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About this page:
The church of Christ in Wise, VA patterns itself after the Lord's church revealed in the New Testament. Christ is its only head (Ephesians 5:23). The New Testament is its only creed (2 Tim. 3:16,17). We urge you to use any of the material available on this website and examine everything in the light of what the Scriptures teach (1 Timothy 3:15) . Please feel free to email us if there is any Bible question you might have or if you have a question about any of the free material we have to offer. Also, if you live or are in our area, we hope you will visit with us at any and all of the services of the church.
THE SETTING
When you come to our building at 112 Roberts Avenue in Wise, VA., you
will
enter into the foyer where we have numerous tracts and
publications
that you are free to take with you to read.
In the auditorium there are rows
of pews for those who gather to
worship. Feel free to sit wherever you
choose. There are no reserved seats.
SINGING
In the bookrack in front of you there is a song book for your use.
The
song leader will announce the songs so that we may all sing together.
One of
the unique things about us that may seem strange to some people
is that the
music is "a cappella." That is, we sing without the use of mechanical
music.
This is not just a preference with us but is a conviction based on the
Scriptures and the
practice of the early Christians ( Ephesians 5:19 ; Colossians 3:16 ).
Some people may consider
us to be "narrow" on this. However, we are striving to please God,
not men (
Galatians 1:10 ). We're sure that you will find
the singing meaningful,
with everyone being invited to participate.
PRAYER
There will be prayers during the service. One man will be leading the
congregation
in prayer while the rest of us participate by listening and
following along, silently joining
in ( 1 Corinthians 14:40 ). This is our way, as a
congregation, of carrying out God's commandment
and exercising our right as
Christians to thank Him for His blessings and to request His guidance and help.
PREACHING
You will notice that the preacher doesn't have a title. He will not be
referred to as
"Pastor" or "Reverend". He will be referred to as "mister" or
"brother", or perhaps,
just called by his first name. He won't be wearing a
robe, or any of the "ecclesiastical garments"
which would set him apart from
other Christians. The reason for this is that the New Testament
teaches that
all are equal in the priesthood of all believers ( 1 Peter 2:5-9 ).
The sermon will likely be
about 45 minutes. It will be according to the Bible. You are always
invited
to ask questions or comment on anything you do not understand.
INVITATION
At the close of the sermon, the preacher will "extend an invitation." This is
simply an opportunity
to invite those who are convinced to take whatever
steps they need to make themselves right with God.
A person who is not a
Christian may request to be baptized, or a Christian may come forward to confess
a sin,
or ask for prayers. If any respond to be baptized, they will be
immersed in water for the remission of
sins ( Acts 2:38 ; Romans 6:3,4 ). You will not be singled out in
any way.
LORD'S SUPPER
If you visit on Sunday, the Lord's Supper will be included in the worship
service. Again, the reason is
that we are following the New Testament
pattern. The early church did this on the "first day of the week" ( Acts 20:7 ).
OFFERING
If you visit on Sunday, you will notice that a "free-will" offering will be
collected from the members of this church.
According to the pattern of the
New Testament ( 1 Corinthians 16:1,2 ),
this collection will
not be taken on any other day of the week.
As our guest, you are not expected
to make a contribution.
Feel perfectly comfortable to just pass the
collection plate on down the row.
WHAT WILL BE EXPECTED OF YOU?
We invite you to read the Scriptures with us and consider what we say.
We
would be happy to have you sing along with us as we praise God in song.
But
if you'd rather not, just sit and observe.
We would like for you to fill out
a Visitor's Card that we may have a record of your visit,
and allow us to
write or call and express our appreciation, but if you are uncomfortable doing
so,
feel free to decline this request.
YOU'RE INVITED TO VISIT WITH US
Again, we are simply Christians, trying to pattern our lives and our
worship
according to God's inspired word, the Bible.
We welcome you to
come and visit with us, to investigate what we practice
and what we teach,
and to compare what you see and hear with the Bible.