Welcome to the
Winnetka Avenue Church of Christ

Purpose


 

BY WAY OF INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE

 Many people are somewhat reluctant to visit a church, especially if they don't exactly what to expect.  We would like to help remove any trepidation you may have and to fully inform you as to what you can expect when you do visit with us.   

 Our worship services are quietly devout, with the intent to draw worshipers closer to God and to provide an atmosphere where each one can grow in the knowledge of God's Word and a greater understanding of His will for mankind.

 It is our desire to be directed in all things that we do by the Word of God alone; specifically the New Testament, which was brought about by the shed blood of Jesus Christ.  As a result our worship is in harmony with what is found in the New Testament and was practiced by the Lord's church in the first century.  We sing and pray, we partake of the Lord's Supper, we teach the Word of God and we "lay by in store" of those things of a material means for the cause of Christ. It is our desire to obey exactly what is found in the message of the New Testament, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to embrace the attitude He set forth when He said, "God is a Spirit; and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth." (John 4:24)

 We strive to make every part of the worship service as uplifting as possible, while maintaining a respect for not going beyond what the Word of God has set forth.  The New Testament directs that worshippers are to sing (see Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16).  All are encouraged to sing wholeheartedly.  We find no authority or practice in the New Testament for the use of mechanical instruments to be used in the worship of the Lord's church, for this reason we do not us any, our singing is acapella. The blending of human voices together in song without the use of musical instruments is beautiful and inspiring. In like fashion it as well is in harmony with God's Word.

When the sermon has drawn to a conclusion an invitation is extended to encourage anyone who is outside of a Scriptural relationship with Christ, to render obedience to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  In offering this encouragement for the sinner to obey the Gospel, we teach only that which the Bible says one must do in order to find God's forgiveness of sins. The Scriptures are quite clear in regards to what needs to be done.  HEARthe message of the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16; Romans 1:16, 10:16).  BELIEVEthe Gospel of Jesus Christ (Mark 16:16; Hebrews 11:6).  REPENTof sins (Luke 13:5; Acts 2:38, 17:30).  CONFESS that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (Matthew 10:32).  BE BAPTIZED for the remission of sins (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:38, 22:16; Romans 6:3-5; Galatians 3:26-27; 1Peter 3:21). 

Once, having rendered obedience to the conditions set forth in the Gospel, the individual puts on Christ (Galatians 3:26-27) and is thereby found to be "in Him" (Philippians 3:9). The end result when Christ has been put on, that one is thus a Christian, hence a child of God.  There is no hyphenated designation in God's Word-a Christian only (Acts 11:26, 26:28; 1Peter 4:16).  The religious world today brings about confusion and division, with human creeds and traditions; the purity of the New Testament advocates that no denominational names be attached to the individual, and openly teaches against such.

Inasmuch as the Holy Scripture is sufficient to instruct us in all things pertaining to both life and godliness (2Peter 1:3; 2Timothy 3:16-17), we simply teach and obey what is found therein.  Our desire is to follow what the disciples of Christ did in the first century.  In no way do we seek to add to, or take away from what is found in God's Word.  We seek to speak where the Bible speaks and to remain silent where it is silent.

An open invitation is extended to all, regardless of religious affiliation, to attend our assemblies.  We would like to become acquainted with you.  It is not our intent to embarrass you in any way, but will treat you as a welcomed guest.   We are undenominational and have no headquarters or human leader.  The head over the church is Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23).  Each congregation of the church of Christ is autonomous and functions separately from other congregations belonging to Christ.  It is the Word of God that unites us in one faith (Ephesians 4:3-6).  We follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and the inspired Word of God, not the teachings of man.  We are Christians only, with no human designations or titles.

 Members at the Winnetka Avenue Church of Christ invite you to come and let us reason together with respect to God's Word.