Who are we at Kentucky Road Christian Church?
We are members of the Restoration Movement. With that in mind, we hold to the following statement: In the essentials, unity; in the non-essentials, liberty; in things, love. We believe that there are some essentials that we must always agree on. There are also non-essentials that should not divide us as Christians. In all things, we need to have love, truth, and grace for all people everywhere. It is a plea for religious unity based upon the Bible. In a divided religious world, it is believed that the Bible is the only possible common denominator upon which most, if not all, of the God-fearing people of the land can unite. This is an appeal to go back to the Bible. It is a plea to speak where the Bible speaks and to remain silent where the Bible is silent in all matters that pertain to religion. It further emphasizes that in everything religious, there must be a “Thus saith the Lord” for all that is done. The objective is the religious unity of all believers in Christ. The basis is the New Testament. The method is the restoration of New Testament Christianity.
The Historical Background of the Restoration Movement:
One of the earliest advocates of the return to New Testament Christianity, as a means of achieving unity of all believers in Christ, was James O’Kelly of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1793, he withdrew from the Baltimore conference of his church and called upon others to join him in taking the Bible as the only creed. His influence was largely felt in Virginia and North Carolina, where history records that some seven thousand communicants followed his leadership toward a return to primitive New Testament Christianity. In 1802, a similar movement among the Baptists in New England was led by Abner Jones and Elias Smith. They were concerned about “denominational names and creeds” and decided to wear only the name Christian, taking the Bible as their only guide. In 1804, in the western frontier state of Kentucky, Barton W. Stone and several other Presbyterian preachers took similar action, declaring that they would take the Bible as the “only sure guide to heaven.” Thomas Campbell and his illustrious son, Alexander Campbell, took similar steps in the year 1809 in what is now the state of West Virginia. They contended that nothing should be bound upon Christians as a matter of doctrine that is not as old as the New Testament. Although these four movements were completely independent in their beginnings, they eventually became one strong restoration movement because of their common purpose and plea. These men did not advocate the starting of a new church, but rather a return to Christ’s church as described in the Bible. Members of the Churches of Christ/Christian Churches do not conceive of themselves as a new church started near the beginning of the 19th century. Rather, the whole movement is designed to reproduce in contemporary times the church originally established on Pentecost, A.D. 30. The strength of the appeal lies in the restoration of Christ’s original church.
How are the churches organizationally connected?
Following the plan of organization found in the New Testament, churches of Christ are autonomous. Their common faith in the Bible and adherence to its teachings are the chief ties that bind them together. There is no central headquarters of the church, and no organization superior to the elders of each local congregation. Congregations do cooperate voluntarily in supporting the orphans and the aged, in preaching the gospel in new fields, and in other similar works and ministries. There are no annual meetings or official publications. The “tie that binds” is a common loyalty to the principles of the restoration of New Testament Christianity.
How is Kentucky Road Christian Church governed?
In each congregation, which has existed long enough to become fully organized, there is a plurality of elders or presbyters who serve as the governing body. These men are selected by the local congregations on the basis of qualifications set down in the Scriptures (1 Timothy 3:1-8). Serving under the elders are deacons, teachers, evangelists, or ministers. The latter do not have the authority equal to or superior to the elders. The elders are shepherds or overseers who serve under the headship of Christ according to the New Testament, which is a kind of constitution. There is no earthly authority superior to the elders of the local church.
What does Kentucky Road Christian Church believe about the Bible?
The original autographs of the sixty-six books that make up the Bible are considered to have been divinely inspired, by which it is meant that they are infallible and authoritative. Reference to the Scriptures is made in settling every religious question. A pronouncement from the Scripture is considered the final word. The basic textbook of the church and the basis for all preaching is the Bible.
God. We believe that there is one God. He is the creator and sustainer of the universe. He is all-powerful, and He has eternally existed. (Deuteronomy 6:4:4, Deuteronomy 32:39a, Genesis 1:1, Psalm 90:2)
Jesus. We believe that Jesus was and is fully God and fully man. He is the second person of the God-head, eternally existing with God from before the beginning, and the Messiah sent by God to save the world. Jesus is the only way to God, and the only means of salvation. (John 1:1, 14; Hebrews 4:15; John 3:16–17; John 14:6)
Holy Spirit. We believe that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the God-head trinity. He was eternally existing. He was a part of creation and active throughout history. We believe that when a person comes to be a Christian, they are given the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 3:16–17; John 14:16–17; John 14:26: 26)
The Bible. We believe that the Bible is the Holy Spirit inspired writings of men which give the inerrant truths of God. (2 Timothy 3:16–17)
Man. We believe that man was created in the image of God, but we are fallen creatures. We are incapable of earning our salvation from that fallen state, but God loved us very much and then offered us an opportunity to come to Him. See salvation below in order to see what we believe about salvation. (Genesis 1:26–27; Romans 3:23; John 3:16-17)
What does Kentucky Road Christian Church believe about Salvation?
In the salvation of man’s soul, there are two necessary parts: God’s part and man’s part. God’s part is the big part, “ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9). The love which God felt for man led him to send Christ into the world to redeem man. The life and teaching of Jesus, the sacrifice on the cross, and the proclaiming of the gospel to men constitute God’s part in salvation.
Though God’s part is the big part, man’s part is also necessary if man is to reach heaven. Man must accept the gift of the pardon which the Lord has announced. Man’s part of accepting the gift is clearly set forth in the following steps:
Hear the Gospel. “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” (Romans 10:14). Additional verses: John 8:47; Luke 11:28; Matthew 4:4.
