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We want you to visit us, but we realize an
unfamiliar place can be intimidating. We want you to feel
comfortable, so we have prepared this article to tell you what
you can expect when you honor us with a visit
Background
In the early days, after the Lord's church
began, it was much different than the denominations of today.
Throughout the generations man has altered virtually every
aspect of Christ's church including its teachings, its worship
and its practices.
Today, you will find many different
religious organizations, each claiming to uphold Biblical
teachings and practices, yet each teaching many contrasting
doctrines. This is, at the very least, extremely confusing for
anyone searching for God's truth (John 8:32).
Our plea to those of all denominations is
"The Restoration Of True New Testament
Christianity." We believe the Bible has the answers to
all of our religious needs. It is not our aim to be influenced
simply by habit, preference and tradition, but rather to be a
Bible-centered church.
We will, therefore, always attempt to give
scriptural reasons for our teachings and practices. We invite
you to join us in our quest for true New Testament
Christianity (Matthew 7:21-23).
The Worship Setting
The worship setting will be a simple one.
Some congregations meet in homes or rented facilities, but
most meet in a modest building that has been erected or
purchased for the purpose of worship. You will find no
elaborate architecture or costly furnishings, simply a
structure where God's people gather to praise and honor Him.
The Worship is Simple And Dignified
We truly hope you will be touched by the
simplicity and dignity of the worship services. In our
worship, all persons will worship together rather than being
divided into classes or groups. We feel this best keeps in
harmony with the pattern of the early church, as well as
providing the most profitable learning experience for each
family member.
Each worship service is designed to draw
every person closer to God and provide an atmosphere that will
allow all to worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).
Since all we do is governed by the word of
God, you will find us observing only those things contained
therein. We shall do our best to duplicate the Biblical
pattern of the early church in everything we do. The following
describes our worship.
The Singing
Our song service may seem different from
that customarily practiced in many churches. All the singing
will be "acappella," that is, without instrumental
accompaniment. As Christians we are commanded to sing and make
melody in our hearts to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians
3:16). Common men introduced instrumental music into Christian
worship after 666 A.D.
Since the New Testament makes no mention of
instrumental music, we feel it would be an addition to God's
will if we added and employed instruments of music.
The songs will be melodious psalms, hymns
and spiritual type songs (Colossians 3:16). Each song will be
selected so as to praise and glorify God and create an
atmosphere of worship.
You will find a songbook in a bookrack
nearby. When the song leader announces a song, you may use the
songbook to follow the words and music of the song. Please
sing along with us and experience the joy of praising our
Creator.
Prayer
There may be several prayers during the
service. Prayers are designed to praise God, thank Him for His
blessings, intercede for others, and petition Him to meet our
needs (Philippians 4:6, Matthew 6:9-13).
Teaching
The teaching will be done by men only,
speaking one at a time. The women will remain silent, not
because we think they are inferior, but because of God's
teaching in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 & 1 Timothy 2:12-13.
You will notice that the teacher will have
no title, and will not be wearing any special religious
garments which will set him apart from others. The reason for
this is Christ's teaching in Matthew 23:8-12 and the teaching
on the priesthood of all believers found in First Peter 2:5,
9.
The teaching service is designed to
instruct and exhort in ways of righteousness. You are
encouraged to follow the speaker in your Bible as the lesson
is presented, and to take notes for further study (Acts
17:11). Our goal is to present sound Biblical teaching so that
all present will be edified.
Invitation
An invitation will be offered at the close
of the sermon. This is a convenient time when any number of
desires can be expressed by those in the audience. There may
be some who desire to become a Christian. There may be
Christians who desire to confess sins or request prayer for a
specific need.
Don't feel uncomfortable or pressured
during this invitation. If, however, you have a need, we will
be glad to assist you. You will never be singled out or
embarrassed in any way. During this time there may be several
who respond, or none.
