First Christian Church
Adairsville, Georgia

Our Restoration Heritage

First Christian Church has its foundation in the Restoration Movement that began in this country during the early part of the 19th century. The movement sought to restore the simplicity of worship found in the New Testament. Some of the early leaders in this movement were Barton Stone, Thomas Campbell, Alexander Campbell, Walter Scott, and Raccoon John Smith. Early activity occurred in Virginia, North Carolina, Vermont, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Kentucky.

The group began using the name of "Christian" to identify themselves. In 1804, Barton Stone and others in Kentucky and Southern Ohio took the name of "Christian." Stone was originally affiliated with the Baptists. Thomas Campbell, his son, Alexander, and others separated from the Presbyterians in western Pennsylvania and became simply Christians only. They formed independent congregations of believers who simply desired to be Christians only.

Some of the groups that participated in the Stone and Campbell Restoration Movement were and are still known as:

1) Independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ

2) Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ)

3) Churches of Christ (non-instrumental)

Our Identity

Independent Christian Church/Church of Christ congregations are autonomous churches that have fellowship with one another. We do not claim a denominational status. We do not have a central headquarters or an official spokesperson; and we do not have a hierarchy of officials.

In 1927, the North American Christian Convention was formed. This convention has no official status among our Churches, but it serves as a meeting point for the congregations of the Restoration Movement. Each year there is also a National Missionary Convention which allows for people to come from all of our Churches to see the work being done around the world. This promotes missions and allows Churches to come and learn about new missions and determine which ones your congregation may want to support.

We have a number of independent publications such as the "Christian Standard" and the "Restoration Herald." Our fellowship has many colleges and missions such as: Cincinnati Bible College & Seminary, Kentucky Christian College, Johnson Bible College (TN), Lincoln Christian College (IL), Atlanta Christian College (GA) are to name a few. Other schools of higher learning include Emmanuel School of Religion and Milligan College (both in TN). Churches and individuals support these programs on a voluntary basis.

Directories of our Churches, Colleges, and Missions

The Directory of the Ministry is a privately printed publication that lists churches, personnel, schools, missions, and other para-church ministries. This is a yearly publication that generally costs about $25.00 and all entries listed are voluntary submissions by each congregation or agency. ANUKAN is another publication by College Press in Joplin, MO. It lists generally the same items plus it lists even more detailed information about each Church that voluntarily submits whatever information they desire to make known about themselves. It also lists what county each Church is in with a per capita earnings per home in that county. It generally costs about $15.00. For the most part, Churches in our brotherhood use one or both of these publications to stay in touch with one another, and to be aware of what is going on throughout our brotherhood of Churches. Many Ministers are able to stay in touch with other minister friends through publications like these.

Unity

We desire the unity of Christ's disciples as Jesus prayed, but we do not seek unity for unity's sake. We hold to the position that the New Testament be the basis for any unity with anyone or any Church. For nearly 200 years we have identified ourselves with the following views:

We speak where the Bible speaks.

We are silent where the Bible is silent.

In essentials unity; in opinions liberty; in all things love.

We are not the only Christians. We are Christians only.

We have no creed but Christ and no book but the Bible.

Scriptures (The Bible)

All scripture is God-breathed, given by inspiration (2 Tim.3:16). The Old Testament, which was God's revelation to the Jews, is the schoolmaster that leads us to Christ. The New Testament is God's revelation to the spiritual Israel: the Church.

God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit

God has revealed Himself to man as the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. Some refer to this as the "Godhead" or the "Trinity." Basically, it means He is One God in Three Persons. It may be difficult for finite beings like ourselves to fully comprehend God's nature. But this is how He exists and operates.

The Christ

Jesus is the second person of the Godhead who became flesh and dwelt among men. His birth to a virgin (Mary) was a true miracle. Even though tempted as a man, He did not sin. After about a very public, three year ministry, He gave His life willingly to die on a cross as the sacrifice for sin. He rose from the grave and ascended to the Father in heaven. He will return again someday...

The Church

The Church is a divinely appointed institution, a called out assembly of believers. Christ is the head of the Church. It is His body. It belongs to Him. God adds members to the Church. The local Church is a portion of the Body of Christ that meets regularly in a certain area. Each congregation is autonomous (self-rule). Jesus is our High Priest. There is no authority higher than the local level. We are not a denomination. No council, convention, nor delegation imposes a system of beliefs on the local congregation. The local congregation is under the responsibility of the elders as overseers. The names "elder" and "bishop" and "pastor" are all synonymous terms used to describe the same office. The preacher is not the pastor. He is the evangelist or minister. Deacons assist the elders in the physical matters of the church. Their role can go beyond that per approval of the elders. Stephen was a deacon who was a leader in spiritual matters as well. Philip preached on occasion. The elders and the evangelist work together to lead and feed the congregation.

Worship

The essential parts of scriptural worship are as follows:

Study of God's Word (Apostle's Doctrine).

Fellowship

The Lord's Supper

Prayer

Giving as a regular and consistent part of worship practice.

Singing to God.

An invitation to become a Christian is a regular part of our services.

