Welcome to the services of the church of Christ in Edgewood! If you are visiting with us today, we are honored by your presence. Please let one of our members know if you have any questions concerning our teachings or practices.
We are interested in practicing Christianity just like people did in the New Testament. We sincerely believe that if we do now what those sincere people did in the first century, then we will be now what they were then — New Testament Christians. We have no creed or doctrinal statement other that what is written in the Bible. Our worship is likewise shaped by what Scripture commands us to do: “Worship in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).
We are led in prayer — The Bible commands us to, “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17). Paul told Timothy that in settings where both men and women are present, that it is the men who are to lead in prayer (1 Tim. 2:8-11). Therefore, we select Christian men from among ourselves to lead us in prayer to God. As they speak, we allow our minds to utter the same thoughts to God. We praise Him for His greatness and we ask Him for His blessing as we seek to offer acceptable worship to Him.
We sing together — We edify (build up) and instruct each other by singing together as a congregation. At the same time, our praises are offered exclusively to God (Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:19). We believe that the only musical instrument authorized by God is our hearts: “singing and making melody with your hearts to God” (Eph. 5:19). Because God has specifically mentioned no other musical instrument besides the heart, we believe that mechanical instruments are not authorized by Him as a part of worship. What was done by David and others under the Old Covenant (the Law of Moses) is not part of the New Covenant of Christianity (Col. 2:14; John 12:48-49; Romans 7:1-4).
We celebrate the Lord’s Supper each Sunday — This activity was done weekly by early Christians in remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:23-26). The fruit of the vine (grape juice) represents Christ’s shed blood. The unleavened bread represents Christ’s body. As we eat and drink these emblems, our minds focus on the price He paid in His sacrifice on the cross. This is the Christian’s memorial to the terrible cost that God paid for our redemption, and it is never to be taken lightly (1 Cor. 11:27-30).
We study the Bible — We believe with the psalmist of ancient times that God’s word, “is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path” (Ps. 119:105). The preaching and teaching you hear in our assemblies will not be based on personal opinions, but will feature a heavy and impartial emphasis on what the Bible says. God’s word can change and transform lives (Rom. 1:16; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16-17), therefore, the more of God’s word we have in our hearts, the more like Jesus we will be! The Bible teaches: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds…” (Rom. 12:2).
We take up a collection to aid the work of the church — God commands us to do this every Sunday as well (1 Cor. 16:1-2). Our giving is an expression of our love for God and our appreciation for the seriousness of His work (2 Cor. 8:1-8). We use the collection to help in all aspects of evangelism and edification. If you are visiting, you are neither asked not expected to take part in the offering.
Thank you for your attendance today. May God be glorified in all we say, think, and do! — John Baker