Thank you for being here. We want you to feel welcome and know that you are among friends. If you are not familiar with churches of Christ, or the congregation here at Boiling Springs, you should find the following explanations to be helpful. If you have other questions, please feel free to ask the minister and others. We are happy to answer your questions and look forward to getting to know you better.
Our Faith and Practice
We believe the Bible is the word of God and that it is a perfect guide for life and religion. The Boiling Springs church of Christ is simply a congregation of Christian people who are seeking to follow the pattern of the church in the New Testament. We strive to find authority in the Scriptures for everything we teach and practice.
About Our Worship
Jesus said that true worshipers must worship in “spirit and truth” (John 4:24). This means this must be in the right attitude of sincerity (from the heart, “in spirit”) and according to the instructions in the Bible (correct authority, “in truth”). Our worship praises the Lord and at the same time instructs and encourages the congregation.
Singing With No Instruments
Though various instruments were a part of Old Testament worship, the church of Christ in the New Testament never used them. The only music authorized for Christian worship was “singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19). Desiring to follow the New Testament pattern, we sing without instruments.
Communion Every Sunday
Every Sunday is the Lord’s Day. Christians are expected to assemble for worship. A part of our worship every Sunday is the Lord’s Supper. Jesus commanded that we partake of unleavened bread and fruit of the vine (grape juice) in remembrance of His body and blood (Luke 22:19-20). The communion is passed to everyone and each person decides whether he or she is a faithful child of God and should partake. While the church will not refuse to serve the supper to nonmembers, it is not intended for children and those who have not been scripturally baptized.
Worship Leaders
While typically the sermon will be given by the full-time minister, other things are led by various men of the congregation. They are willing to prepare themselves and use their talents to the glory of God.
Invitation Song
Our usual practice is to have an invitation song at the conclusion of the sermon. This is to provide an opportunity, for those in need, to respond to the gospel. Of course this is not the only time when one can make known their spiritual needs, but by coming to the front during this song one can indicate they are ready to confess faith in Christ and be baptized. Sometimes a member of the church will come with a special request for prayer, especially for spiritual needs.
Baptisms
In the New Testament, persons who were convinced by the Gospel were baptized immediately. When someone responds to the invitation to be baptized, the baptism will ordinarily occur immediately, while the congregation is still assembled. Sometimes baptism will also take place in private. The important thing is not the time, but that a penitent believer is willing to be immersed in Christ’s name for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). The baptistry (pool of water) and clothing are available at all times.
Pre-Denominational
In the New Testament, there were no denominations. Divisions into many different denominations came about because of departures from the Bible way. Churches of Christ are not organized into a denomination. We have no earthly headquarters, no state or national organization, nor central government. Christ is the only head of the church and the Bible is our only guide.
A Bible Church in the Modern World
Jesus said, “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). By following the faith and practices we find in the New Testament, the church today can be the same church that existed in the days of the apostles. We have no sectarian organization, no denominational name, and no human doctrines or creeds. We emphasize a restoration of New Testament Christianity.
Ordinary People
Members of the Boiling Springs Church of Christ come from varied backgrounds. You find people of all ages, with differences in education, professions, etc. What we all have in common is that we are in God’s family, the church, and we are all brothers and sisters with one another.
Christians try to live lives that are pure and holy. We realize, however, that we often fall short and make mistakes. Sin will be rebuked, but with love for souls. As we confess our sins and obey the Lord, we can trust the grace of God and the blood of Christ to give forgiveness.
On Our Way
Trusting in Christ, not ourselves, we are on our way to heaven. Long ago, someone in the Bible said, “Come with us, and we will treat you well.” We want to borrow that statement and invite you to go with us to heaven.