Are you seeking an alternative? |
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lThe churches of our
society are becoming more social and less spiritual every day.
lMoney that is contributed for
use in the Lord’s work is spent for recreational facilities or is sent to
headquarters for distribution.
lBig organizations are rapidly replacing the personal and individual evangelistic zeal that characterized the early Christians. lIs there an alternative? lLet us invite you to read this message è and let us tell you of a
church that is different. The information on this page is a modified version of a tract by Bill Hall entitled, “Are You Seeking An Alternative”. We would be glad to send you a copy of this tract which also contains an offer of a free correspondence course, helping you to learn more of what we teach and practice. Just click on the icon below and leave your name and mailing address in the body of the email and we’ll be glad to send you a copy. No money or donations are requested.
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A CHURCH THAT EXALTS CHRIST May we introduce you to an unusual group of Christians
in the Quad Cities area of Northwest Alabama? These Christians are not a part
of any denomination. They have no denominational name, creed or headquarters;
nor are they a part of any denominational organization, conference,
association or synod. They are simply Christians, meeting together regularly,
recognizing Christ as their only Head and the Bible as their
only creed. The
activities of these Christians are financed by free-will offerings
contributed each Sunday. They do not beg from the world; nor do they raise
funds for the church through business enterprises, paper drives, rummage or
garage sales. Rather, in keeping with the teaching of scripture, “On the
first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as
he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come” (1 Corinthians
16:2), they give liberally of their own prosperity once a week. They decide
for themselves the use that they will make of these funds, carefully
distributing them according to the guidance of the New Testament in the
three-fold work of preaching the gospel, caring for their needy and edifying
one another. No funds are sent to central organizations or headquarters for
distribution. The
emphasis of these Christians is spiritual. Their building contains an auditorium
conducive to spiritual worship and classrooms for Bible study periods. No
gymnasium or game room or dining area is provided, however. You see, these
Christians are convinced that the church’s purpose is to help people get to
heaven rather than to provide for their social and recreational needs. Their
worship is quite simple with congregational singing, prayers, the preaching
of the word and weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper. In their worship they
are participants, not spectators, and all activities are conducted “decently
and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40). A spiritual worship which focuses upon
God and His Son Jesus Christ is the emphasis. This
group of Christians believes in the power of the gospel to draw men to
Christ. They refuse to cheapen the gospel through offering lollipops or
balloons or free trips to recreational parks to draw people to their
services. They, in fact, refuse all types of promotional gimmicks, believing
that all such practices tend to detract from Christ and spiritual values. In short,
this group seeks to exalt Christ, through preaching His word, through
following His teaching, through doing only that which He
authorizes, through wearing only His name, through making Him
the center of their affection and adoration, through recognizing Him
as their only Head, Lord and King. Who are
these Christians? They are men and women in your community much like
yourself. They are school teachers, motel operators, repairmen, credit
managers, insurance salespeople, etc. who are seeking daily to please the
Lord in their lives. They are a happy people, enjoying life, partaking feely
of the abundant blessings which flow from the Lord. And in their group
activities, they are seeking to pattern themselves after the teaching of the
New Testament, to be truly a church of Christ in your community. Are you wondering if there really is such a group? We invite you to “come and see.” |
