What do you believe about Baptism?

When the multitude of people on the day of Pentecost realized they were living in sin, Peter told them to “repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins” (Acts 2:38). When Ananias came to Paul he said, “Arise and be baptized wash away your sins, calling upon the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). When Philip preached to a treasurer traveling back to Ethiopia, the text says he “preached unto him Jesus.” This included baptism because the treasurer said, “See here is water what hinders me from being baptized?” (Acts 8:36-38). When Paul preached to a jailer and his family, they were baptized in the same hour of the night that they learned about Jesus (Acts 16:32-33).

We preach baptism because Jesus and the apostles taught baptism (Mark 16:15-16; Matthew 28:18-20). However, baptism alone does not save man from sin. We must preach all of the salvation plan:

Grace (Ephesians 2:8-9); Mercy (Ephesians 2:4-5); Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17); Jesus (Romans 5:8); Hearing (Romans 10:17); Believing (Romans 10:9-10); Repenting (Acts 2:38); Confessing (Romans 10:9-10); Baptism (1 Peter 3:21; Matthew 28:18-20); Living a life of faith (Revelation 2:10; 2 Peter 1:1-11)

Man cannot save himself from sin. Jesus’ blood on the cross saves us from our deserved punishment (Ephesians 1:7; Romans 6:1-8). But, faith in Jesus is more than just a mental acknowledgement that He exists (Matthew 7:21-23). We need to obey him and following His plan of salvation and not our own. Baptism is part of the Lord’s plan. In baptism we “put on Christ” (Galatians 3:26-27).

Do you use instrumental music in your worship?

Singing was commanded for the Lord’s church (Colossians 3:17; Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 2:12; James 5:13). The melody should be with our hearts not through the entertainment of a musical instrument. In the Old Testament, instruments in worship were commanded (Psalm 150). However, in the New Testament, the Bible is totally silent concerning instruments in worship. We seek to practice the only authorized type of music for the Lord’s church.

What role do women play in your worship services?

The Bible speaks of how women are to conduct themselves in worship (1 Corinthians 14:34-36). This command of God is not hard to understand. But some want to ignore it and do what seems right in their own eyes. The Bible explains why women are to keep silent and why they are not permitted to speak in church. It was because "Adam was formed first, then Eve." This is the way God has specified that it will be. The reason women are to be submissive and not speak in the worship of the church is God has specified that the man is to rule over the woman (Genesis 3:16). Many people do not approve of what God has done, but this is still God’s business (Romans 9:20). Who are we to question God? God’s word is very clear on this subject. It says it is not to be permitted. In other words, it is forbidden (1 Timothy 2:11-13).

When a woman gets up before the church to teach, preach, lead prayer, or lead singing, she is in violation of what God has commanded. She is perverting the worship of God. As a result of this rebellion, God is not worshipped in spirit and in truth and our worship becomes vain or useless when we follow the desires of men instead of what God wants.

Do I have to give any money if I attend your services?

Absolutely not. We do participate in a weekly offering as commanded by the scriptures (1 Corinthians 16:2) but that is an obligation of the members of our congregation. While visitors may CHOOSE to give during the time we take the offering, we will never ask or make you feel obligated to participate.

Do you have a dress policy for your worship services?

We dress accordingly for different purposes and functions (Genesis 41:14; Matthew 22:11-13). Public worship should be no exception. The priests of old wore clothing that reflected the gravity and solemnity of the occasion (Exodus 28:2 ff., I Peter 2:9). I Timothy 2:9 & 10 seem to particularly address public worship as Paul addresses the attire of women. The descriptive terms used are very helpful in determining the teaching and requisites.

In general, clothing that is not gaudy, appropriate for the occasion, distinguishes the genders, does not take priority over the spiritual development, shows a sense of shame and good judgment and is well arranged is the dress taught in the Bible.

How often do you partake of the Lord's Supper?

We partake of the Lord's Supper every first day of the week. It is apparent that the Lord's supper was an important part of worship on the Lord's day (Acts 20:7). As such, it would have been observed once a week, since every week has a first day (Sunday).

Do you feel that members of the church of Christ will be the only ones saved?

The Bible is most definitely right and whoever disagrees with it or does not follow it is wrong (Matthew 24:35; John 12:42-48). Less time should be spent on the “who” and more should be spent on “what” is right. Jesus said we need to make wise choices. Not all religious people are saved. Only those who submit themselves to the Lord’s will and seek to obey Him will be saved (Matthew 7:13-27; 2 Thessalonians 1:8; 1 Peter 4:17; Matthew 25:31-46).