“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and GREATER works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father” John 14:12
COME AND BE GREATER WITH US!
"Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world" I John 4:4
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and GREATER works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father” John 14:12
COME AND BE GREATER WITH US!
"Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world" I John 4:4
The Garfield "GREATER" Hts. Church of Christ is an nondenominational fellowship of Christians who have banded together to glorify God, edify one another and do the Lord’s work.
We believe in the bible as our inspired creed. The scriptures of God's word are sufficient enough to guide us and prepare us completely, thoroughly equipping us for every good work
(II Timothy 3:16-17).
With the bible as our guide we share with joy a few of the themes we teach from the Bible.
We Teach:
God: We teach God is the creator of all things (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1,2). We also teach that God is father, God is Son and God is Holy Spirit. (Matthew 3:16-17 / Acts 2:32-33). And we are still monotheistic in our belief. (Deut 6:4)
God’s Kingdom: We teach the kingdom was established in the earth after the resurrection, (Matt 28:18 / Mark 1:15), opened on the day of Pentecost, (Acts 2), this kingdom on earth is His church (Matthew 16:18-19 / Acts 2:47) We teach that entrance in to this kingdom is by baptism, absolute immersion in water. (John 3:5) In the book of Acts beginning in chapter 2, history informs us that baptism was an intricate part of the good news, message of hope, gospel. whatever Phillip shared with the Eunuch about Jesus it led to a conversation about baptism. (Acts 8:35/36) We teach, "Baptism does now also save us". (1Pet 3:20,21) We hold true to the fact that it salvation is not in the water its because of our faith and in obedience to immerse in the water that God saves us.
God’s Plan to Redeem Us
Jesus Christ: Jesus, Emmanuel born to save his people from their sin. (Matt 1:21) The Lamb of God, the complete sacrifice, that takes away the sin of the world. (John 1:29 / (Isaiah 53:7) His blood as the atonement, (Rom 3:25), his blood as the propitiation for our guilt, (1John 2:1,2). He died in our place so that we, through Him, might die to sin instead of dying because of our sins (Romans 6:1-8; II Corinthians 5:14-15). Without the sacrifice of Jesus, no man could be saved because all men have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23)
The Grace of God: We teach salvation can not be earned. It is a gift from God. (Rom 3:23 / 6:23). Having sinned, any righteous-ness we might pursue of our own is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). We are saved by God’s grace, without which no one can be saved (Ephesians 2:4-8). In this grace, under the redemption of God we are free from any and all guilt as we walk in Christ Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. (Rom 8:1,2)
The Holy Ghost In Redemption: We teach that in our redemption, according to our obedience, (Acts 2:38 / Acts 5:32, God gifts us with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This indwelling is the earnest of God's love and care for us as our Father. (Eph 1:14 / 2Cor 1:22) As His redeemed God never wants us to be without His presence and guidance. In fact Jesus promised to never leave us as orphans. (John 14:17,18) the Holy Spirit will assist us in the Will of God and the Way of our Lord.
Living in Christ: Having become children of God by the blood of Jesus Christ, Romans 6 teaches we must now submit ourselves to Christ, walking in the Spirit. We are not free to live as we choose, but have become slaves of righteousness. If we again submit ourselves to sin as its slaves, we will again earn the wages of sin, which is death (Romans 6:23). If we turn from faith in Jesus Christ, we will be severed from the body of Christ; we will fall from and no longer participate in the grace God offers (Galatians 5:4). If we entangle ourselves again in the defilements of the world, we will be like pigs who have been washed but returned to the mire or dogs who return to their own vomit and our state as fallen Christians is worse even than our state before we became Christians at all (II Peter 2:20-22). As such, we teach it is important to individually grow in Christ.
Growing in Christ
Making Our Election Sure: Though our individual goal is to grow to perfection in Jesus Christ, we teach progress not perfection. Christianity is about continual growth no matter how long we have been walking with the Lord. II Peter 1:5-11 says we make our election sure not because we have finally attained perfection today, but because we are increasing the following characteristics:
1. Faith – believing in God, but also believing God and trusting that His way works
2. Virtue – doing the right thing because it is the right thing
3. Knowledge – getting God’s word into our heads and our hearts
4. Self-control – doing what is right in the face of persuasion to do otherwise
5. Steadfastness – stringing moments of self-control together even in the face of persecution
6. Godliness – honoring God and revering Him with every action
7. Brotherly affection – treating our brethren with kindness, tender-heartedness and forgiveness
8. Love – obeying God from the heart and seeking what is best for others
The Fruit of the Spirit: Our goal is to use our “talents” (Matthew 25:14-30) to bear fruit for God’s glory (John 15:8). When we are sowing to the Spirit instead of to the flesh, we know we will produce the fruit of the Spirit in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23). That is the goal we teach every Christian. Therefore, we are constantly working to grow in…
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self-control
In Jesus’ Name: Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father though Him” (ESV). We believe each Christian must live his/her life in accord with and based upon the authority of Jesus Christ as revealed in the New Testament. This is not merely a matter of what local congregations do, but how individual Christians act. We seek the blessing, permission and authority of Jesus for how we behave.
