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?

• 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).

• 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).

• 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 

• I must accept God's gift through faith (Ephesians 2:8-10).

• This faith must be an obedient faith (James 2:14-20, Matthew 7:21-23).

• This faith must be a faith that repents of sins (Luke 13:3, Acts 3:19).

• 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).

• 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).

• 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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