Christ's Church of Deer Park

May grace and peace be given to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. As you explore the beliefs and practices discussed here, please keep in mind that there is simply no substitute for personal study and understanding of primary sources. This web site has been created to provide understanding of our reflection of the Person of Christ and the will of God expressed authoritatively in the scriptures. We hope you will study the scriptures thoroughly for yourself, enriching and challenging your understanding of doctrine, church leadership and church history. Often we feel that it would be best if we could hand each person a Bible and state, "This is Christ's Church doctrinal statement." However in order to clarify some of the specifics regarding faith, doctrine and what we practice, we have created this web to give you a clearer understanding of Christ’s Church in Deer Park. The principles you read here explain those which Christ's Church of Deer Park began and they continue to be our foundation. The leadership of Christ's Church of Deer Park stands firmly upon the foundation of Christ revealed in the Bible. We welcome honest questions and private debate. We recommend that you set aside preconceptions you may have and seriously study and test everything for yourself (see Acts 17:10-12). We also recognize diversity of opinion regarding scripture in certain areas that are open to speculation. We seek unity in things essential to have a relationship with God and allow liberty in the non-essentials.

Our purpose as a body:

1. To exalt and imitate Jesus Christ, the Son of God, in worship, in faith, and in daily living.

2. To lead sinners (all people) to Christ by rebirth into Him as revealed in Scripture.

3. To emulate the example of New Testament Christianity and pursue the unity of the Body of Christ.

We commend you for seeking after Truth. May God bless you with understanding and wisdom, as you are "diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth."(2 Timothy 2:15). Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need assistance in obtaining study materials or further explanation.

History of Christ’s Church

Christ's Church of Deer Park met for the first time on Easter Sunday, 1979. It began with a handful of dedicated people who had a vision of establishing a New Testament church, one that worshiped Jesus Christ and used only the Bible as the standard for teaching, preaching, worship and fellowship. The church has grown out of a desire by members to promote the Kingdom of God and to fulfill Christ's commission of making disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe all that Jesus commanded. It has also sought to provide Christians in the Tri-County region with a church conducting herself in the way God intended, as much like the original New Testament Church as possible.

The church has been very blessed since its start and has continued to grow. We see the Lord working in the lives of all who make up the body and we feel He will always use us if we continue to seek His will. Currently, our services on Sunday begin at 9:30 A.M. We begin with Sunday school classes for people of all ages. This is followed by the worship service at 10:45 A.M. (The number and time of services may change in the future when further growth requires a change.) Fellowship groups meet in several different home locations throughout the week for a time of praise, scriptural discussions, prayer and fellowship. On Wednesday night there is an hour-long service at 7:00 P.M. for prayer and Bible lessons.

We have an active and growing youth group for ages 7th grade through 12th grade. The youth group participates in everything from summer camps, to area-wide rallies with other Christian groups, to mission activities locally, nationally and internationally. They enjoy day hikes, weekend camp outs, game nights and many service activities for those in the local area with special needs. Spiritual growth and a deep desire to serve the Lord has become the focus of the group. The results are committed young Christians who work at accomplishing the commission of Jesus Christ.

A summary of our faith, doctrine and practices

Christ’s Church is a nondenominational church whose mission is “to make disciples, baptizing them into Christ, to obey His commandments and to love one another.”1 That mission statement is a simple explanation of why we exist but despite it’s simplicity it encompasses a life-long pursuit of our faith, the same faith “which was once for all delivered” to the apostles and disciples of Jesus Christ.2 We are a Bible-believing church intent on obeying what God has given to all of mankind through His word. This summary will briefly explain the scriptural doctrine of the gospel and salvation in Christ, as well as a few of the practices we follow. We welcome all to this body and through it we hope that people will discover the love of Jesus. We do not claim to be perfect in our pursuit of our faith yet the Perfect One, Jesus Christ the Lord, is our guide.

We call ourselves “Christians,” nothing more, nothing less, because we are a body of Christ and not one which follows any man or denomination.3 The Lord stated, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.”4 That is the central focus for Christ’s Church–that salvation for anyone is available through Jesus Christ and only through Him in the way He has proclaimed to the world. There is no other way to be saved, no other truth but His word about salvation, and no other life but His that leads to salvation.5 His gospel is the power of God given for salvation from sin.6 That gospel is that Jesus is the Son of God; born of a virgin in the likeness of sinful man; that He lived a sinless life yet was tempted by every form of evil; that according to God’s plan He was crucified on a cross as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of every man and woman; that He overcame death and was resurrected by the power of God, proving He was who He claimed; and that He will come again to receive all those in Him.7

