san bernardino ​ ​
​ church  of Christ

651 West 48th Street​​
San Bernardino CA 92407
909.236.7195 ​

Version 2018-0524
​​established 1908 according to a pattern as ancient as ​​the 1st century a.d.

ABOUT

Introducing Ourselves

Who we are

We are a church of Christ in the most Biblical way possible. Being Christians individually, together we are a church. We are HIS church and we wear His name.

We are baptized believers, raised to walk in “newness of life” (Romans 6:3-4) through faith in the God’s work of salvation in Christ (Colossians 2:12). We are not perfect, but rather, forgiven.

We are a diverse group of Christians, from many ages and different backgrounds, including several ethnicities and levels of education. We are not ashamed to wear the name of our Lord and that is why the Bible identifies people like us as “the church” or a church that belongs to Christ. It is a description, not a name.

You may hear us refer to one another as brother or sister. What you will not hear is men being glorified for their power, position or fame. We don’t exalt their money, nor do we call them “Father,” as though they have power over us (Matthew 23:9). Neither do our preachers, elders, deacons or others use religious titles that set them apart from others, so you will not hear about Pastor John, or Bishop Paul, or Deacon George, or Elder Ringo.

We are not affiliated with any denominations, including those that have “Church of Christ” in their names or posted on their signs. Rather, we belong to Him Who called us by His own glory and power. After all, it is all about Him, isn’t it?

When to arrive

If it is your first visit then it is probably best to show up around 9:15 AM on Sunday, 2:45 PM Sunday afternoon, as well as 6:45 PM on Wednesday.. 

We have plenty of free parking for those who are driving. Handicapped parking is near and convenient. We even have room for your motor home, if that’s what you are driving. You are welcome to park your motor home alongside the hedges across from the front door and can turn around your rig using the Fire Department "No Parking" areas in the parking lot.

Once you are here, you are welcome to come on in before the assembly convenes. And, if you have any questions about us, we will be happy to answer them as completely as we can.

How to get  here

Google Maps can give you great directions. 

Convenient bus stops are very close to our building (see Omnitrans Routes 2 or 5 are probably the best ways to get very near the church building, since it hits just about everything you will need or everyplace from which you will be coming, including the following:

  • Cal State San Bernardino and Loma Linda via Kendall, E Street, Hospitality and Tipppecanoe/Anderson. 
  • San Bernardino Transit Center (downtown)
  • Cajon High School
  • Cal State University San Bernardino
  • Hall of Records (Loma Linda)
  • Inland Center Mall
  • Jerry L. Pettis Memorial VA Hospital (LL)
  • Loma Lin
  • da University Medical Center
  • Orange Show (south downtown)
  • Ronald McDonald House (LL)
  • Route 66 Museum (central SB)
  • San Bernardino Adult School (E/Baseline)
  • San Bernardino City Hall
  • San Bernardino High School & Stadium

In particular, Route 5 services the Cal State-SB area, and several other routes are connectors from Chino, Montclair, Ontario, Rialto and Fontana (to the West) and Redlands, Yucaipa, and Calimesa (to the East). When you get close, call 909.236-7195 and we'll dispatch somebody to pick you up.

When you arrive, you will probably be greeted at the door by one of our members. If you need further information, that person will be able to answer any questions you may have about us or will  refer you to someone who can assist you.

What to wear

This one is easy. Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable (with some common sense limitations, of course). We are a pretty informal church and accept people as they come to us..

Although several of us may wear traditional dress clothes—suits and ties, or even hats on some of our women--there is no need to dress up to be someone you are not. Whether you come in a suit or tee shirt and blue jeans, we just hope you will be here with us to worship in spirit and in truth.

Got tattoos or body jewelry?

Some of us will probably look at you a bit funny, but then, maybe you will be looking at our ties and polished shoes, wondering what planet we came from, too.

Being from many different places, some of us even talk funny and a few are just odd. But, we are forgiven and we are headed for Heaven, together.

One heads-up..:

We hope you appreciate that modesty in apparel is most appropriate and we ask you to wear whatever covers up what your Mama taught you should be covered in public. If she did not teach you, cover it up anyway.

What to expect when you get here

We know it can be a nerve-racking experience to go some place for the first time. To help alleviate any worries, here's a quick summary of what you can expect at the San Bernardino Church of Christ.

First, everyone of us has had a “first day” at church, so we understand, not everything will make sense at first. We have all been “pinched” by the preacher from time to time, so you are welcome to squirm a bit, too.

Since we hope you will agree we are a friendly bunch, if you do not understand something, please just ask somebody about what is going on.

We start our Sunday AM assembly is at 10:30 AM, immediately following our Bible study period (which gathers at 9:30 AM).

