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VISIT US! Were sincerely interested in your spiritual welfare.
We gladly invite you to visit us. Jesus Christ can change your life for the better!
If youve never visited before, we realize you may be hesitant. Many
are uneasy about going to an unfamiliar place. Relax! This tract will put you
at ease by describing what to expect when you come. A Church of Christ
Youll see a sign saying were a "church of Christ."
Such existed in the days of the apostles: "the churches of Christ salute
you" (Rom 16:16). We're simply a local church (a group of Christians) that
is "of" (belonging to) Christ. He purchased us with his redeeming blood
at baptism (Acts 20:28, 22:16). Were simply Christians belonging only to
Jesus in His church. As a group of penitent believers who have been
baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:38), weve
found peace of mind, joy in living, hope for the future, and purpose in life.
Isnt this something youre looking for? Christ came into this
world to show us the way back to God (John 14:6). Jesus is the only hope for our
sin-sick world. He teaches us how to cope with life's problems: "I am the
light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness but shall have
the light of life....I came that they might have life and have it more abundantly"
(John 8:12; 10:10). We know He can help your life too! The Standard
of Truth Christ "is head over all things to the church"
(Eph 1:22). Jesus is our only religious Head, who reigns in heaven at God's right
Hand (Eph 1:20). Our resurrected Lord has "all authority" to direct
us "to observe all things" that He commanded the apostles (Matt 28:18,20).
His directions for His church are found in the part of the Bible called the New
Testament. These last 27 books of the NT are all together "the word of Christ"
(Col 3:16). Jesus rules over every aspect of our lives, both in our
individual duties and our collective congregational work and worship. We sincerely
endeavor to have Christ's authority in book, chapter and verse for all our beliefs
and practices. Our mission is to do the Lord's work in the Lord's way.
It is our aim to be just like the Lord's church, patterned only after the original
ideal set forth in the New Testament. We are not part of a human denominational
church, for such organization is unknown in the New Testament. In fact, the apostle
Paul forbade man-made, sectarian division (1 Cor 1:10)! In our jaded
religious age, it is our idealistic aim to restore the simplicity and purity of
New Testament Christianity. We're a loving fellowship, endeavoring to help each
member go the heaven by becoming the best Christian possible. Then, the Lord is
glorified and each one of us is fitted for heaven. A Loving Welcome!
Upon entering the meeting house, we hope that you find a warm greeting
from our members. Jesus teaches us to "love your neighbor as yourself' (Mark
12:31). As a visitor, we want to make you feel welcome. We will lovingly take
an interest in your personal welfare. You might wonder what we're after.
Some have been burned by hypocritical religion. Loving church discipline will
not tolerate blatant hypocrisy. Neither are we only interested in your money.
The apostle Paul's words apply: "I do not seek what is yours, but you"
(2 Cor 12:14). True Christianity is a religion of love. The Lord teaches us to
seek others' highest good always. The Lords life-changing love has taught
us that youre important just because youre you .a person in
Gods image! We'll treat you as an equal. Everyone is precious to
God. The apostle Peter said, "God is not one to show partiality, but in every
nation the man who fears Him and does what is right, is welcome to Him" (Acts
10:34-35). God plays no favorites and neither should we. Please fill
out a visitor's card, so we might have a record of your attendance. Youll
not be singled out by your visit but will be allowed to quietly observe for your
own spiritual edification. Also, don't think that you're required to
wear fancy clothes to attend our services. While not recommending indecent attire,
your inner disposition of heart is more important to God than outer wardrobe (1
Sam 16:7; Matt 5:8). Our assembly is a spiritual quest, not a ritzy fashion show.
Emphasis on Bible Study On Sunday morning and Wednesday
night, we have Bible classes for all ages. We have great family Bible classes
that will strengthen your home life. So many people in our society have forgotten
God and have neglected the study of the Bible as the foundation of morality.
The Lord charters the local church to be "the pillar and support of
the truth" (1 Tim 3:15). Were a spiritual group with a spiritual work.
We do not divert church resources to promote fun, frolic and secular amusement.
Too many churches have become glorified social clubs. We endeavor to take the
Bible seriously, since it is God's only roadmap to eternity for man.
God's "word is truth" (Jn 17:17). So, expect the truth of the Bible
to be taught and studied. No time is wasted on politics, crafts, or frivolous
entertainment. Only by going "back to the Bible" can we be set free
from sin, self and religious error (John 8:31-32). The gospel is our only guide
the rule of faith and practice. The opinions and religious traditions of men are
shifting sand and cannot save (Mark 7:6-13). It does not matter what we think
about it, but only what God has revealed about it that ultimately matters.
Do you know Gods will for your life? We can help, looking together
in the Bible! Sincere, Uplifting Worship In worship,
we enthusiastically engage in the simple acts prescribed in the New Testament.
It is done "decently and in order" (1 Cor 14:33). There are no chaotic,
emotional outbursts. One of the brethren will humbly lead the assembly
in prayer (1 Tim 2:1-2,8). There are no rote prayers read, since prayer expresses
"the heart's desire" (Rom 10:1). There is no special clergy above us
through which we offer worship, since each Christian is a spiritual priest (1
Pet 2:9). We are participants not sideline spectators. Like the first
Christians, we engage in the soulful music of singing "psalms, hymns and
spiritual songs" by "making melody with your heart to the Lord"
(Eph 5:19). This "acappella" or vocal music is based on the simplicity
of the New Testament order. History says: "Only singing and no playing of
instruments was permitted in the early Christian church" (Hugo Leichtentritt,
Music, History & Ideas, p. 34). On each Sunday, we celebrate the
Lord's Supper in memory of Christ, who died and arose again on our behalf, just
like the early Christians did (Acts 2:42, 20:7). We take up a collection
of members' freewill offering to support the authorized work of this local church
(1 Cor 16:1-3). We do not solicit the money of our visitors. It is the sole responsibility
of members here to contribute. A lesson is presented from God's Word,
which contains "the whole message of this life" Acts 5:20). You will
not be asked to accept someone's opinions about the Bible. You will be encouraged
to read along for yourself, "to see whether these things were so" (Acts
17:11). Hopefully, the lessons will be clear and practical. You'll see God transforming
truth impacts all vital areas of your life. We seek to teach and practice all
the Scriptures teach and nothing that they do not teach. Let's Get
Acquainted! During the course of your visit, questions may come
to mind. If you want to know more about what is taught or done, we'd be delighted
to talk with you about this. We're never offended by sincere inquiries. We seek
to give book, chapter and verse for all we believe and practice (1 Pet 3:15, 4:11).
In fact, the preacher or one of the members will gladly get together
with you, at your convenience, to study the Scriptures with you. Teaching and
practicing the pure religion of Christ is the most important thing in our life.
We offer several Bible tracts, Bible correspondence courses and videos for your
spiritual instruction. If you do not have a Bible, we would like to give you one.
We hope you will want to come back and be with us again! |