Picking up where we left off two weeks ago, we cooperate with other congregations of the church of Christ in worthwhile endeavors. Yet, at no time do we have any authority over them, nor they over us.
Our connection with them is our common faith and practice found in the universal body of Christ (Ephesians 4:1-6, 5:23).
We, members of the church of Christ, strive to pattern our lives after the high moral standards set forth by Christ and His apostles (I Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 1:23; I Peter 2:21).
Our worship is simple and devout. We are not gathered to entertain or to be entertained. We come to worship God in a devout and orderly manner as His Word directs (I Corinthians 14:40).
We pattern our services after those in the New Testament. Only there can we find the avenues of worship which are acceptable to God. Any other we reject!
On every first day of the week (Acts 2:42; 20:7) we assemble to worship through prayer (Acts 2:42; I Thessalonians 5:17); singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs without an instrumental accompaniment, as it was in the first century church (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16); partaking of the Lord’s Supper as the Lord taught and the apostles gave example (Acts 20:7; I Corinthians 17); contributing financially (I Corinthians 8:12, 9:6-7); and the preaching and hearing of God’s divine Word (Acts 2:42, 20:7; Romans 1:16; I Timothy 4:1-4).
This is the pattern God gave, and thus the pattern we are determined to follow!
One cannot become a member of the Rockford church of Christ by being “voted in.” The only way any person can be added to this or any other church of Christ is through obedience of God’s simple plan.
Any person who will repent of their sins (Luke 13:3,5), confess Christ as the Son of God in a public way (Matthew 10:32-33; Acts 8:37) and be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38) will be added to the church of Christ by Christ himself (Acts 2:47). There is simply no other way to enter!
After this initial obedience one must continue to study (II Timothy 2:15), worship properly and to live righteously. One who fails to do so has returned to the world, and condemnation awaits if he or she does not return through repentance.
It is our desire to be saved, and that is why we do as we do. It is also our desire that you will be saved!
We pray that you will consider very seriously these things. If at any time you would like to study God’s Word, we will be more than happy to assist you. Simply text me with your request.
Eugene Jenkins is the preacher at Rockford Church of Christ, located on U.S. Hwy. 231 south of Dollar General. He invites you to worship with us on Sundays, with Bible study at 9 a.m. and worship at 10 a.m. He can be reached via email to dejenk5@gmail.com. Study with us as we continue to Search the Scriptures!