Everyone participates in the worship. Our usual worship time consists of some or all of the following:
 
  • Singing traditional and contemporary spiritual songs acappella (without instrumental accompaniment). We like to say the church IS the choir.
  • Prayers, led by the men of the church.
  • Short readings from the Bible, sometime accompanied by introductory comments.
  • Biblically-based presentation (sermon) of about 30-40 minutes duration.
  • Our preachers strive to make relevant, meaningful to our modern lives, not only in teaching the principles of the ancient gospel of Jesus Christ, but also in helping to identify areas of modern life that may benefit from those truths.
  • Communion or Lord’s supper, meaning we share matzoh bread and grape juice to remember Jesus' sacrifice and the gift of life we have received
  • An opportunity for members to contribute money to the work of the church.

While we are unashamedly, a church of Christ, we hope you will keep in mind that other, individual churches of Christ are not strictly affiliated with each other. In other words, we are undenominational and our members have all come to the Lord from many different religious backgrounds. Some churches of Christ may have their own traditions and practices that may be somewhat familiar, but also just a bit different.

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​ ​​ When we meet

Only on Sunday? Absolutely not!  Here's our schedule of regular assemblies, but we may meet at many other times, too:

Sunday           9:30 AM -- Bible study for all ages
                        10:30 AM -- Morning Assembly
                           3:00 PM -- Afternoon Assembly
Wednesday 7:00 PM -- Bible study for all ages

We're not perfect and we do make mistakes, but we desire to make a positive difference in everything we do. Furthermore, we do what we observe the saints in the New Testament doing. 

To further encourage us we have a midweek meeting on Wednesday evening at 7:00 pm. We like to think, it is a good time to "charge our batteries" for the rest of the work week.

Other smaller groups may meet in someone's house or at the church building, and you are always welcome to join us in prayer or study. God is with us all week long and we aim to live lives pleasing to Him throughout the week

What we believe

First, let's be clear about one thing: our only creed is Christ. We don't worship the Bible and it is not our creed. We are neither Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, or Jew. Furthermore, we believe and faithfully teach, Jesus of Nazareth is the prophesied Messiah and Son of God, and we'll be happy to tell you why.

Now, that said, here are some other things that coincide with our faith in Christ: 

About the Bible

We believe that every word on its pages is from the mind of God Himself. “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

We seek to do all that God desires, but nothing He has not authorized. That means we look to God and His Word, the Bible, as our source of authority. If the Bible teaches us to do something—by direct command of Jesus or His inspired apostles, an example approved in the early church by the apostles, or by an inescapable conclusion drawn from either of these or a Divinely revealed inference—we do it.

If not, we don’t do it. 

That is what we preach from our pulpit. It is what we teach in our Bible classes. When you are with us, it will be evident to you, we believe the Bible is the Word of God. All of it. Every word. All the time.

About Worship

The Bible instructs us Whom and how to worship. God is the center of our assembly and we exalt the Name of Jesus Christ.

Our assemblyworship is not just about feeling, but rather following His will for worship and we note the words of His apostle, Paul: “All things must be done properly and in an orderly manner” (1 Corinthians 14:40). We hope our times of worship are joyous and profitable times, together. Sometimes we hear things that rebuke our behavior, but if it is shown to be from the Word of God, we're okay with that. 

About Us, as a Local Church

If you are uncomfortable with the loud, raucous “show and tell” of some modern churches, you will enjoy our worship time. If you do not appreciate politics in the pulpit, but long for the pure Word of God, you have just found the place.

But, let's be clear about something: the morals and practices of politicians and politics, as well as society and social norms are often deserving of moral remonstrance, including just about everything that makes most of angry about politicians, or those things that have historically marginalized those whom God created in His own image. Our preacher will preach on such subjects. Eventually, we'll get around to what troubles humanity. 

About Moral Questions

From time to time, we make contact with people who confront just about every possible spiritual, political, moral, or emotional problem. In fact, it is not at all odd that in our college and stree evangelism we meet many who ask about moral issues.

Our psition is quite simple: We don't exclude anybody from inquiry about God and His will, and we do not embarrass or marginalize those who come to us in sincerity of heart. Because we believe the Bible is the revelation of the mind of God, those who come to us in sin receive the same teaching that corrects us when we sin. We certainly don't think we are any better than others or that we do not confront the same, sometimes sinful, passions and behaviors seen in the lives of worldly people.

The fact that one of our elders, preachers, or teachers addresses some specific behavior that has moral implications, from abortion to homosexuality, infidelity, divorce, transgender lifestyle, gambling or other addictive behaviors, is not intended to offend, but rather to give strong,moral leadership and instruction in the will of God.

We don't hate sinners; if we did that, we would have hated ourselves and even more, we would violate the fundamental principle of Christianity, viz. that God has loved the world and given His only begotten Son in our behalf. Because everyone of us came to the Lord with the same kinds of problems, habits, and behaviors experienced by others, we want to share what saved us! We will speak the truth, but we will do it in manifest love.

Here's the long and short of it...