Believe. “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6). Additional verses: John 3:16, 18; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 6:47; Acts 16:31; Mark 16:16.
Repent of Past Sins. “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.” (Acts 17:30). Additional verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; Matthew 4:17; 2 Peter 3:9; 1 John 1:9; Luke 24:45-47; Matthew 3:2, 8; Luke 13:3.
Confess Jesus as Lord. “If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” (Romans 10:9-10). Additional verses: Philippians 2:10-11; 1 John 4:2-3, 15; 1 Corinthians 12:3; Matthew 10:32-33.
Be Baptized for the Remission of Sins. “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 2:38). Additional verses: Acts 2:38-41; 1 Peter 3:20-21; Galatians 3:27; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 22:16; John 3:5; Mark 16:16; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Acts 8:12; Acts 16:31-33; Acts 8:35-38; Ephesians 4:4-6.
Live a Faithful Christian life. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1-3). Additional verses: Romans 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.
Do members of the Christian Church believe in the virgin birth?
Yes. The statement in Isaiah 7:14 is taken as a prophecy of the virgin birth of Christ. New Testament passages such as Matthew 1:20, 25 are accepted at face value as declarations of the virgin birth. Christ is accepted as the only begotten Son of God, uniting in his person perfect divinity and perfect manhood.
Does Kentucky Road Christian Church believe in predestination?
Only in the sense that God predestines the righteous to be eternally saved and the unrighteous to be eternally lost. The statement of the apostle Peter, “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons, but in every nation he that fears Him and works righteousness is acceptable unto him” (Acts 10:34-35) is taken as an evidence that God did not predestine individuals to be eternally saved or lost, but that each man determines his own destiny. The Gospel message is for ALL: “For God is not willing that ANY should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; Who will have ALL men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3-4).
Why does Kentucky Road Christian Church baptize only by immersion?
The word baptize comes from the Greek word “baptizo” and literally means “to dip, to immerse, to plunge.” In addition to the literal meaning of the word, immersion is practiced because it was the practice of the church in apostolic times. Still further, only immersion conforms to the description of baptisms as given by the apostle Paul in Romans 6:3-5 where he speaks of it as a burial and resurrection into newness of life.
Is infant baptism practiced at Kentucky Road Christian Church?
No. Only those who have reached the “age of accountability” are accepted for baptism. It is pointed out that the examples given in the New Testament are always of those who have heard the gospel preached and have believed it. Faith must always precede baptism, so only those old enough to understand and believe the gospel are considered fit subjects for baptism.
Do ministers of the church hear confession?
No. Ministers or evangelists of the church have no special prerogatives. They do not wear the title of Reverend or Father. Along with elders and others, they do counsel and advise those seeking help.
Are prayers addressed to the saints?
No. God the Father is considered the only one to whom the prayers may be addressed. It is further understood that Christ stands in a mediatorial position between God and man (Hebrews 7:25). All prayers are therefore offered through Christ, or in the name of Christ (John 16:23-26).
How often is the Lord’s supper taken?
A central part of the worship service is the eating of the Lord’s supper (Acts 20:7) on a weekly basis. Unless providentially hindered, each member considers this weekly appointment as important to their growth and continued relationship with the Lord (Hebrews 10:25-26). In many instances, as in the case of illness, the Lord’s supper is carried to those who are unable to attend the worship service.
Does the church of Christ believe in heaven and hell?
Yes. After death, each person must come before God in judgment, and they will be judged according to the actions/deeds done while they lived (Hebrews 9:27) and, most importantly, on whether they accepted Jesus as their Savior and Lord. After judgment is pronounced, those who are not found in Christ will be cast into the lake of fire, which is the second death (Revelation 20:11-15; Matthew 10:28), and the redeemed in Christ will inherit eternal life (Matthew 25:46; 1 John 5:13-14; John 3:16).
Does Kentucky Road Christian Church believe in purgatory?
No. The absence of any reference in the Scriptures to the temporary place of punishment from which the soul will eventually be released into heaven prevents the acceptance of the doctrine of purgatory.
By what means does the church secure financial support?
Each first day of the week, the members of the church “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. ” (1 Corinthians 16:2) and “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7). The amount of any individual gift is generally known only to the one who gave it and to the Lord. This free-will offering is the only call that the church makes. NO assessments or other levies are made.
Does Kentucky Road Christian Church have a creed?
No. At least, there is no creed in the usual sense of the word. The belief of the church is stated fully and completely in the Bible. There is no other manual or discipline to which the members of the church of Christ give their allegiance. The Bible is considered the only infallible guide to heaven.
Open Invitation:
Now that you are aware of a church in the 21st century that is built according to the blueprints of Christ’s original church, why not become a member of it? In becoming a member of Kentucky Road Christian Church (by attending our Connections Class, where you will confirm that you have already undergone the salvation process or need to do so and then placing membership through your public confession on a Sunday morning which can happen simultaneously with your conversion to Christianity), you will be called upon to do nothing that you cannot read in the New Testament. You will then live and worship just as the apostle-guided Christians of the first century did.
Not only is this return to New Testament Christianity a wonderful basis upon which all believers in Christ can unite, it is absolutely solid ground. If we do just what our Lord commanded, we know that our salvation is certain. Come with us as we restore things to the Bible, back to Christ and His church!