What to Expect at Our Assemblies

 

Our worship services are simple, spiritual and orderly, key-noted by the words of Jesus, who said, “true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth" (John 4:23-24; note also, Colossians 3:17)  Absent is the frenzied emotionalism so common in churches today. Each element of worship finds its origin in the commands and examples found in the New Testament.

 

SINGING
The entire assembly joins in singing gospel songs. There is no choir or special groups, but simple congregational (a cappella) singing. Since we find no evidence in the New Testament that the early church used mechanical instruments to accompany their singing, we do not use them in our worship (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).

 

PRAYER
The congregation is led in prayer by one of the men of the assembly. We pray, not only to praise and thank God, but also to ask for our needs and the needs of others (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

 

PREACHING
The lessons and sermons are designed to teach God's word so as to encourage compliance by those who listen. It has become increasingly popular for preachers to appear sensational by discussing subjects not revealed in the Bible, advancing fantastic theories and speculations, and even laying claim to miraculous powers. We make no claim for sensationalism— instead, we teach and preach only the true doctrine of Christ, as Jesus has instructed (Matthew 28:19-20; note also, 1 Timothy 1:3-4;

2 Timothy 4:2-4; 1 Peter 4:11).

 

THE LORD'S SUPPER (Communion)
Like the church in the time the New Testament was written, we partake of the Lord's supper each first day of the week (Acts 20:7). The supper consists of unleavened bread and fruit of the vine as memorials of the body and blood of Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:20-34).

 

GIVING (As we prosper)
We do not take up a collection every time we meet, but only on the first day of the week, as we have in the example in

1 Corinthians 16:1-2 (note also, 2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Should you attend our Sunday service when the collection plate is passed through the entire assembly you are not expected to give. This is the responsibility of our members, not our guests.

 

Our services are geared toward worship to God and the encouraging and strengthening of each other. Be assured that you will not be asked to do anything that would embarrass or make you feel uncomfortable.

 

Key Points You Will Find Emphasized in Sermons and Bible Studies:
• We emphasize the spiritual rather than the social.
• We strive to pattern our worship and work after the pattern set forth in the New Testament.
• We emphasize the need to live godly lives while also recognizing that salvation is only possible because of God’s grace, through     the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
• We do not consider the church of the New Testament a denomination. We look to Christ as our head.
• Our desire is to please God and worship, and live, within the bounds of authority spelled out in scripture.