|
About The Elliottsville Church Of Christ
Many people are hesitant to attend worship services at an unfamiliar church.
The following is a brief explanation of what you can expect when you visit with
us at the Elliottsville Church of Christ.
Simply Christians
We are simply Christians, without denominational names and practices. We
believe the Bible is the inspired word of God and we try to follow it as our
only authority in religion. Since we find no denominational names in the Bible,
we wear no such names. We have no human creeds to set forth doctrine because
the Bible contains all the Christian is to believe (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
The Authority Of Christ
We accept Jesus Christ as Lord and respect His authority. Jesus said, "And why
do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" (Luke 6:46).
Adding to, or taking from, the simple instruction of Jesus is to fail to honor
Him as Lord. We have no conferences, synods, councils, nor earthly headquarters
because Christ has not authorized these. Also, such man-made systems only serve
to compete with Christ's authority and often bind human traditions upon others,
which Jesus condemned (Matthew 15:3-9).
The Gospel Is For All
We proclaim the message of the crucified and risen Lord. We urge all to accept
God's gift of eternal life in His Son (Romans 6:23). God's plan for
salvation involves...
-
Repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 20:21)
-
Confessing Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:10)
-
Being baptized into Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38)
-
Followed by a life of faithful service to Christ (Revelation 2:10)
We understand that in order for our faith to be pleasing to God we must trust
Him to the extent of obeying Him (Hebrews 5:9). It is through such faith
that we become God's children. For you are all sons of God through faith in
Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on
Christ." (Galatians 3:26-27) Baptism, as an expression of
obedient faith, is the culminating act by which God places one in a proper
relationship with Jesus Christ. We would be happy to study the Bible with you
concerning the wonderful gospel of Jesus Christ and how one should respond to
it.
The Nature Of The Church
All who are in fellowship with Christ are members of His spiritual body, the
church universal (1 Corinthians 12:12; Colossians 1:18). The universal
church is a spiritual body, with Jesus as its head and saved people throughout
the world as members of His body (Ephesians 1:22-23; Acts 2:47). As
such, the universal church has no earthly or physical organization.
Wherever Christians extend fellowship to each other in worship and work, we
find a congregation or local church. In the Bible we read about churches in
Jerusalem, Rome, and other places. These were not different kinds of churches
(as is so prevalent today), but congregations of Christians in various places.
These congregations were independent and self-governing, each having a
plurality of elders (also known as bishops and pastors) watching out for their
souls (Acts 20:17,28; 1 Peter 5:1-4). Assisting the elders were deacons
who ministered to the needs of the congregation (Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy
3:8-13). The members were dedicated to following the example of the
Lord in their daily lives (Ephesians 5:1-2).
The church at Elliottsville seeks to be such a congregation of Christians -- a
church of Christ -- in our community.
What To Expect When You Visit
You may expect to be treated as an honored and respected guest. You will not be
embarrassed in any way. In keeping with our effort to carefully follow the
Bible, our worship consists only of those activities authorized by command or
example in the New Testament.
-
On Sunday, the first day of the week, we observe the Lord's Supper as a
memorial of our Savior's death (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:24-26).
-
We praise God and edify one another through singing (Colossians 3:16),
and offer prayers of supplication and thanksgiving (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
-
Through sermons we exhort one another to "continue steadfastly in the apostles'
doctrine" (Acts 2:42).
-
Only on Sunday do we take up a collection, and this is so members can give as
they have purposed in their hearts (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:7).
As a visitor, you are our guest, so please do not feel under any obligation to
give.
Throughout our service, two principles govern all that we do: 1) "Let all things
be done for edification" (1 Corinthians 14:25); 2) "Let all
things be done decently and in order" (1 Corinthians 14:40).
In addition to our worship services, we have Bible classes on Sunday morning
and Wednesday evening for all ages. We are blessed to have a group of dedicated
men and women who take their teaching of God's Word seriously and prepare their
classes accordingly.
Why not accept this invitation to visit and worship with the Elliottsville
Church of Christ? We welcome your comments and questions.
|
