 |
|
Home |
|
|
About Us |
|
|
Devotion |
|
|
Visitors Who We Are What We Believe Where We Meet When We Meet How We Worship |
|
|
Members |
|
|
Resources |
|
  |
 |
We believe there is a pattern set forth in the New Testament for worship that is
acceptable and pleasing to God. In John 4:24, Jesus tells us that "God is Spirit,
and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." With this in mind:
Lord's Supper
The Lord's Supper was instituted by Jesus on the night of his betrayal (Matthew 26:26-28).
We are commanded to observe this feast in memory of His death until He comes(1 Corinthians 11:24-25).
The emblems Christ used as part of this memorial were the unleavened bread (symbolizing His body)
and the fruit of the vine (symbolizing His blood). We partake of these two emblems on the
first day of every week, as was the example of the early church according to Acts 20:7.
Paul instructs the Corinthian church that before eating the bread and drinking the cup,
each man should examine himself and recognize these emblems as the body of the Lord (1 Cor. 11:27-29).Prayer
God provided prayer as a means to speak with Him directly. Prayer provides an opportunity
for praise, honor, forgiveness, thanksgiving, and to make our requests known to God (Philippians 4:6).
Most are familiar with the Lord's prayer recorded in Matthew 6:9-13. Through Jesus's example,
we see Him give praise to His Father, thanksgiving for blessings, and forgiveness for our sins.
James 5 tells us to pray for our sick, and to confess our sins to each other. While each of us is
commanded to pray individually, we believe this gives example of praying for and with each other.Singing
Singing is an important part of each worship service and is not limited to a soloist or group of vocalists,
but to the entire congregation. Ephesians 5:19 instructs us to "speak to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." There are many examples of singing to our Lord out
of praise and thanksgiving throughout the Bible.In fact, David wrote an entire book of Psalms or songs. Most Churches of Christ believe that the New Testament does not provide sufficient authority for the use of a mechanical instrument within our worship services. In order to make our woship most pleasing to our Lord, we refrain from the accompanyment of any instruments with our singing. Giving
1 Corinthians 16 instructs each of us to set aside a sum of money on the first day of every week,
to be used as a collection for God's people. We provide an opportunity for collection each week,
so that each person can give back a portion of their income. These funds are used to support the
work of the church including caring for orphans and widows (James 1:27),
providing a salary for our minister (1 Cor. 9:11), and other works which allow us to spread the Word
and make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). Paul instructs the Corinthian church
that we should not give reluctantly or out of necessity, but cheerfully to God (2 Cor 9:7).Preaching
Paul instructs Timothy to preach the word in season and out of season in order
to correct, rebuke, encourage and to provide sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:2). In addition to our personal
bible study, our teachers and ministers prepare lessons to help us further understand
God's will for our lives. Romans 10 tells us we must hear the Word in order for belive, and provides
example for a preacher as a means to this end. We should each study diligently in order to be
able to affirm that all that is being taught is in accordance with the Word.Scripture Reading
2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us that "all scripture is God-breathed" and is useful for teaching,
rebuking, correcting and training in righteouness, so that the man of God may be throughly
equipped for every good work." In addition to sermons, we provide a reading from the
scripture each week to help prepare us for service to Our Father. The Bible is God's inspired words,
and we should equip ourself at every opportunity with our knowledge of it. |