The Organization of the Church
The Church Universal: We teach that Jesus came into the world to establish one church (Matthew 16:18) made up of all the saved of all time in every place (Acts 2:47). It is the spiritual kingdom of Christ, the new and heavenly Jerusalem, Mt. Zion and the general assembly of all those granted the blessing of the firstborn (Hebrews 12:22-24) and the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:23-25, 31-32). This church has no divisions, no sub-categories, no denominations. It has no earthly head. Its only head and shepherd is Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23; I Peter 5:4).
Local Churches: While Jesus established only one universal body of believers, Christians in general geographical locations band together to form local congregations as seen especially in the letters to the churches (I Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:2; Revelation 1:4). While there are many congregations, these congregations are not connected through any formal hierarchy or superstructure. Rather, each individual congregation is autonomous or self-governed. When men are qualified, each congregation should establish bishops, also known as pastors, elders, shepherds, overseers to shepherd the flock of God among them (Acts 14:23; I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; I Peter 5:1-4). These men have authority to lead and feed within the local congregation, based upon the direction of the Chief Shepherd through His word, but have no authority beyond that and must not establish some office over more than one congregation. The congregation is served by deacons, men who have devoted their lives to ministering within the congregation at the direction of the shepherds (Acts 6:1-6; Philippians 1:1; I Timothy 3:8-13). The congregation is often taught by evangelists, whose job is to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to lost and saved alike. His role as teacher among the congregation is described in I Timothy, II Timothy and Titus.
Church Rank: While there are special roles God has established within His church, there is no higher rank than a saintly servant. We do not seek to climb up the ladder to higher ranks within the church or lord over our brethren, His sheep Rather, once we have been baptized into Christ and saved by His grace we enjoy all the riches of Christ Jesus in heavenly places, (Eph 1:3), as servants in His kingdom (Matt 25:23) We teach Elders, (Pastor / Shepherd), Ministers, Deacons, Evangelists and Teachers as those whom the Lord has established to guide and build the church in the shape of the holy scriptures. (Eph 4:11,12 / 2Tim 2:24 / 1Tim 3:2 / Titus 1:9) we teach all members are teachers one to another in the degree of sharpening one another. (Prov 27:17)
The Work of the Church
We work in accord with the goals God has given His church. (Matt 5:13,14)
Give Glory to God: According to Ephesians 3:21, the over-arching purpose of the body of believers is to glorify God. Each local congregation, is a visible representation of the universal kingdom of our Lord’s body, (1Pet 2:9,10) Revelation 4:11 provides insight to this work showing that giving glory to God means worshipping Him, declaring His worth, lifting Him up as we humble and cast ourselves down. Our duty is not to proclaim ourselves or glorify our work, our programs, our plans, our size, our building. Our duty is to point the glory to God. Leviticus 10:1-3 also gives us guidance about giving glory to God. Those who would draw near to God must glorify Him. We can only do that when we do the work He has given us His way. When we do what we feel is good and right without gaining God’s approval through Scripture, we are not glorifying Him. As such, we strive to find authority from the New Testament for everything we do.
Pillar and Ground of the Truth: According to I Timothy 3:15, the purpose of Christ’s church is to be the pillar and ground of the truth. The church’s job is not to discover the truth or decide what is truth. The church’s job is to uphold the truth and stand on the truth. Pillar - upholds. Ground - supports under.. Of course, John 14:6 explains that Jesus is “the way, and the truth, and the life.” Upholding the truth means upholding Jesus for the world to see. That means upholding who Jesus is, what He stands for, what He said through His word. The purpose for upholding the truth is explained in John 8:32, in which Jesus explained that the truth will set us free. We are not interested in upholding a set of rules to explain how right we are.
Limited to God’s Work: We believe there are all kinds of good causes in the world today. However, the church’s mission is not to champion good causes, but be cause for good. The church produces good, and shows forth the greatness of God in the worst of times. The presence of the church will compliment some of the needs of society, the political, social justice, feeding the hungry needs, however, the God given agenda of the church is to help all people see Him, be saved by Him and serve Him, then all these things shall be added to them.