We are a church of Christ, striving to be nothing more or less. Quite simply, that means we belong to no denomination and have no earthly headquarters. We wear no name other than the one disciples of Jesus wore in the first century: we are Christians (Acts 11:26). 

Jesus Christ alone is the head of the church (Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18). We have no creed, but Christ. We believe He is the Christ, the Son of God, and we have a significant body of testimony in the scriptures to establish that faith. We would love to meet you to discuss the basis of our faith.

When you visit us, you will find a small, but dedicated group of people—folks like you—trying to live as disciples of Jesus Christ by reading, understanding, and obeying His word. If you are serious about being a Christian, you will find a warm welcome with us and a wholesome spirit of worship. We are here to help one another get to Heaven.​

As our worship assembly draws to a close, we usually have a time in which matters of interest are announced. For example, prayer requests and mentions of praise-worthy activities are commonly shared among us..

When the Sunday morning assembly ends (at about 11:45 AM), we adjourn with a prayer, and then spend some time visiting and greeting one another and our guests, sometimes with hugs, hand-shakes and (probably) a bit of laughter and pure joy.

Our aim is, whether you are just looking into Christianity for the first time or have been a Christian for many years, we want you to be encouraged and inspired by the time we spend in of worship. We hope everyone will draw closer to God.

We’d be delighted to have you join us for worship and Bible study. If you have any questions about what we do—or don’t do—we’ll be pleased to answer them from the Scriptures (1 Peter 3:15).

Now, what was that you were saying about looking for a good church home?

How to find us...

From the North, via I-15
Las Vegas, Barstow, Victorville

1. Take the I-15/I215 split to I-215 South, San Bernardino

2. Exit at University Avenue, turn left, to Kendall Avenue

3. Turn right on Kendall Avenue, to the third STREET (not housing entrance) on the left, 48th Street

4. Turn left on 48th Street, past Little Mountain Avenue, and H/E Streets (the same street changes names) , past the Catholic Church 1 block to 651, on the right.

From the North, San Bernardino Mountains
Lake Arrowhead, Lake Gregory, Crestline

1. Proceed to 40th Street at the base of the mountain

2. Turn right on 40th Street, past Sepulveda Avenue, Sierra Way, Mountain View Avenue to Electric Avenue

3. Turn right on Electric Avenue, past the "dip" (slow down!!) to the STOP sign at 48th Street

4. Turn left on 48th Street, past F Street 1 long block to 651, on the left.

From the South, via I-215
San Diego, Orange County, Riverside, Colton

Via University Avenue

1. Proceed north through San Bernardino, past I-210, to University Avenue exit, merge right toward Cal State University,, to Kendall Avenue

2. Turn right on Kendall Avenue, to the third STREET (not housing entrance) on the left, 48th Street

3. Turn left on 48th Street, past Little Mountain Avenue, and H/E Streets (the same street changes names) , past the Catholic Church to 651, on the right.

Via I-215 Transition

1. Past Bassline Avenue exit  and from either of two right lanes, take transition for I-210 EAST

2. While still on the transition road (and before merging with I-210 East), take E Street exit

3. Turn left on E Street, go through the business district, then up and over Little Mountain, to H Street (at the Rustic Inn)

4. Turn right on H Street, past 40th Street, to 48th Street

5. Turn right on 48th Street, 1 block, to 651, on the right

From the West, via I-210
Los Angeles, Pasadena, Ontario, Fontana, Rialto

Via State Street/University Avenue (Residential/Commercial area)
1. Take State Street exit, turn left, past Highland Avenue

2. Go through the semi-rural housing area, past Cajon Blvd., then cross the RR tracks (you will see I-215 about 1/4 mile in front of you)

3. Proceed under I-215, past the commercial district on both left and right to Kendall Avenue

4. Turn right on Kendall Avenue, to the third STREET (not housing entrance) on the left, 48th Street

5, Turn left on 48th Street, past Little Mountain Avenue, and H/E Streets (the same street changes names) , past the Catholic Church 1 block to 651, on the right

Via I-210, H Street (Freeway to Commercial/Residential area)

1. Take H Street exit, then left to 30th Street

2. Turn left on E Street, go through the business district, then up and over Little Mountain, to H Street (at the Rustic Inn)

3. Turn right on H Street, past 40th Street, to 48th Street

4. Turn right on 48th Street, 1 block, to 651, on the right

From the East, via 215
Palm Springs, Redlands, Highland

1. Take Waterman Avenue exit, then left on 30th Street into the right lane, to Waterman Avenue

2. Turn right on Waterman Avenue, past Marshall Blvd., Ralston Avenue, to 40th Street

3. Turn left on 40th Street, past Sepulveda Avenue, Sierra Way, Mountain View Avenue, to Electric Avenue

4. Turn right on Electric Avenue, past the "dip" (slow!) to the STOP signt at 48th Street

5. Turn left on 48th Street, past F Street 1 long block to 651, on left