About Us
Simply Christians
We are simply Christians, without denominational names and practices. We
believe the Bible is the inspired word of God and we try to follow it as
our only authority in religion. Since we find no denominational names in
the Bible, we wear no such names. We have no human creeds to set forth
doctrine because the Bible contains all the Christian is to believe
(
2
Timothy 3:16-17).
The Authority Of Christ
We accept Jesus Christ as Lord and respect His authority. Jesus said,
"And why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?"
(
Luke
6:46). Adding to, or taking from, the simple instruction of
Jesus is to fail to honor Him as Lord. We have no conferences, synods,
councils, nor earthly headquarters because Christ has not authorized
these. Also, such man-made systems only serve to compete with Christ's
authority and often bind human traditions upon others, which Jesus
condemned
(
Matthew
15:3-9).
The Gospel For All
We proclaim the message of the crucified and risen Lord. We urge all
to accept God's gift of eternal life in His Son
(Romans
6:23). God's plan for salvation involves...
- Repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ
(Acts
20:21)
- Confessing Jesus as Lord
(Romans
10:10)
- Being baptized into Christ for the remission of sins
(Acts
2:38)
- Followed by a life of faithful service to Christ
(Revelation
2:10)
We understand that in order for our faith to be pleasing to God we must
trust Him to the extent of obeying Him
(
Hebrews
5:9). It is through such faith that we become God's children.
"For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For
as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ."
(Galatians
3:26-27)
Baptism, as an expression of obedient faith, is the culminating act by
which God places one in a proper relationship with Jesus Christ. We
would be happy to study the Bible with you concerning the wonderful
gospel of Jesus Christ and how one should respond to it.
The Nature Of The Church
All who are in fellowship with Christ are members of His spiritual body,
the church universal (
1
Corinthians 12:12;
Colossians 1:18). The universal church is a spiritual body, with
Jesus as its head and saved people throughout the world as members of
His body (
Ephesians
1:22-23;
Acts 2:47). As such, the universal church has no earthly or
physical organization.
Wherever Christians extend fellowship to each other in worship and
work, we find a congregation or local church. In the Bible we read about
churches in Jerusalem, Rome, and other places. These were not different
kinds of churches (as is so prevalent today), but congregations of
Christians in various places.
These congregations were independent and self-governing, each having
a plurality of elders (also known as bishops and pastors) watching out
for their souls (Acts
20:17,28;
1 Peter 5:1-4). Assisting the elders were deacons who ministered
to the needs of the congregation (Philippians
1:1;
1 Timothy 3:8-13). The members were dedicated to following the
example of the Lord in their daily lives (Ephesians
5:1-2).
The Versailles church of Christ seeks to be such a congregation of
Christians -- a church of Christ -- in our community.
What To Expect When You Visit
You may expect to be treated as an honored and respected guest. You will
not be embarrassed in any way. In keeping with our effort to carefully
follow the Bible, our worship consists only of those activities
authorized by command or example in the New Testament.
- On Sunday, the first day of the week, we observe the Lord's
Supper as a memorial of our Savior's death (Acts
20:7;
1 Corinthians 11:24-26).
- We praise God and edify one another through singing (Colossians
3:16), and offer prayers of supplication and thanksgiving (
1 Timothy 2:1-2).
- Through sermons we exhort one another to "continue steadfastly
in the apostles' doctrine" (Acts
2:42).
- Only on Sunday do we take up a collection, and this is so
members can give as they have purposed in their hearts (1
Corinthians 16:1-2;
2 Corinthians 9:7). As a visitor, you are our guest, so
please do not feel under any obligation to give.
Throughout our service, two principles govern all that we do:
- "Let all things be done for edification" (1
Corinthians 14:25)
- "Let all things be done decently and in order" (1
Corinthians 14:40)
In addition to our worship services, we have Bible classes on Sunday
morning and Wednesday evening for all ages. From age one and up, we
offer an opportunity for your systematic study of God's Word. We are
blessed to have a group of dedicated men and women who take their
teaching of God's Word seriously and prepare their classes accordingly.
Why not accept this invitation to visit and worship with the
Versailles church of Christ? We welcome your comments and questions.