|
|
God's plan for becoming a Christian:
|
|
| 1. |
HEAR the gospel of Christ
(Romans 10:13-17) |
| 2. |
BELIEVE in Christ
(Mark 16:15-16) |
| 3. |
REPENT of past sins(ACTS 2:36-47) |
| 4. |
CONFESS faith in Christ
(Romans 10:9-10) |
| 5. |
BE BAPTIZED into Christ (Acts 22:16; I Peter 3:21) |
| 6. |
Live FAITHFULLY (Romans 12:1-2) |
|
|
|
|
The church of Christ:
|
|
| 1. |
The Bible is its only guide(Romans 1:16;
I Thess. 2:13) |
| 2. |
Wears a Biblical Name (Romans 16:16) |
| 3. |
Established at the right place
(Isaiah 2:2, 3;Acts 2) |
| 4. |
Established at the right time
(Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2) |
| 5. |
Established on the right person(Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:36) |
| 6. |
Saved are in it (Ephesians 5:23;
Acts 2:47) |
| 7. |
Its members are enrolled in heaven(Hebrews 12:23) |
| 8. |
Membership in it is obtained by obedience to God's commands including baptism(Acts 2:41-47; I Cor. 12:13) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
"..and upon this rock I will build my church" (MT. 16:18)
|
|
Information about the church of Christ click
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (MK 16:15)
|
|
Bible correspondence course(FREE)click
|
|
|
|
|
|
"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Virginia
church of Christ |
702 5th Avenue South
Virginia MN 55792
(218) 741-5831 |
|
| www.virginiachurchofchrist.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Here are a few things you should know about the church of Christ |
|
- The creed of the church of Christ: The church of Christ has no creed but the Bible. The Bible is the inspired Word of God, and it is all we need to guide us in all religious matters (II Timothy 3:16&17).
- The pattern for the church of Christ: In order for a church to be the same church which you can read of in your New Testament, it must follow the pattern God has set forth for His church. That pattern is the New Testament (Hebrews 9:15-17). The church of Christ follows that pattern.
- The name of the church of Christ: Consistent with its claim to follow the New Testament pattern, the church of Christ goes by a Biblical name (Romans 16:16). It does not bear the name of any man, or any man-made doctrine. The church of Christ bears the name of the founder of the church (Matthew 16:18). The name which its individual members wear is the name given to those who followed Christ in the first century. That name is "Christian" (Acts 11:26).
- The worship of the church of Christ: The church of Christ follows the New Testament pattern of worship which includes the following:
-- The church of Christ worships on Sunday,which is the first day of the week (Acts 20:17; 1 Corinthians 16:1,2).
-- The worship of the church of Christ is directed to God, and is done in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).
-- The worship service of the church of Christ involves participation in five acts of worship. These are:
> singing (Ephesians 5:19);
> praying (Acts 2:42);
> partaking of the Lord's Supper (Acts 20:7, Matthew 26:26-29);
> giving as you have been prospered to the church (1 Corinthians 16:1,2);
> preaching (Acts 20:7).
- The work of the church of Christ: The New Testament sets forth for the church a threefold work. The first work of the church is to preach the Gospel (Matthew 28:18-20) . The church is also to be involved in exhorting, uplifting and encouraging its members (Ephesians 4:11,12). The third aspect of the work of the church is helping those in need (Galatians 6:10).
- Salvation and entrance into the church of Christ: The church which belongs to Christ is referred to in Ephesians 1:22, 23 as the body of Christ. In Ephesians 4:4 we are told there is only one body, while in Ephesians 5:23 we are told Christ is the Savior of that body. We are told in Galatians 3:27 that baptism places us into Christ.
- In order to be prepared for baptism into the church, one must first hear the word of God (Romans 10:14-17). One must have a faith based upon the Word of God in order to please God (Hebrews 11:6). That faith must be an obedient faith (James 2:26). An obedient faith will cause one to repent of his/her sins (Acts 17:30). One with such a faith will not be ashamed to confess his faith before men (Matthew 10:32, 33; Acts 8:37). Then one with such a faith will be baptized for the remission of his/her sins. (Acts 2:38) Once this has been done, the Lord will add him/her to the church (Acts 2:47).
|
| What to expect when you visit |
|
|
We want you to visit the Virginia Church of Christ, but we know that an unfamiliar place can be somewhat intimidating. So, let us tell you what you can expect when you honor us with a visit.
-
Background: Our goal is to "restore" the New Testament Church in our time-to determine from the Bible what the church (established by Christ through His apostles) was like in the beginning and to be like that church (Matthew 16:18).
-
The People: What kind of people can you expect to find? Pretty much the entire spectrum, as in most groups. People of every age and race may be Christians. You will find people who make mistakes. You will also find people at different levels of spiritual maturity who are striving to serve God, their families, and their fellow man. You will not find any perfect people, but you will find forgiven people. We hope you get the picture--we are a diverse group, coming from different backgrounds and at different stages of knowledge and spiritual growth. We are human beings striving together to love God and our fellow man.
The Worship Service
Now let us walk you through a typical worship service. When you enter the auditorium, feel free to sit wherever you like.
-
Singing: In a rack in front of you will be a songbook for your use. When the song leader announces a number you can turn to that song in the book to find the words and music. You can also see the song numbers in order on the song board on the wall at the front of the auditorium. Since we are seeking to worship as the Christ has taught us to do in the New Testament, our music will be vocal only. We think you will find the singing meaningful with everyone being invited to participate (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16).
-
Prayer: There will be several prayers during the service. This is not only a fulfillment of a Biblical command, but a desire on the part of us humans to make contact with God.
-
The Lord's Supper: If you visit on a Sunday, the Lord's Supper will be observed. The Lord commanded us to remember Him every time we eat the supper. We know from the Bible that the first century church observed this memorial on the first day of each week (Acts 20:7). During this memorial, a plate containing pieces of unleavened bread will be passed throughout the congregation. The bread symbolizes the body of Jesus. Next, cups containing grape juice will be passed--which symbolizes His blood. (If you choose not to participate, do not be embarrassed. Feel free to pass the tray to the person next to you).
-
Contribution: After the Lord's Supper, we fulfill another command; "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him". As our guest, you are not obligated to make a contribution. However, you may do so if you wish (I Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 9:6-13).
-
Preaching: After the Lord's Supper there will be a sermon by our minister. He won't be wearing any special religious garments to set him apart nor will he wear any title such as "Pastor" or "Reverend." The sermon will last about 30 minutes and will be Bible-centered and very practical in its application to daily life.
-
Invitation: At the close of the sermon, the preacher will extend an invitation. This is an expedient time to those who are ready to obey the gospel and become a Christian (see God's plan for becoming a Christian in the upper left margin) or request prayer. Those who wish to do this can walk to the front of the auditorium during the "song of invitation"(i.e. the song immediately following the sermon). Don't feel ill-at-ease during the invitation. You will not be singled out in any way.
-
What Will Be Expected of You? Nothing at all! You are welcome to participate, but don't feel that you must. You will be asked to sign our visitor's book in the foyer. This provides information so the church can write to thank you for your visit. Supply the information if you are comfortable doing so.
Please come back as often as you can!
Please feel free to comment on this information; Click here to comment
|
|
|
|