Soon after the resurrection of Jesus, He gave the apostles the great commission, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age, Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20 In Acts 2 we have the first gospel sermon preached by the apostles.  When Peter announced that “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” in Acts 2:36, many were cut to the heart and asked, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (v. 37) Peter responded, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit,” (v. 38).   That very day 3,000 souls were baptized for remission of sins and added to the church.  That day the church of Christ was established (Romans 16:16).  It is the purpose of the church to replicate the first century church in practice, in worship and in spirit.  The church in Rising Star strives to follow the pattern of the New Testament in doctrine, and worship.  We teach the Biblical plan of salvation.  One must have faith.  In Mark 16:16, Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”  Without faith it is impossible to please God, Hebrews 11:6.  One must confess, Romans 10:10.  “For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”  A person must repent of his sins which involves a change of life.  Jesus said, “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish” Luke 13:3.  And then one must be baptized for remission of sins, Acts 2:38 and washing those sins away, Acts 22:16.  After our obedience to the gospel we are then added to the Lord’s church, Acts 2:47.

When we worship, we strive to follow the New Testament pattern of worship.  Jesus said we are to worship in spirit and truth, John 4:24.  The spirit involves a proper mindset and attitude.  The truth is determined, not by man but by the Word of God.  Since we are commanded to sing, Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16, we sing with the spirit and understanding, 1 Corinthians 14:15.  Instrumental music is a late addition of man in about the 12th century A.D.  Since it is an addition of man, and we are commanded to sing we reject it’s use in our worship.  We observe the Lord’s Supper the first day of every week.  (See Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 11:20-29.  We offer prayers, 1 Corinthians 14:15, and take up a collection as in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2.  The Word of God is proclaimed in its power and simplicity, Romans 1:16, 2 Timothy 4:2.

When we consider the articles of our faith, we turn to the Word of God, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God,” Romans 10:17.