Who We Are
Southside Christian Church is a part of a group of churches known as the Independent Christian Churches and Churches of Christ. This group of churches grew out of the “Restoration Movement,” which began when believers distressed with creeds, legalism, and denominations, sought to build the church only on the foundation of Christ and to know no other creed but Him. To this end, Biblical Authority and Christian Unity are the two guiding principles of the “Restoration Movement.”
We do not call ourselves a denomination, because we believe that we are “Not the only Christians,” but that we are “Christians Only.” We have no other creed than Christ and no other book but the Bible.
What We Believe
We believe there is One God, who is the creator of all the universe and who eternally exists in three persons: The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. (Genesis 1:1; Matthew 28:19-20)
We believe Jesus is the one and only Son of God and Savior of world. (John 3:16; 1 John 2:1-2)
Not only is Jesus the Son of God, but we believe He is God. This reflects our belief in the Trinity of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. (John 1:1; John 14:25-26)
We believe Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, willing died on the cross for the sins of man, rose from the dead on the third day, ascended to heaven and will return to earth to establish eternity. (Matthew 1:18-25; Philippians 2:5-11; Acts 1:9-11)
We believe that the Holy Spirit is received by believers upon baptism. That it is ever-active in the believer’s life, providing power, help, and guidance. We believe the Holy Spirit not only convicts us of sin but helps us overcome sin. We believe the Holy Spirit manifests in each believer special gifts for serving Jesus and others. (Luke 11:13; John 16:13; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:38; Romans 8:1-27; John 16:8)
We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God. That it is accurate and trustworthy. It is the basis for our beliefs, and it is our guide for living out our faith. (Matthew 4:4; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12)
We believe that all of mankind has sinned and is therefore separated from God. Because of this we need saved. (Romans 3:23)
Salvation can only be found in Jesus Christ. We are not save by our works, but by God’s mercy and grace. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
We believe that any person, who desires to be saved by the grace of God, must believe that Jesus is Lord and Savior and proclaim Him as such, repent of sin and then respond by being baptized (by immersion). In response the Bible promises forgiveness of sin, the gift of the Holy Spirit and the promise of Eternal life. (Acts 2:38)
We believe the Church is the body of Christ on earth that and is God’s plan for sharing the hope of Jesus with the world. As believers, we are the Church and are to be part of the Church. (Matthew 16:18; Hebrews 10:24-25)
We believe Jesus is the head of the Church, that elders are appointed to shepherd and oversee the local church and every member is called to use their gifts to serve others. (Ephesians 5:23; Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31)