The Lord's Supper

Partaking of the Lord's Supper by Christians was and is a weekly practice as a pattern of the New Testament Church. We do it in remembrance of Jesus and what He has done for us. We proclaim He is alive each time we partake of the bread which represents His body; and drink the fruit (juice) of the vine, which represents His blood which was shed for us all. Each person must examine himself/herself before partaking.

Instrumental Music

Each congregation has the liberty to use or not use instrumental music in worship. Instrumental music is neither specifically commanded nor is it condemned in the New Testament, but it is intimated by the use of forms of the Greek word, "psallo." We do not make it a test of fellowship. Although there are churches of Christ that do not use instrumental worship in our brotherhood, the majority do utilize it as an aid to worship.

Names

We use Biblical names for our members and our churches. We are Christians only. However, we don't believe we are the only Christians. In Acts 11:26 it states that the disciples of Jesus were first called "Christians" at Antioch. In Romans 16:16, the term "Churches of Christ" is used.

Terms of Salvation

By His Grace, God who loved the world has provided salvation for Mankind. This was accomplished by the sacrificial death of His Son, Jesus Christ, on a cross. God has done His part. Man now has the opportunity to do his by either accepting or rejecting God's free gift of salvation. This is accomplished in our obedience to God's Will and God's Word by doing the following:

1)Hear the Gospel; Romans 10:14

2)Believe in Jesus; John 3:16

3)Repent of our Sin; Luke 13:3

4)Confess Christ as Lord and Savior before witnesses; Matt. 10:32-33

5)Be Baptized by Immersion; Acts 2:38

6)Live a Faithful, Christian life; Romans 6:4

Baptism (Immersion)

The proper mode of baptism is by immersion. The Greek verb "baptizo" can only mean to immerse or dip under. This is spelled out clearly in the Bible. See the story of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch in Acts 8. They both went down into the water. Baptism is depicted as a burial. John the Baptist began the practice and Jesus set the example for the rest of us. It is preceded by belief and repentance. It is for our salvation, the forgiveness of sins. It allows us to symbolically participate in the death burial and resurrection of Jesus. It is how we put on Christ, call on His name, and is connected to the new birth. It is how we come in contact with the shed blood of Christ and it is how we receive the indwelling gift of the Holy Spirit. It is also part and parcel of the "Great Commission" found in Matt. 28:18-20.

Clergy

Although most congregations have ministers or a ministerial staff, there is to be no distinction of the clergy and the laity. The Bible teaches the priesthood of all believers and of Christ as the High Priest. Our minister is Lyle W. Lipps.

Eschatology (Theology of the Last Things)

Most congregations do not make a millennial view as a test of fellowship. They believe that this is a matter of opinion up to the individual. We must also note that the majority of people in our brotherhood hold to the amillenial position.

Premillenial - Christ will reign on earth for 1,000 years after His second coming. (Most of the religious world holds to this view).

Amillenial - The Kingdom of God as a reign of Christ in the hearts of believers during the time between His first and second coming.

Postmillenial - The reign of Christ as the last 1,000 years before His return.

We should point out that since no man knows the exact hour and day when the Lord will return; each of these views has some truth and some error in each of them. None of them are entirely accurate and should only be used as a point of reference or guideline.

Eternity

There is a hell to be shunned and a heavenly reward to be desired. All people have sinned and need forgiveness. Jesus Christ was virgin-born, sinless, died on the cross for our sins, was raised from the dead on the third day, and is coming again. (Matt.1:18; Hebrews 4:15; I Cor. 15:3-4, John 14:3).

Salvation is a free gift, bestowed by God's grace and received by faith. (Eph.2:8-9) Immersion in water by a professed believer is Bible baptism. (Acts 2:38, 8:36-39). And such baptism is symbolic of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, (Romans 6:1-4). A believer's salvation is secured by Christ alone (John 10:27-28).

Spiritual Gifts

Christians are endowed with spiritual gifts which enable them to serve in the Church, (Eph.4:12ff). The Holy Spirit, which every believer receives when immersed (see Acts 2:38 and Eph.1:13-14) leads and guides us. Each member should strive to use his/her gift within the church to serve the Body of Christ. Look for ways to serve or ask the elders to find a place of involvement.

Summary of Beliefs

The Bible is divinely inspired and without error (2 Tim.3:16-17) and is "a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path." (Psalms 119:105)

Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ the only begotten Son of God who died for our sin and arose from the dead. (I Cor. 15:1-8)

"All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)

Those believing in and wanting to accept Christ should repent of their sin, confess their faith, and be baptized into Him. (Romans 10:9; Acts 2:38)

The Church is the Body of Christ on earth and exists to save the Lost and edify the saved. (Ephesians 4:1-16)

Jesus Christ will one day return to earth and reign forever as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. (I Thessalonians 4:13-18)

Services and Location

We invite you to worship with us and become a part of our Church family. We are located at 113 Park Street in historic Adairsville, Georgia. You can call us at 770-773-3951.

We meet every Sunday at 9:45 am for Sunday School and 11:00 am for Worship. We also meet at 6:00 pm on Sunday night for evening worship. We also meet on Wednesday night at 7:00 pm for prayer and bible study and youth programs. Except during the summer months, we have FEAST (Fellowship, Eat, And Study Together) on Wednesday evenings at 6:00; when we serve a fellowship meal for anyone who wants to come. Please try to meet with us sometime soon.

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