"Why Are There So Many Different Churches?”

By Dr. Hoyt W. Allen Jr.

The aim of the CHRISTIAN CHURCH/CHURCH OF CHRIST, is to restore the Bible’s teachings. Everyone realizes that concerning the non-essentials there will be differences of opinion. If we did not have human differences, we would all like the same kind of food, entertainment, cars, houses, etc. We should, in the church however, attempt to return to the BIBLE for all instructions, and to do all things in love. WE are Christians only, but not the only Christians. Where the Bible speaks, we speak and where the Bible is silent, we strive to be silent and allow liberty in all matters.

Beliefs are sometimes founded on comments heard from childhood, with no foundation in the Word of God (The Bible). We may disagree on matters such as, "What heaven is exactly like" or "What happens immediately after death". It's good to discuss such things, but it is easy to see why we would disagree on things where the Bible does not go into detail. However, on matters concerning the teach ings of Jesus Christ and salvation, there can be little disagreement. Thus, in essentials, we should strive for unity, & in non-essentials, liberty and, in all things, love.

Basics Of What We Believe

Faith In Jesus Christ: Complete child-like faith in the Savior Jesus Christ is necessary for us to be acceptable to our Heavenly Father, as well as faith in the Father himself, as taught in Matthew 16:16; Hebrews 11:6.
Repentance Of Sins: Without repentance, we will not see the kingdom of God, as stated in the Bible. Luke 13:3; II Corinthians 7:10; 11 Peter 3:9.
Confession Of One’s Faith: The sinner saved by the blood of Jesus should con fess the name of Jesus as Savior, as written in the Bible. Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:9, 10.
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Baptism Into Christ: The necessity of the ordinance of baptism as taught in the Scrip tures, (That being - immersion of the believer for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit). Acts 2:38, 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21. Baptism is the place where one contacts the blood of Christ.
Communion: Some observe communion yearly, quarterly, or monthly. We observe it every Lord's Day (Sunday; Acts 20:7). The heart is important in partaking, as is recorded in I Corinthians 11:26, 28, 29. This is done each time in remembrance of Jesus.
Works: We understand a Christian is born into the family of God for service. Philippians 2:12-14; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; Jas.; 2:20-24.
Faithfulness: We teach that one should be faithful unto death, as far as his/her health and talents will permit. Acts 14:22; Revelation 2:10.
Church Attendance: Many excuses and opinions are given, but we refer to the Bible again, which encourages regular attendance, for one’s growth. Hebrews 10:25.
Our Purpose Is Twofold:
1) To lead souls to salvation, as the Lord intended. Matthew 28:19-20.
2) To lead the saved to a Scriptural knowledge of God's will to do His service. II Tim.3:16
Our Fellowship Is Enjoyable:
We know that anyone will enjoy our fellowship if one believes as we do:
I) Bible names for believers and being “Christians Only”
2) No "Central Headquarters". The congregation is led of God, through the Word & Spirit.
3) No "man-made" creeds. Christ only and His Word guides us.

For further information concerning the nearest congregation near you contact:

The KYOWVA Evangelistic Association
1541 S. 7th Street * Ironton, OH 45638
Web Page: www.kyowva.com
Free Bible Courses Upon Request