"VISITING THE CHURCH OF CHRIST?"

Have you recently visited the Church of Christ in your town, or are you planning to visit in the near future? Well, let me help you with some of the things you have observed, or will observe when you visit.

FIRST, and perhaps the most obvious, there is no use of mechanical musical instruments. Are these people that poor? Can they not afford to buy a nice Piano, or Organ?

The answer is a matter of faith. These people are trying to restore New Testament Christianity. They are attempting to have worship just as the early disciples did...without added to, or taking from, the work and worship of the church. They offer praises to God with the "fruit of their lips" (Hebrews 13:15). They "sing" and "make melody" in their hearts to God, for this is what is told in reference to the music in worship (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).

The early church sang Acappella(without mechanical instruments). We are trying to be just New Testament Christians. We are trying to follow-and duplicate-the worship and work of the New Testament church in our day, therefore we do not use the man-made instrument in worship.

SECONDLY, you will notice that the "Lord's Supper" is served every Sunday. Again, the scripture shows that they came together on Sunday to bread the bread ( Acts 20:7). The Lord instituted the supper for the disciples (Matthew 26:26-30). The communion is offered for anyone to partake--for each one must examine self (I Corinthians 11:27,28). Upon the first day of the week, the early disciples also gave a contribution (I Corinthians 16:1,2). So, you will notice that the church of Christ does the same today. This is used to help cloth and feed the poor and to evangelize the world.

THIRDLY, you will hear the reading of scripture (the apostle's doctrine), and prayers raised to God in the name of Christ (Acts 2:42; Colossians 3:17).

FOURTHLY, you will hear a lesson designed to edify the church and to convict the sinner. An invitation is offered to "come to Christ" and an exhortation is made to everyone.

LAST, you will find warm-hearted people. People who are just trying to be New Testament Christians. You will always find a warm welcome. You will be encouraged to visit as often as you can.

- Dan Carter