Table of Contents
Where did the Church of Christ come from?
You are invited to worship with us
You will first notice our friendly people eager to say "Hello" to you and to get to know you better. They warmly welcome you to the worship service and will introduce you to others. Before the worship service, we have a Bible class for each member of your family. When you visit the adult classes you will find enthusiasm, participation, and discussion of verses or topics found in the greatest book ever written. You will meet people who sincerely want to follow the teachings of the Bible, nothing more and nothing less. You will meet people who care about one another and care about you. As the worship service begins you will notice that we have a simple service where all who are present participate. The singing is enthusiastic, contagious and heartwarming. The Lords Supper is served each week in an orderly and reverent manner. Prayers are humble and earnest. The ministers sermon is a clear message from the word of God. You will see that our members open their Bibles and follow along. When the worship is over, you can rest assured that the people here will invite you to return for another visit. Hopefully, you will leave this place with a better understanding and a deeper appreciation for Christ and His church, wanting to return to the Scappoose Church of Christ for another opportunity to learn more about the simple Christianity revealed in the New Testament and to associate with this group of people who show so much love for God and for one another.
You will immediately notice that we sing without the use of any musical instruments. "A Capella" singing, with our voices raised in harmony to God, is the only music used in our worship. In Ephesians 5:19, Christians were exhorted to "speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord". The heart is the only instrument mentioned here. There is no Biblical authorization for the use of musical instruments in New Testament worship to God. Early Christians were so strong in their opposition to the use of instruments in worship that no instruments appeared in worship until the sixth century A.D. There was no general practice of instrumental music in Christianity until after the eighth century. Singing as a part of worship at the Scappoose Church of Christ has a two-fold purpose: (1) we know that it is pleasing and acceptable to God and (2) we know that it edifies and builds us up as we teach others through our songs of praise to God. "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God" (Colossians 3:16).
What is "prayer"? There are several aspects of prayer. Prayer is communion with God. It is a thankful response by man for what God has done for us. Prayer may be an earnest request for something. It may be a statement of praise or thanksgiving. The Christians who meet at the Scappoose Church of Christ strive to pray in a humble and faithful manner. We believe that God hears and answers our prayers (James 5:16). We know that the Lord will continue to hear us and bless us as long as we continue to follow His ways.
Jesus Himself, on the night of His betrayal inaugurated this memorial supper Matthew 26:26-28). Christians observe the Lords Supper in memory of His sacrificial death (1 Corinthians 11:24-25). The emblems unleavened bread and fruit of the vine symbolize the body and blood of Jesus (1 Corinthians 10:16). Churches of Christ observe the Lords Supper on each first day of the week. We do this in order to follow the teaching of the New Testament and the example of the first century church. In Acts 20:7 we read that "upon the first day of the week the disciples came together to break bread".
The early church supported good works through the generous giving of its members every first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:1-3). This giving is to be done cheerfully and lovingly (2 Corinthians 9:7). And we are instructed to give as we have been prospered (1 Corinthians 16:2). Visitors and guests are not asked or expected to give while the offering plates are passed. When you come to worship God with us, we promise not to embarrass you in any way.
The Scappoose Church of Christ emphasizes the importance of a working knowledge of the Bible for all. The Bible teachers at the Scappoose Church of Christ strive for excellence in their classes. They study Gods word and prepare their lessons well to bring the message of New Testament Christianity to their students. We often engage in lively discussions as teachers guide their students to a better understanding of Biblical teaching and of the application of these Principles in our everyday lives. At the Scappoose Church of Christ we have Bible classes for all ages. Why not join us as we strive to learn more about Gods word and His will for us.
Where Did The Church of Christ Come From?
The Church of Christ is not a denomination. We are not Catholic, Protestant, or Jewish. We are simply Christians. We are members of the church you read about in the New Testament, as established in the first century in the book of Acts. The term "church of Christ" is not a denominational designation, but rather it serves as a descriptive term indicating that the church belongs to Christ and we are His followers. It is our conviction that only Christ has the authority to say what the church is and what we should teach (Matthew 28:18). Since only the New Testament sets forth Christs teachings, it alone must serve as the basis for all religious practice and teaching. In the first chapter of 1 Corinthians the apostle Paul begged those who were divided to unite in Christ. We believe that religious unity can be achieved and that the only way to achieve this unity is for all to return to the Bible. We believe that to subscribe to any creed or doctrine other than the New Testament, to refuse to obey the instruction and principles of the New Testament, or to follow any practice not supported by the teachings found in the New Testament is to add or to take away from the teachings of God. Any additions or deletions are condemned in the Bible (Galatians 1:6-9 and Revelation 22:18-19). We simply strive to do Bible things in Bible ways and to call Bible things by Bible names: nothing more and nothing less.
Since the New Testament did not come from a denominational background, following the pattern for the church revealed within it produces the undenominational church of Christ. Answers to doctrinal questions, to questions about salvation, to questions relating to the manner of worship in the body of Christ (the church)and moreare all found in the New Testament. Conforming to those answers is what the Scappoose Church of Christ is all about. The New Testament presents us with Gods inspired pattern, and following that pattern will produce the church of the New Testament.
You Are Invited To Worship God With Us
Welcome! If you are in our area from out-of-town, new to the Scappoose-Warren-St Helens area, or perhaps you are searching for a new church home; we would like to take this opportunity to invite you to visit with the Scappoose Church of Christ this Sunday morning. Our Sunday morning Bible classes begin at 10:00 A/M. Then, our worship service begins at 11:00, ending just after noon.
We strive to serve God in all we do. We believe the Bible is the inspired word of God and we are dedicated to living and teaching its principles. In our worship services, we attempt to faithfully worship God in the same way the early Christians did in the New Testament. When Christianity began, Christian worship was very simple. It could occur anywhere among any people and in any culture. All that was necessary for Christian worship were hearts, minds and voices. Through the authority of the Gods holy word the Bible, we seek that same simplicity.
We want to share the worlds greatest message with you: God loves us so much that He gave His only Son for us on a cruel cross. We all need Jesus to be saved and enjoy eternal life with Him. Read and study about this in Gods word: John 3:15-16. Come and share in a simple but scriptural worship service to God.
Content copyright © 2015-2024 All rights reserved.