As a body of Christians, our existence on earth is to live for Christ the Lord. This lifestyle is not just something to be done once or twice a week in the church building. Rather we try to follow Christ at home, school, work or wherever we happen to be. We seek to model ourselves after the church written about in the New Testament.8 It is a life that requires a diligent, faithful commitment from all who claim the name Christian. It is not a life that can be lived by going it alone. We only succeed by the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives and the love of Christ in a unified effort together as a body. Jesus prayed for this before He was crucified. He prayed to God, “I do not ask on behalf of these (the apostles) alone but for those (all disciples) who believe in Me through their words that they may all be one.”9 We are one in Christ and our daily lives are strengthened by that power. As a body that supports and loves one another we can face the battles of the spiritual war Satan rages against us.10 In Jesus Christ all things are possible and so despite our individual weaknesses and failures, we overcome by being in the Lord, filled with His Spirit and helping one another to walk worthy of the calling each of us has received.

The Bible is really our mission statement. It is the living word of God to teach us, correct us, convict us and train us.11 Our doctrine comes only from the scriptures and not from man-made traditions or worldly principles. Far too many times since the church began in the first century, man has either added to or changed God’s word for whatever reason. This has led to false teachings and weakened the body of Christ on earth. Therefore, we try to follow what the Bible has said regarding doctrine and daily life to the best of our ability. When we do, the fruit of our lives is the proof of a life being conformed to Christ.12

Scripture teaches that all humans are lost without Jesus Christ and that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.13 Because of that sinful nature in us, we all need to be forgiven by God in order to be saved.14 The Bible explains specifically that our forgiveness and salvation is only granted from God because of the shed blood of Jesus Christ our Lord.15 He was the only perfect sacrifice for our sins; a sacrifice that God required for man’s salvation.16 He paid the penalty that everyone deserved and for that we must be forever grateful.

God’s plan for us to receive His forgiveness begins with belief in Jesus Christ.17 A true faith then starts to develop in the honest heart and culminates in the rebirth of that person in Jesus Christ.18 In regard to this, He stated “unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”19 The apostle Paul wrote of this rebirth, “if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things have passed away; behold new things have come.”20 Therefore, when we are reborn into Christ, a new life has begun as a Christian. The Bible also states that there is “no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.”21 There is no condemnation for those born into Christ because our rebirth is the point in time at which the blood of Christ cleanses us from sin.22

This process of rebirth into Christ begins by hearing and then believing the gospel and continues by faith in the teachings of Christ.23 Without faith it is impossible to be saved. From our faith in Jesus Christ we must continue with what is revealed in the Bible by confessing Him as the Son of God and repenting of our sinful ways.23 (Repentance is a change of attitude that results in a change of heart.) Finally, as the scriptures state, we must be immersed or baptized in water.25 Jesus stated that “unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”26

Baptism is the last step of faith the sinner takes to become a Christian. We are not Christians until we are baptized into Christ. There is no other way for anyone who has willfully sinned against God to be in Christ and so to be forgiven for their sins. After Jesus was resurrected, the apostle Peter preached a gospel message to a multitude of people in Jerusalem and several thousand were convicted of their sin. They asked “what shall we do?” Peter responded “repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”27 From this and other passages, it is clear that through baptism we are cleansed by the blood of Christ for only by His blood can someone be forgiven for his or her sin. Paul explained this as well by stating we are buried into Christ’s death in our baptism and when we are raised out of the water we are born new in Christ.28 So we too, in Christ’s Church, baptize as the Lord and the apostles commanded in order to become Christians. It is an act of faith, calling upon the grace of God for the remission of our sins and to receive the Holy Spirit. There is nothing we do to earn this gift for all of the steps in the process–believing, confessing, repenting and being baptized–are merely steps of faith that God has commanded us to do to receive His gift of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Along with the forgiveness we receive at our rebirth, we also are granted the gift of the Holy Spirit.29 It is this spiritual power that God has placed in the heart and soul of Christians that enables us all to walk worthy of Him.30 The Spirit guides us and intercedes for us before God.31 The Spirit also gives us the strength and abilities we need to live as obedient followers of Christ. Among the many things the Holy Spirit gives are the spiritual fruits of love, joy, peace or self control as mentioned in the book of Galatians, or the gifts of teaching, leadership, serving, or giving as mentioned in Romans.32 God has given different measures of the Holy Spirit to different people and for different purposes. To Jesus, obviously, the measure was without limit.33 To His apostles their measure was in the form of miraculous gifts which allowed them to do such things as heal, prophesy and speak in tongues (foreign languages).34 They also had the ability to bestow these gifts to others by laying their hands on a believer. The diminishing of the miraculous gifts has occurred because the specific purposes for them were fulfilled. With the establishment of the churches and the written New Testament becoming available, the need for signs and miraculous gifts was not necessary for the spreading of the gospel. However, we are still filled with the Holy Spirit today when born into Christ and the measure granted to us provides us with the spiritual power needed to live obedient and fruitful lives in Christ.

