there is a difference

There is a difference...OUR GOD

"Acquaint now thyself with him and be at peace." (Job 22:21) The God of the popular mind and of many a present-day pulpit is an object of pity rather than awe inspiring reverence. To say that Christ died to save the whole human race, and yet believe that a great number of mankind is lost and will spend eternity in Hell, is to say that God is disappointed, dissatisfied and defeated. This concept of a dethroned and degraded God is not worthy of thinking, worshiping men. The God of the Bible, and His Son the Lord Jesus Christ that we worship, is absolutely sovereign. He does whatsoever he will "in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth." He is not a beggar pleading with men to accept him, but a ruling Lord who has "made us accepted in the beloved." He is not frustrated by the sin of men; for as the Most High he has said, "I have spoken it, I will bring it to pass, I have purposed it, I will also do it." He is the unchangeable, supreme, holy God, and sovereign in all his attributes.

There is a difference...OUR WORSHIP

"Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word or our epistle." (II Thessalonians 2:15) The Tyler Church has a new, modern building and has taken advantage of new technology. When it comes to the worship service, however, we desire to be as old as the New Testament. We want to include in our worship service only those things which are prescribed in the writings of the apostles. Those things are singing, praying, and preaching. The purpose of our meeting together is to praise and adore Jesus Christ, and to instruct the people of God. The feeling is sincerity, the form is simplicity. The man-made organizations and activities that so often hinder the believer from properly serving his Lord are absent. We have found that the plain, pure worship given to the early church is quite sufficient to meet the issues of today. It completely fills the needs of men and women, rich and poor, young and old, and all who feel the necessity of a gracious, victorious savior.

There is a difference...OUR FELLOWSHIP

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." Psalms 133:1 The heart of a child of God longs for others of a kindred spirit to share the joys and sorrows of this pilgrim journey. Tyler Church fills this need for a small band of baptized believers. The fellowship is warm, genuine and lasting. The uniting factor of this bond is the Spirit of Jesus Christ and the common faith in the gospel of grace. This mystical union in the body of Christ is expressed in sharing, strengthening, caring and praying for one another. The love of the members for each other is shown in a practical manner in the encouragement and care of the depressed, the sick and the aged. Upon visiting the sick, the pastor generally finds that others of the membership have preceded him. Cards often flood the homes of those in need, especially during personal tragedy. Prayers are asked for and offered without hesitation. This fellowship is not based on saints reveling in self-righteousness, but in forgiven sinners rejoicing in the mercy and grace of God.

There is a difference...OUR RESPONSIBILITY

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." Romans 12:1 The majority of religious leaders interpret the Bible as teaching that there are conditions such as accepting Christ, or baptism, that are required in order for a person to become a child of God. We believe that the Bible clearly teaches that good works, faith, baptism and all other spiritual activities are evidences that a person is already born again, rather than conditions of salvation. The person who brings forth good works is manifesting that they have already been born again by the Spirit of God. The commandments of the Lord, however, are to be obeyed in love and godly fear. This is not in order to gain eternal life, but in gratitude to the one who bestows eternal life, by His free and sovereign grace. The child of God who claims a hope of deliverance in Jesus Christ should deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow his Lord. This includes baptism, prayer, and searching the Holy Scriptures. It also includes applying the principles of God's word at work, school and especially in family life. God has made a difference in the destiny and nature of His people; His people should show by their lives that, indeed, there is a difference.