We believe the Bible gives us instruction regarding five items of worship, and these we attempt to follow:
Teaching or preaching (Acts 2:42; 20:7). Praying (Acts 2:42, I Corinthians 14:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:17). We do not teach the law of tithing, as we believe that it was nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14). We teach that members of the church are to give liberally and cheerfully (II Corinthia
ns 16:2). One of the things which people most frequently notice about the church of Christ is that we sing without the use of mechanical instruments of music.I would be unfair to you if I failed to explain the reason for this. Simply stated, here is the reason: We feel we are to worship according to God's instructions in the New Testament. The New Testament leaves instrumental music out. We feel that, to use the mechanical instrument, we would have to do so without God's authority. Members of the church of Christ believe there are certain steps which must be taken, in obedience to the commands of the New Testament. We believe that these steps bring about salvation and at the same time make one a member of the church. Those steps are four in number: (1) Faith. This results from hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17) and is stated as essential to salvation (Mark 16:16; John 8:24; 20:30-31; Hebrews 11:6). This too, is commanded (Acts 2:38; 3:19). Repentance is a change of mind which causes one to turn away from sinful practices. It is commanded for everyone (Acts 17:30). This is an outward confession of faith in Jesus as the Son of God (Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:9-10). (4) Baptism. Baptism is not taught by members of the church of Christ as a "church ordinance," but as a "command" of Christ. We believe the New Testament teaches baptism to be an act which is essential to salvation (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16). We believe that proper subjects for baptism are: taught persons (Matthew 28:19); believing persons (Mark 16:16); penitent persons (Acts 2:38); persons who have confessed Jesus (Acts 8:37). We believe that scriptural baptism must be an immersion in water. Following obedience to these commands we believe it is important that the Christian live faithfully, because the Bible teaches the possibility of falling from the grace of God. Paul said he had to guard himself, lest after preaching to others he himself should be a castaway (I Corinthians 9:27).
