for sin on our behalf (John 3:16, 2 Cor 5:21, Rom 6:23). The Scriptures are clear that we are saved by grace through faith. It is not earned by our good works. We are saved for good works.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Eph 2:8-10

A gift must be received. How and when we receive that gift of salvation is sometimes understood differently by different groups. We believe the Scriptures give us clear direction on how to receive that gift. The first gospel message, preached on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2, answered the question “Brethren, what shall we do?”

“Therefore, let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified. Now when they heard this they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and let each of you be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” Acts 2:36-38

We understand the Scriptures to say that one must receive the gift by believing that Jesus is both Lord (Master) and Christ (Savior), by repenting (turning towards God), and by being baptized. The gift of forgiveness and God’s own Holy Spirit is received at that time. Peter is very clear that this promise is for us even today. Look at very next verse.

“For the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God shall call to Himself.” Acts 2:39

He makes it clear that this promise is for the Jews hearing him speak, future Jews, Gentiles (far off, those who were not Jews – see Eph 2:11-13), as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself. It sure sounds like the promise is meant for us today, doesn’t it? Baptism identifies us with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (Rom 6:3-4), clothes us with Christ as we become sons of God through faith (Gal 3:26-27), and saves us as our appeal to God for a good conscience (1 Pet 3:21).

Baptism completes us in Christ:

“and in Him you have been made complete…. having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.” Col 2:10-12

So, we teach that we receive the gift of salvation:

BY Grace
THROUGH Faith
IN Baptism
FOR Good Works

Another way that we can break down this salvation offered to us is as follows:

1. The condition: We are all sinners. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
2. The result: Death. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23)
3. The solution: Jesus’ death on the cross. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) Jesus came to bridge the Gap between a fallen world and God. John 14:6 says: 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
4. The response: Receive the gift. A gift must be received. We believe that scripture gives us clear direction on how to receive this gift.
   37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:37-38

5. The assurance: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
6. What’s next? We must bear fruit and continue to grow in our faith.
   Colossians 1:10 says: 10 Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.

Please feel free to discuss this matter with us. We would love to help you see how we understand receiving this wonderful gift of God.

Why should I be baptized?

• To follow the example set forth by Jesus.
  Mark 1:9 says: At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
• Because Christ commanded it.
  Matthew 28:19 says: Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,[a] baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
• It demonstrates that I really am a believer.
  Acts 18:8 says: Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized.

What is the meaning of baptism?

• It illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Therefore, identifying me with him.
  Colossians 2:12 says: For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.
• It illustrates my new life as a Christian.
  2 Corinthians 5:17 says: This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! Why should I be baptized by immersion?
• Because Jesus was baptized that way. Matthew 3:16 says: As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water.
• The word baptize means “to dip in water”. The Greek word means “to immerse under water”.

Who should be baptized?

• Every person who has believed in Christ.
  Acts 2:41 says: Those who accepted his message were baptized.
• At CCoC, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism.
• At CCoC, it is a membership requirement that every member must be baptized in the manner that Christ demonstrated.

What is the Lord’s Supper?

• We believe that it is a memorial reminder, a symbol, and a proclamation.
  1 Corinthians 11:23-26 says: 23 For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread 24 and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, “This is my body, which is given for you.[a] Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it.” 26 For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again.

Since we partake in communion each week, how should I prepare myself for communion?

• By self-examination and reflection.
  1 Corinthians 11:27-28 says: 27 So anyone who eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily is guilty of sinning against[a] the body and blood of the Lord. 28 That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup.

God is the creator of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the father, the son, & the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equals.

Genesis 1:1,26,27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14

Jesus is the son of God. He lived a sinless human life and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on the cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate his power over sin and death. He ascended into heaven and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.

Matthew 1:22,23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5,14:10; Hebrews 4:14,15; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13

The Holy Spirit is co-equal with God and Jesus. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under the control of the Holy Spirit daily.

2 Corinthians 3:17, John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18

The Bible is God’s word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Since it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any error.

2 Timothy 1:13, 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalm 119:105, 160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5

The structure of the church should not be determined by culture, business practices, or even denominational traditions. The nature of the church determines it structure.

• The church is fellowship.
• The church is family.
• The church is a body.
• The church is a flock.