The Lord's Supper
If you visit on a Sunday morning, the
Lord's Supper, or Communion, will be observed just as we
understand it to have been done on the night our Lord
introduced it (Matthew 26:26-28, Luke 22:19-20).
The brother attending the table will take
bread, bless it, break a piece from it, eat, and pass it to
another until each Christian has broken and eaten. He will
then take the cup containing Fruit of the Vine, bless it,
drink, and pass it to another until each Christian has
partaken (1 Corinthians 10:16- 17).
This is the simple New Testament pattern
repeated at this congregation each first day of the week (Acts
20:7).
If you choose not to participate, feel free
to just pass the plate or cup to the person next to you.
Contribution
You will not find us soliciting money
through any special offerings, spaghetti or pie suppers, bake
sales, car washes or any other fund raising methods. The
Lord's church is financed by the collection or contribution of
the members, which is taken only during the Lord's Day morning
worship service in accordance with the teaching found in First
Corinthians 16:1-2. At this time Christians are to give as
they have been prospered and as they purposed in their hearts
(Second Corinthians 9:7). As our guest, you are not expected
to participate in the contribution, but you should feel free
to do so if you wish.
WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE WILL YOU FIND?
The answer to that question is "a
great variety." In society we are segregated by many
factors such as race, nationality, color, economic status,
education, and cultural backgrounds, among other factors.
The common bond that men and women enjoy in
Jesus Christ erases those boundaries. All those who have
obediently accepted Jesus Christ are simply Christians - not
American Christians or Russian Christians: not white
Christians or black Christians; not rich Christians or poor
Christians or "whatever" Christians - just
Christians (Galatians 3:28, Acts 11:26).
As Christians we are a family and we enjoy
a unique care, comfort and concern that only a family shares.
Just like in a family, you will find happy people and sad
people; friendly people and unfriendly people; loving people
and selfish people. You will also find people who know a lot
and those who know little. We're not perfect. We don't know it
all.
We were not brought together by our
illusions of perfection, but by the common need we have for a
Savior. This is the glue which holds us together in spite of
our imperfections. Please consider becoming part of our
Christian family.
How Can I Become A Christian?
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I must first realize that I have sins
in my life and because of that I am in need of a Savior
(Romans 3:23; 6:23).
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I must understand that through His
grace, God did what I could not do. He provided a Savior
for me, the gift of His one and only Son, Jesus Christ
(Ephesians 2:8-10, John 3:16, Acts 4:10-12, Romans 5:8).
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I must then answer the question,
"What Must ‘I do' to be saved?" Or "Is
there something ‘I must do' to gain access to God's
grace?"
God's Word Says There Is
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I must accept God's gift through faith
(Ephesians 2:8-10).
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This faith must be an obedient faith
(James 2:14-20, Matthew 7:21-23).
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This faith must be a faith that repents
of sins (Luke 13:3, Acts 3:19).
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This faith must be a faith that
confesses faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9, Acts 8:37,
Philippians 2:9-11, Matthew 10:32).
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This faith must be a faith that submits
to baptism in water for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38,
8:36, 22:16) so that I might "put on Christ"
(Galatians 3:26-27).
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This faith must be a faith that causes
me to "walk in newness of life" as a Christian
and child of God (Romans 6:1-4, Titus 2:11-14, Second
Timothy 2:19).
By virtue of the obedient faith that I have
demonstrated in submitting to the Lord's teachings regarding
the question "What Must I Do To Be Saved?", the Lord
adds me to His church(Acts2:47). I'm then a New Testament
Christian and part of God's family.
YOU ARE ALWAYS
WELCOME
You are extremely important to the people
of this congregation. A friendly smile and warm welcome awaits
you. You will never be singled out for public attention or
embarrassed in any way. Each visitor at this place is an
honored guest.
Crescent Ridge Church of
Christ
700 Crescent Ridge Rd.
Irondale, AL 35210
"Pleading for the Restoration of New
Testament Christianity" Times of Worship
Sundays: 10:30 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Wednesdays 7:00 p.m.
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