| The Riverview Family
The family here at Riverview strives to maintain the closeness
and love for one another that Jesus talks about in... John 13:34-35 "A
new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must
love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples,
if you love one another."
First established in 1947 on Sharon Place in Bakersfield (Oildale). The
present building at 241 East Roberts Lane was completed in 1985.
Our Biblical Foundation
We follow no doctrine or creed except the Bible. In all things
we endeavour to follow the instructions and examples of Jesus, the apostles
and early Christians. In keeping with this ideal, our meetings are quite
simple in organization and structure. Our meetings include prayers for
one another and for specific needs. Our singing includes traditional hymns
and contemporary spiritual songs a cappela. Our desire is to preach/teach
Biblical truth that is relevant for all who attend. We remember the death
of Jesus as a sacrifice for our sins every Sunday by participating in what
is known as communion.
The following answers some frequently asked questions:
We have no special code of dress in attendance. We do believe that there
is wisdom in presenting ourselves in a humble and honest fashion when we
come together. For some, their best is a suit and tie, for others it is
shorts and a tee shirt. We are judges of no man, but only servants of one
another.
Our children are precious to us. Within our meetings we have made opportunity
to present the lesson of the day in a format the small children can learn
from and grow in their knowledge of the Word of God. We encourage parents
to take the primary role of teaching in the lives of their children.
We encourage all Christians to participate in communion. Communion is
eating of unleavened bread (bread without yeast) and grape juice. We do
this following the example of what Jesus told his disciples to do in remembrance
of Him. We understand that unless a person is in Christ (a baptized believer),
this has no real relevance to or for him or her. The bread without yeast
represents the body of Christ. The grape juice represents the blood of
Christ. In short, in order for Jesus to be a worthy sacrifice for our sin
(to die for us and instead of us), He was perfect. As yeast represents
sin in the Bible, we eat bread and juice without yeast (leaven).
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Regarding musical instruments and 'Sunday School Classes':
This congregation began as an a capella (singing with voices only) church.
This has been its custom and the preference of the congregation. The same
is true in regard to Bible classes by age group. The reasoning, has been
to follow the example and leading of the New Testament as much as possible.
Since there is no New Testament evidence of instrumental music or Bible
classes when the church gathers on the first day of the week, they are
not included.
There is no 'church membership' other than membership in the body of
Christ. We are added to Christ's church when we are baptized into Christ
for its proper purpose (see How one is saved). We do encourage baptized individuals
to make a commitment of service to a local church wherein they might devote
themselves to the Apostle's teaching, fellowship, communion and prayers.
God made no one to be an island unto themselves. He realized our need of
one another and others need of us. We have all been supplied with talent
and power to accomplish the will of God, and He combines this all through
the church (the group of believers who meet together).
This congregation makes no laws in regard to giving. We realize that
when we 'give' ourselves to God, all belongs to Him and we are simply stewards
(responsible to use correctly) what is within our hands. We have opportunity
each first day of the week for all to give as they have chosen to give.
Tithing: We know that Abraham (before the Law of Moses) gave tithes to
a high priest (Melchizadek). We are told that Jesus is a high priest just
like Melchizadek and therefore tithing is relevant to each of us.
Gifts and Offerings: We know that the early church brought gifts and offerings
to the church in order to help the people of the church as they had need.
We also recognize that those who only preached the word (not working for
a living) had needs also that were filled by the gifts and offerings of
the Christians. This is why we give all the Christians the opportunity
to give as they have prospered and purposed in their heart.
How one is saved?
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