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From time to
time you may have seen
our notices and articles in the local newspapers. However, we wish to
take this opportunity to introduce ourselves to the community and to
you personally.
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Is Not a New Church! Congregations worshipping and teaching as we do today existed in Scotland over two centuries ago. But what is even more important is the fact that such congregations date from the time of the New Testament, for the first church of Christ was established by Christ Himself, through His apostles, in Jerusalem about the year AD. 30. That church is described in the scriptures. We read about the names it wore, the message it preached, its worship and the way it was governed. In short, in the New Testament we are given a pattern for the true church, and all who are following that pattern faithfully are members of the church of Christ and children of God whether they are known to us or not. Indeed we often receive news of the existence of such groups in parts of the world where we did not know they existed. Yet their existence does not surprise us, because the Word of God is like seed which produces the true church wherever it is sown. Is Not a Denomination! Perhaps we are regarded by some as just another denomination, but this is not the case. We are strongly opposed to the spirit of denominationalism, believing that it hinders the spread of Christ's kingdom. The Lord prayed that His people might be one (John 17:20-23). We believe that the religious world can attain that oneness if it will accept the Lord's way. This involves the abandonment of human traditions and the creeds formulated by men, and the acceptance of the Word of God as the sole authority in Christianity. For many years, churches of Christ throughout the world have pleaded for unity upon this basis. Is Not a Foreign Sect! On occasion we may make use of preachers from overseas, and this is all part of the wonderful fellowship which exists between churches of Christ throughout the world. After all, the Lord's church is neither British nor American; neither French nor German; and there should be no obstacles to fellowship between Christians of all nationalities and colours. You may be interested to know that there are over 20,000 congregations of Christians like ourselves in about 110 different countries. Some of these congregations consist of just a few members whilst many regularly have more than 2,000 present at services. Has No Earthly Headquarters! We cannot point you to any place on earth from which the church is controlled or governed. Our only Head is Christ Himself (Ephesians 1:22-23). Each congregation is self-governing, whilst being bound to other congregations by ties of brotherhood and our common beliefs. Is Not to be Confused with Other Religious Bodies! Whilst
not wishing to be unkind, we must
clearly point out
that we are not connected in any way with religious bodies with similar
sounding names. We have nothing to do with "The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-Day Saints" (Mormons), or "Church of Christ Scientist"
(Christian Scientists), or the "Jehovah's Witnesses". We are simply
"Christians", and we call ourselves a "church of Christ" because that
is one of the ways in which New Testament churches were designated
(Romans 16:16; Acts 11:26).
Does Not Ask for Money! We have no collections at our services, except on Sunday morning when Christians meet to worship and to celebrate the Lord's Supper, as did the early church (Acts 20:7). We never solicit money from the general public, nor do we organise money-making schemes. We believe that it is a New Testament principle that the church should support its own work (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). Has a Purpose! We are not seeking to reform existing churches but to restore the pattern of New Testament Christianity as it was practiced in the 1st century. We are trying to preach the Gospel of Christ in the way He has commanded, in order that men and women might receive the blessings which He made possible by His death at Calvary for our sins. May we ask you earnestly, to read these verses? Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:46-47; and Acts 2:37-38. Finally, What About You? If you believe in worshipping God simply, in spirit and truth; if you believe that God's Word still speaks to men and women today; if you appreciate warmth and friendliness - why not come and visit us? If that is not possible, we offer the chance to participate in a FREE Bible Correspondence Course or Home Bible Study. Whatever your choice, you will be most welcome!
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