The church of Christ at Orleans, IN began in 1963 when the late Emory Johnson and Geroge Galloway, and a few other devoted Christians determined this area needed the truth of God's Word. Since that early beginning, the number of faithful Christians meeting in this place has grown and remained faithful to the content of God's Word (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Presently, we average thirty-five in attendance and have every desire to teach the truth of God's Word to many more interested souls!
When you assemble with us ... you will find a warm welcome and a fervent desire to study from the Bible -- God's Word. Our singing is acapella (i.e. without instrumental music), for it comes from our hearts, just as commanded by the inspired apostle Paul (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). We pray frequently and fervently (1 Thessalonians 5:17; James 5:16), and not to be "heard of men," (Matthew 6: 5 - 9) but to express our thanksgiving to God and ask His continued care on our behalf (1 Timothy 2: 1 - 6; Philippians 4:6). Upon each first day of the week, we will partake of the Lord's Supper - the memorial of His death (1 Corinthians 11:23 - 29). This is in accordance with the example set by the early Christians (Acts 20:7), which example we intend to follow carefully (Acts 2:42). Additionally, the members of this local work will give as they have been prospered (1 Corinthians 16:1 - 2) that the work of our Lord might continue in good fashion within this community. We do NOT expect those who are not a part of this local work to contribute, inasmuch as the stated scriptures regarding giving indicate the necessity of the local members giving that they might have to distribute to needy saints (Romans 12:13; 15:26; 2 Corinthians 9:12) and for the evangelism of the gospel (Philippians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 9:14.) Of course, the preaching and teaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ is included in every service. (2 Timothy 2:15 - 19; 4: 1 - 8) We recognize the GOSPEL is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16 - 17) and that without it, no one can receive faith (Romans 10:17); nor could they know what to do to be saved in obedience to this gospel (Acts 8: 26 - 40).
What we teach and preach ... is the TRUTH -- nothing more and nothing less; the TRUTH of God's Word (John 8:32). We strive diligently to put a "book, chapter and verse" with every word and deed of our practice. (Colossians 3:17) Since Christ is the head of the church (Colossians 1:18), we have no authority to promote our own ideas and desires. We can but speak the gospel, (1 Corinthians 2:2; Acts 20:18 - 21), neither adding to nor subtracting from its content (Revelation 22:18 - 19). Further, since the church of Christ is HIS church and we are simply members of it, (1 Corinthians 12:12; 1 Peter 2: 1- 10) we realize Christ is "all all-sufficient us (Colossians 2:10) and therefore the church is without the need of man-made institutions to complete its work. (Ephesians 2: 19 - 22)
Regarding salvation ... we carefully follow the pattern established in the New Testament, beginning with the preaching of Peter on the day of Pentecost first following the resurrection of Jesus Christ (see Acts 2). Individuals HEARD the gospel (Romans 10:17), BELIEVED the gospel (John 8:24; Mark 16:16), CONFESSED JESUS CHRIST AS THE ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD (Matthew 10:32 - 33; Acts 8:37), REPENTED OF THEIR SINS (Luke 13: 2 - 5; Acts 17:30 - 31) and were BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST for the remission of their sins (Acts 2:38 - 41; Romans 6:1 - 6). We know from Romans 6:4 and Colossians 2:12 that baptism is a "burial in water", and so we practice baptism as they did in the New Testament: IMMERSION.
Of course, we also acknowledge the necessity of being FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH (Revelation 2:10; 2 Peter 1:5 - 11). From these passages and many more, we recognize faithfulness is not limited to assembling with regularity at services (Hebrews 10:22 - 31) but is a matter of LETTING CHRIST JESUS LIVE IN US (Colossians 3: 1 - 4; Galatians 2:20).
If these realities pique your interest in God and godly things, we would love to have Bible study with you. You are welcome to assemble with us, or contact us for a private study either here or at your home -- wherever we can mutually meet without interruption to open only the Word of God and study! We aim to simply be Christians -- God's children (2 Corinthians 6:14 - 18). We intend to go to heaven when this life is over (Hebrews 9:17; Philippians 1:21 - 24), realizing we must be of faithful service to Him until that appointed time (Revelation 14:13). We welcome your study and understanding of these truths!