Christ’s Church also believes in and practices the example set by the apostles regarding the Lord’s Supper.35 We center each Sunday worship service around the Lord’s Supper. The communion, as established by Jesus, is a holy meal and central to our faith. Like baptism, we consider it to be a sacrament. From it we receive spiritual growth, nourishment and forgiveness. When we receive the bread and the cup of blessing we are partaking spiritually in the body and blood of Christ as He stated.36 This very act provides direct spiritual intercession with Him and grants repentant disciples the forgiveness of the sins they have committed as Christians. This is also a time of remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice by proclaiming His death until He comes again. We invite all born-again believers to participate in the Lord’s Supper and for each person to examine himself and partake only in a manner worthy of the body and blood of the Lord.

One area of Christian church organization which has been changed many times since the beginning of the New Testament church, is the area of church leadership. Due to complications over all the years people have tried to change what the Lord ordained as a correct leadership model. Christ’s Church of Deer Park has attempted to follow what was designed in the early church by the apostles. As we have grown and matured since forming the body in 1980, we have been blessed by faithful people who have given of their lives to be involved in leadership positions. We began with men who volunteered as deacons and with an evangelist as a preaching minister. Eventually the body developed as it is today with elders, deacons, teachers and lay ministers.37

An elder is a man ordained and charged with the spiritual growth and health of the church. He must be qualified to oversee the body and protect it from false teaching, sin and division.38 He must meet the qualifications listed in the Bible in 1 Timothy and Titus.39 He must be scripturally sound, able to teach and preach the gospel and the doctrine of the scriptures. The office of elder can also, as in Christ’s Church, encompass a preaching elder called a pastor. Although the pastor may seem to be the obvious leader, all elders have equal responsibility and authority to shepherd the church body and they do so without term limit. There must always be at least a minimum of 2 elders.

A deacon (a Greek word meaning servant) is a man who is ordained and who ministers in the church in special areas of service. He is often charged with the physical concerns of the body rather than it’s spiritual well being.40 Everything from church finances, to physical needs of individuals in the body, to organizing ministries and the upkeep of the church building are some of the functions of the deacons. As well, some are fully involved with certain tasks such as teaching and leading specific ministries. They must be qualified to lead by the qualifications listed in 1 Timothy.4

Teachers and lay ministers, although not ordained, are extremely important for the growth and health of the church. Teachers are charged with imparting scriptural truths to others and to helping them apply those truths in their lives. It is a very valuable role for the church and carries great responsibility.42 As a result teachers must be solidly grounded in scripture. Lay ministers are those who lead in an area they feel spiritually compelled to become involved in. They tackle such tasks as benevolence, mission outreach, women’s mentoring, church fellowship activities, youth ministry and worship ministry. Both teachers and lay ministers are positions of leadership that all adult members of the church can seek and we encourage as many as possible to be involved in these positions.

We are certain there are many questions on any number of subjects about Christ’s Church and we encourage anyone to seek the answers to their questions. Please come to us and we will do our best to clarify any area of concern. As stated earlier, we try to faithfully follow the Bible. As you know, there are many specific areas in our daily lives that scripture is silent about and although we may have opinion on those areas, we try to recognize where scripture ends and opinion begins in order not to judge the heart of others with whom we may disagree. This can be very difficult at times but through loving hearts, godly discussion and prayer, like mindedness or a biblical consensus can occur with any given subject. The key is a clear understanding of God’s word combined with a loving attitude toward one another.43

In order for one to become a “member” of Christ’s Church of Deer Park we simply ask for confirmation that the repentant believer is a Christian. This would require confession before the body that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He has been submitted to as Lord and Savior, that the believer has been or will be immersed in the waters of baptism for the forgiveness of sins and to receive the Holy Spirit. We require no vote for membership for it is the Lord who adds people to His church. As a member we expect that person to agree to the doctrine and practices of the body, to be subject to the leaders of the body, in particular to the authority of the elders, and to be accountable to all Christians at Christ’s Church. All people who are truly born again into Christ are members of the Lord’s body throughout the world. Yet it is by example in the Bible that there be a local body made up of fellow believers to hold one another accountable and help one another to faithfully live in Christ. Christ’s Church is a church body that seeks this purpose.

