Our Beliefs

We want all who visit the assembly of the Graymere church of Christ or all who know us personally to feel that in some way, they are seeing Jesus in the lives of the Christians here.  Our speech, our dress, the activities we engage in, our attitude, our concern for everyone regardless of their status in life, and our love for each other and for the Lord in all that we do must set us apart from the world if we are to win the world to Christ.

Our sole source of authority for all that we do is God’s Word, the Bible, to which we are totally committed.  On any matter where the Bible speaks, we are firmly committed to its commands, precepts and principles.  We are committed to the authority of the scriptures teaching salvation by grace through faith, repentance, and baptism by immersion for the remission of sins.  We are committed to the one church that Christ established, the autonomy of the local congregation, and to the New Testament pattern of worship.  Each first day of the week the church assembles in worship with a-cappella singing, observance of the Lord’s supper, liberal giving, prayer, and teaching of God’s inspired word. 

Where God has not given a command, we believe we must follow the pattern of the early church as recorded in His Word, and, if no pattern, we feel the liberty to use our best judgment even though it may alter some previous practices. Paul makes clear the use of a pattern in his writings to Timothy: “What you heard from me, keep as a pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus (2 Tim. 1:13).  Paul further states: All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good works.” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

The Church, the Body of Christ, the Kingdom of Christ must maintain its identity both in name and in doctrine.  Within this context, the congregation must follow the dictates and examples of the New Testament.  In doing so, we thus glorify God, build relationships with Jesus, teach daily applied Christianity, stand firm against sin, avoid divisive factions, lead the wayward to salvation, teach Christian doctrine, and in all things show love.

There must be balance in the proclamation of the gospel.  By this, we mean we must not place so much of our teaching and preaching on God’s grace and love that we overlook faith, obedience, works, sin and its consequences, and the judgment to come.  Neither should we place so much emphasis on obedience or Christian works that we de-emphasize God’s saving grace and love.