(Matt 6:33)
The Garfield "GREATER" Hts. Church of Christ is an nondenominational fellowship of Christians who have banded together to glorify God, edify one another and do the Lord’s work.
We believe in the bible as our inspired creed. The scriptures of God's word are sufficient enough to guide us and prepare us completely, thoroughly equipping us for every good work
(II Timothy 3:16-17).
With the bible as our guide we share with joy a few of the themes we teach from the Bible.
We Teach:
God: We teach God is the creator of all things (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1,2). We also teach that God is father, God is Son and God is Holy Spirit. (Matthew 3:16-17 / Acts 2:32-33). And we are still monotheistic in our belief. (Deut 6:4)
God’s Kingdom: We teach the kingdom was established in the earth after the resurrection, (Matt 28:18 / Mark 1:15), opened on the day of Pentecost, (Acts 2), this kingdom on earth is His church (Matthew 16:18-19 / Acts 2:47) We teach that entrance in to this kingdom is by baptism, absolute immersion in water. (John 3:5) In the book of Acts beginning in chapter 2, history informs us that baptism was an intricate part of the good news, message of hope, gospel. whatever Phillip shared with the Eunuch about Jesus it led to a conversation about baptism. (Acts 8:35/36) We teach, "Baptism does now also save us". (1Pet 3:20,21) We hold true to the fact that it salvation is not in the water its because of our faith and in obedience to immerse in the water that God saves us.
God’s Plan to Redeem Us
Jesus Christ: Jesus, Emmanuel born to save his people from their sin. (Matt 1:21) The Lamb of God, the complete sacrifice, that takes away the sin of the world. (John 1:29 / (Isaiah 53:7) His blood as the atonement, (Rom 3:25), his blood as the propitiation for our guilt, (1John 2:1,2). He died in our place so that we, through Him, might die to sin instead of dying because of our sins (Romans 6:1-8; II Corinthians 5:14-15). Without the sacrifice of Jesus, no man could be saved because all men have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23)
The Grace of God: We teach salvation can not be earned. It is a gift from God. (Rom 3:23 / 6:23). Having sinned, any righteous-ness we might pursue of our own is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). We are saved by God’s grace, without which no one can be saved (Ephesians 2:4-8). In this grace, under the redemption of God we are free from any and all guilt as we walk in Christ Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. (Rom 8:1,2)
The Holy Ghost In Redemption: We teach that in our redemption, according to our obedience, (Acts 2:38 / Acts 5:32, God gifts us with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This indwelling is the earnest of God's love and care for us as our Father. (Eph 1:14 / 2Cor 1:22) As His redeemed God never wants us to be without His presence and guidance. In fact Jesus promised to never leave us as orphans. (John 14:17,18) the Holy Spirit will assist us in the Will of God and the Way of our Lord.
Living in Christ: Having become children of God by the blood of Jesus Christ, Romans 6 teaches we must now submit ourselves to Christ, walking in the Spirit. We are not free to live as we choose, but have become slaves of righteousness. If we again submit ourselves to sin as its slaves, we will again earn the wages of sin, which is death (Romans 6:23). If we turn from faith in Jesus Christ, we will be severed from the body of Christ; we will fall from and no longer participate in the grace God offers (Galatians 5:4). If we entangle ourselves again in the defilements of the world, we will be like pigs who have been washed but returned to the mire or dogs who return to their own vomit and our state as fallen Christians is worse even than our state before we became Christians at all (II Peter 2:20-22). As such, we teach it is important to individually grow in Christ.
Growing in Christ
Making Our Election Sure: Though our individual goal is to grow to perfection in Jesus Christ, we teach progress not perfection. Christianity is about continual growth no matter how long we have been walking with the Lord. II Peter 1:5-11 says we make our election sure not because we have finally attained perfection today, but because we are increasing the following characteristics:
1. Faith – believing in God, but also believing God and trusting that His way works
2. Virtue – doing the right thing because it is the right thing
3. Knowledge – getting God’s word into our heads and our hearts
4. Self-control – doing what is right in the face of persuasion to do otherwise
5. Steadfastness – stringing moments of self-control together even in the face of persecution
6. Godliness – honoring God and revering Him with every action
7. Brotherly affection – treating our brethren with kindness, tender-heartedness and forgiveness
8. Love – obeying God from the heart and seeking what is best for others
The Fruit of the Spirit: Our goal is to use our “talents” (Matthew 25:14-30) to bear fruit for God’s glory (John 15:8). When we are sowing to the Spirit instead of to the flesh, we know we will produce the fruit of the Spirit in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23). That is the goal we teach every Christian. Therefore, we are constantly working to grow in…
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self-control
In Jesus’ Name: Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father though Him” (ESV). We believe each Christian must live his/her life in accord with and based upon the authority of Jesus Christ as revealed in the New Testament. This is not merely a matter of what local congregations do, but how individual Christians act. We seek the blessing, permission and authority of Jesus for how we behave.