The greatest struggle for Christian men and women is the life long pursuit of being obedient to the Lord and the battle against the temptations of the world. Despite being reborn into Christ we are still physically human and face the day to day struggle against temptation and sin. It is a spiritual war against the devil who knows our weaknesses and our strengths. It is because of this constant battle that we so desperately need what Paul called the “full armor of God.”44 God’s armor and power is in Jesus Christ. We receive this by rebirth into Him, by the protection and power of the Holy Spirit, by the fellowship with one another, by common worship and communion together, by studying and obeying God’s word, and by serving and loving others. These aspects of a faithful life as a Christian help us overcome the attack of the enemy and they are all equally important in the battle we face. In this battle we discover what true obedience to God really means. For when we are face to face against our enemy our eyes are opened to how strong or how weak our faith really is. This is why we, at Christ’s Church, take faith in Jesus Christ so seriously. We must be prepared for the spiritual war every one of us faces. If we live obediently to God’s word and are joined together as a committed body then we will be victorious as the Lord has promised. Praying to God, Jesus asked on behalf of all His followers that “the glory which Thou has given Me, I have given to them, that they may be one just as We are one.”45 With that in mind we seek to be one, joined together in Christ for the glory of His kingdom here on earth.

Please let us know of any questions or concerns you have. May the “grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you” in your walk.46

The elders of Christ’s Church of Deer Park,

Kurt Langland, Ray Mooney, Steve Ghering

Footnotes

1) Matt. 28:19-20; Matt. 22:37-39; Jn. 13:34-45; Jn. 15:8-13
2) Jude 3
3) Acts 11:26; Acts 26:28
4) John 14:6
5) Acts 4:12; Matt. 1:21; Acts 10:43; 1 Tim. 2:5
6) Rom. 1:16-17
7) 1 Cor. 15:1-6; Matt. 4:23; Matt. 24:14; Luke 1:26-35; Matt. 1:23-25; Heb. 4:14-16; Heb. 7:26; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Peter 1:20-22; Isaiah 53:4-6; Rom. 3:24-25; 1 John 4:10; John 20:19-31; Luke 24; Mark 16; Matt. 28; Acts 1:1-11; 1 Thes. 4:13-17; Luke 21:25-28; Dan. 7:13-14; Rev. 1:4-8; Rev. 22:12-20
8) Acts 2:41-47; Acts 4:32-34
9) John 17:20
10) Eph. 6:12; 1 Peter 5:8; Matt. 10:16-23
11) 2 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 4:12
12) Matt.7:17-21; John 15:1-8
13) John 14:6; Rom. 3:23; Rom. 6:23; Acts 4:12; Acts 10:43; John 8:21-23
14) Rom. 1:16-2:3; Rom. 5:9-21
15) Eph. 1:7; Rom. 3:24-25; 1 Peter 1:2; Heb. 9:14
16) 1 Peter 1:18-19; Heb. 9:11-14, 26; Heb. 10:4-10
17) John 3:16, 36; John 6:40; John 11: 25-26; 1 John 3:23
18) 1 Peter 1:3, 23
19) John 3:3
20) 2 Cor. 5:17
21) Rom. 8:1
22) John 3:5; 1 John 5:8,13; 1 Peter 3:21
23) John 3:16, 36; Rom. 10:14; Eph. 2:4-9
24) Rom. 10:10; Matt. 16:16; Acts 8:37; Acts 2:38; Luke 13:3; Luke 24:47; 1 John 1:5-2:17; 1 John 3:5-10; Acts 17:30; Acts 3:19-20
25) Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21; Titus 3:5; Acts 8:29-39; Acts 9:18; Acts 22:16; Acts 10:47; Acts 19:1-5; Gal. 3:26-27
26) John 3:5
27) Acts 2:37-38
28) Rom. 6:1-11; Col. 2:9-12
29) Acts 2:38-39;
30) John 14:16-17, 26; John 16:13-15; Eph. 1:13-14; Eph. 3:16; Rom. 8:3-16;
31) Rom. 8:26; Rom. 8:15-16; John 14:16
32) Gal. 5:22-23; Rom. 12:6-16
33) Luke 1:15; Matt. 3:11, 16; John 14:14-15
34) Mark 16:15-18; Acts 2:1-8, 17-21; Acts 3:1-8; Acts 5: 1-16; Acts 6:6-8; Acts 8:17-18; Acts 9:32-43; Acts 19:11-12; Acts 20:9-12
35) Acts 2:42; Acts 20:7, 11; 1 Cor. 10:16; 1 Cor. 11:23-27
36) Matt. 26:26-29; Mark 14: 22-26; Luke 22:15-20; John 6: 51-58
37) Eph. 4:11-12
38) Acts 20:17-32; Acts 14:23
39) 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-3
40) Acts 6:1-3
41) 1 Tim. 3: 8-13
42) James 3:1; Heb. 5:12-14; Eph. 4:11; 2 Tim. 2:2
43) Rom. 14: 1-23
44) Eph. 6: 10-18
45) John 17:22
46) 2 Cor. 13:14