About our Beliefs

The church of Christ in Madrid was begun by the work of Nolan Anderson in the early 1950's.  Through his preaching, many obeyed the gospel of Christ and thus the church was begun.  He preached here for 30 years.  In 1986, George Hutto began working with the group, and continued for four years.  Cloyce Sutton II, moved here in 1990, and preached for 12 years. Nathaniel Outcalt began here in 2003, and is the preacher at the present time.

If our existence in this community dates to the 1950's, our beliefs and practices date to the first century.  The teachings of Jesus Christ are timeless and authoritative today (Hebrews 8:15-16).  Our doctrines must be found in the word of God (1 Peter 4:11).  Our practices must be authorized by Jesus (Colossians 3:17).  Scripture alone is our guide (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

We believe that God is eternal, all powerful, and all knowing, possessing a nature unlike all other beings (Acts 17:24-29 ; Romans 1:18-23).  Three distinct beings possess this divine nature; The Father (Matthew 5:43-48 ; 6:9-15); Jesus the Son (John 1:1-4); and the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 9:14 ; 1 Corinthians 2:10-12 ; Psalm 139:7-10).  All are distinct in personality (Matthew 3:16 ; 28:19 ; Acts 10:38), yet one in purpose (Deuteronomy 6:4).

Men are saved by God in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:12).  Their salvation is from sin and its eternal consequences (James 5:20 ; Romans 6:23).  All are guilty of sin (Romans 3:23), not by nature, but by choice (Ecclesiastes 7:29), and thus need salvation.  Jesus died in our place (Isaiah 53:4-6), was resurrected, and now reigns in heaven (Acts 2:32-36 ; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4).  This is the basis of our salvation and eternal hope (1 Corinthians 15:20-28).  This salvation is offered by grace, realized through faith, initiated at baptism (Ephesians 2:8-10 ; 1 Peter 3:20-21 ; Titus 3:5-7 ; Colossians 2:9-15).

This church consists of saved people (Acts 11:19-26) who work together for the Lord by common agreement (Acts 9:26-28).  Individually they are saints (Philippians 1:1), Christians, or disciples (Acts 11:26), each descriptive of a relationship to Christ.  Each person's entire life is governed by that relationship (1 Peter 2:9 - 3:12).  Collectively they comprise a local church which seeks to strengthen its members through worship (Hebrews 10:24-25), instruction, and fellowship (Acts 2:42); to provide for the material needs of needy Christians (Acts 4:32-36 ; 11:27-30); to share in the spread of the gospel (Philippians 4:15 ; 1 Thessalonians 1:8).  The work of this church is not political, social, educational, or recreational - it is spiritual in nature.

This church is not part of a denomination.  It wears Christ's name and no other (1 Corinthians 1:10-17 ; also Romans 16:16 ; 1 Corinthians 1:2 ; 1 Thessalonians 1:1 ; 2:14).  It seeks unity in Christ, not through human traditions (Matthew 15:7-9), nor through human creeds and councils (Acts 5:29), but by the word of God (1 Thessalonians 2:13) which, when properly applied, produces common belief and practice (1 Corinthians 4:17 ; 11:16 ; Ephesians 4:4-6).

We make no apologies for looking to the first century pattern, for only in that pattern can we look to the future in hope (Philippians 3:17-21).  We are always ready to study and defend our beliefs (1 Peter 3:15), and ask the same of others.  If you have any questions, please ask us.