BIBLE BASED

We believe that God speaks to us through the Bible. That's why you'll find most of the sermons are "expository", instead of "topical". This emphasis allows the text itself to choose the subject. The Bible then sets the agenda for the pulpit and not vice versa. Futher, in our small groups that meet throughout the week, we study the same Biblical passages with an eye toward personal application.   This emphasis upon the Bible does more than set the agenda for our Bible classes and sermons. It is the filter by which we govern our body life. In everything we do, we strive to reach the image of the ideal church described in the New Testament. Despite our failures, we would rather strive for this high goal than to satisfy ourselves with a lesser one.    

CHRIST CENTERED  

Too often we have followed ideas and doctrines, and sometimes charismatic leaders. To be a Christian is to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. We believe that Jesus is the only way to the Father. (John 14:6) Therefore, we are compelled to follow his example. We always consider "What would Jesus do?" which of course means that we must know Jesus. By the way, that is why we wear his name. The name "Church of Christ" is not Biblically required, and is only one of many beautiful descriptive names for the body of Christ. We wear it as a reminder that we are Christ's church.  

EMBRACING GRACE

It is important for every saved person to realize that he or she is saved by the awesome grace of God. When we begin to appreciate what God has done for us, we will live our lives in loving service to him. Too often we are then tempted to look at our efforts and begin to feel a growing sense of security in our works. This is dangerous. The one who comes to God must trust him, and not lean on his own devices. At the Fellowship Church of Christ we constantly remind each other that "We are not saved because we are holy; we are holy because we are saved". Grace comes first. "Embracing grace" means that we call everyone to accept the free gifts of God before we emphasize moral or church doctrines. Believing the right things and even doing the right things will not save us. On the other hand, once we have accepted God's grace, that decision will call us to a high standard of living. (Titus 2:11-12) "Embracing grace" also reminds us how we should act with others. There is not a one of us who has been saved because we are good enough or somehow earned it. Therefore, when there is controversy, within the body, we strive to remember that we are all flawed and imperfect people who have been saved by grace. This reminds us to be humble with our own opinions, and encourges us to be gentle with those with whom we disagree. This is a high standard of mature Christian conduct, and we must confess that we do not always meet this standard perfectly. But remembering grace helps us be gracious with one another.