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PLEASE VISIT US!

We’re sincerely interested in your spiritual welfare. We gladly invite you to visit us. Jesus Christ can change your life for the better!

If you’ve 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

You’ll see a sign saying we’re 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). We’re 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), we’ve found peace of mind, joy in living, hope for the future, and purpose in life. Isn’t this something you’re 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 Lord’s life-changing love has taught us that you’re important just because you’re you —.a person in God’s 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. You’ll 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). We’re 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 God’s 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!

By W. Frank Walton