STERLING AVENUE CHURCH OF CHRIST

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THE CHURCH OF CHRIST:

Has no creed book but the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Binds no name on its members but Christ's. Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16

Has the New Testament as its only guide. Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 7:22; 8:6-13; 12:24

Gladly identifies with Christ. Matthew 18:20; Romans 16:16

Has only a divine builder. Matthew 16:18; Hebrews 3:3; Acts 2:22-47

Stands for purity of doctrine and practice. Colossians 1:5; 3:17

Worships in authorized acts. John 4:24; Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:25-34; Ephesians 5:19

Is supported by free-will offerings of members. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2

Uses the gospel as the drawing power. John 6:44-45; 12:32; Romans 1:16-17; 1 Corinthians 1:18-23

Follows apostolic practice of making members. Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2,8,9,10,16,18, & 19

Has organization consisting of elders, deacons, and members. Acts 14:23; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1-8; Titus 1:5-9

Has members taught to live godly lives. Titus 2:11-12; Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 4:17, 24

Is not a denomination, but the body of Christ. Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:4

Has headquarters only in heaven. Acts 1:11; Philippians 3:20

Aspires to a future heavenly glory. Colossians 3:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 4:17; 2 Thessalonians 2:20

We invite you to leave religious bodies established by and following the doctrines of men and to become a member of and faithfully serve Christ in His church.

Worship

Our worship is simple and devout. It is not characterized by displays of emotion and excitement but is calculated to draw the worshipers closer to God and help provide enduring spiritual strength.

Our purpose is to be governed in everything by the Bible alone. For this reason our worship consists only of those acts which the New Testament reveals were performed in the worship of the early church. We sing (Colossians 3:16), pray (1 Timothy 2:8), give of our means (1 Corinthians 16:1-2), eat the Lord's supper (Acts 20:7), and have the word of God preached for our instruction (2 Timothy 4:2). All of this we seek to do with the attitude which Christ enjoined when He said, "God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:24).

The New Testament commands Christians to sing in their worship (Ephesians 5:19). For this reason we encourage all to sing. Congregational singing is hindered by instrumental music and special choirs, no matter how beautiful that music may be. These things encourage most people to listen rather than sing. The principal reason we do not use instruments of music in worship is that in the Bible we find no authority for their use in the worship of the church.

Spirituality and Teaching

We simply ask visitors to honestly and seriously consider the things taught during our services. Visitors are strongly encouraged to bring their own Bibles and check for themselves the Scriptures which are presented, just as those of the first century did - "These were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so" (Acts 17:11). Even if you do not have a Bible of your own, there will be one close by for your use. We are of the clear conviction that the Bible is the only source of eternal truth. Therefore, whether it be in a class or sermon, the Bible is the book to which we will repeatedly refer.

Our focus is spiritual, not social. For us THE most important work in the world is to be about our Master's business of proclaiming the Good News (Gospel) of Jesus Christ! We extend to you a most cordial invitation to gather with us at your next opportunity. When you visit us you will be our respected guest. At the close of the sermon those who wish to become Christians will be invited to come to the front to let their wishes be known, but there will be no tricky propositions or singling out people by asking them to stand or raise their hands. Neither will anyone go about in the audience urging people to go forward. It will be a pleasure for us to have you and we believe you will be benefited by coming. We hope this approach to the things of God interests you! Join us soon, won't you?

What Must I Do To Be Saved?

Hear the Word proclaimed (not passively, but actively, listening with deep consideration) Romans 10:17.

Believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. John 8:24; 8:21; Hebrews 11:6.

Repent of your sins. Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; 17:30.

Confess faith in Christ. Matthew 10:32; Acts 8:37; Romans 10:9-10.

Be baptized for the remission of your sins. Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38.

Live a new life in obedience to Christ. Romans 6:4.

We strive to:

Speak where the Bible speaks, remain silent where the Bible is silent,

call Bible things by Bible names, and do Bible things in Bible ways.

(Colossians 3:17; Hebrews 8:5)

Use book, chapter, and verse from the Bible for the authority in everything that we do.

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