The Organization of the Church
The Church Universal: We teach that Jesus came into the world to establish one church (Matthew 16:18) made up of all the saved of all time in every place (Acts 2:47). It is the spiritual kingdom of Christ, the new and heavenly Jerusalem, Mt. Zion and the general assembly of all those granted the blessing of the firstborn (Hebrews 12:22-24) and the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:23-25, 31-32). This church has no divisions, no sub-categories, no denominations. It has no earthly head. Its only head and shepherd is Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23; I Peter 5:4).
Local Churches: While Jesus established only one universal body of believers, Christians in general geographical locations band together to form local congregations as seen especially in the letters to the churches (I Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:2; Revelation 1:4). While there are many congregations, these congregations are not connected through any formal hierarchy or superstructure. Rather, each individual congregation is autonomous or self-governed. When men are qualified, each congregation should establish bishops, also known as pastors, elders, shepherds, overseers to shepherd the flock of God among them (Acts 14:23; I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; I Peter 5:1-4). These men have authority to lead and feed within the local congregation, based upon the direction of the Chief Shepherd through His word, but have no authority beyond that and must not establish some office over more than one congregation. The congregation is served by deacons, men who have devoted their lives to ministering within the congregation at the direction of the shepherds (Acts 6:1-6; Philippians 1:1; I Timothy 3:8-13). The congregation is often taught by evangelists, whose job is to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to lost and saved alike. His role as teacher among the congregation is described in I Timothy, II Timothy and Titus.
Church Rank: While there are special roles God has established within His church, there is no higher rank than a saintly servant. We do not seek to climb up the ladder to higher ranks within the church or lord over our brethren, His sheep Rather, once we have been baptized into Christ and saved by His grace we enjoy all the riches of Christ Jesus in heavenly places, (Eph 1:3), as servants in His kingdom (Matt 25:23) We teach Elders, (Pastor / Shepherd), Ministers, Deacons, Evangelists and Teachers as those whom the Lord has established to guide and build the church in the shape of the holy scriptures. (Eph 4:11,12 / 2Tim 2:24 / 1Tim 3:2 / Titus 1:9) we teach all members are teachers one to another in the degree of sharpening one another. (Prov 27:17)
The Work of the Church
We work in accord with the goals God has given His church. (Matt 5:13,14)
Give Glory to God: According to Ephesians 3:21, the over-arching purpose of the body of believers is to glorify God. Each local congregation, is a visible representation of the universal kingdom of our Lord’s body, (1Pet 2:9,10) Revelation 4:11 provides insight to this work showing that giving glory to God means worshipping Him, declaring His worth, lifting Him up as we humble and cast ourselves down. Our duty is not to proclaim ourselves or glorify our work, our programs, our plans, our size, our building. Our duty is to point the glory to God. Leviticus 10:1-3 also gives us guidance about giving glory to God. Those who would draw near to God must glorify Him. We can only do that when we do the work He has given us His way. When we do what we feel is good and right without gaining God’s approval through Scripture, we are not glorifying Him. As such, we strive to find authority from the New Testament for everything we do.
Pillar and Ground of the Truth: According to I Timothy 3:15, the purpose of Christ’s church is to be the pillar and ground of the truth. The church’s job is not to discover the truth or decide what is truth. The church’s job is to uphold the truth and stand on the truth. Pillar - upholds. Ground - supports under.. Of course, John 14:6 explains that Jesus is “the way, and the truth, and the life.” Upholding the truth means upholding Jesus for the world to see. That means upholding who Jesus is, what He stands for, what He said through His word. The purpose for upholding the truth is explained in John 8:32, in which Jesus explained that the truth will set us free. We are not interested in upholding a set of rules to explain how right we are.
Limited to God’s Work: We believe there are all kinds of good causes in the world today. However, the church’s mission is not to champion good causes, but be cause for good. The church produces good, and shows forth the greatness of God in the worst of times. The presence of the church will compliment some of the needs of society, the political, social justice, feeding the hungry needs, however, the God given agenda of the church is to help all people see Him, be saved by Him and serve Him, then all these things shall be added to them.
(Matt 6:33)