1400 Troy Road
Collinsville, Illinois 62234
618-667-6708
secretary@ctcofc.net
Worship Service 9:30 AM
Bible Classes 11:00 AM
Special Activities 11:50 AM
Bible Class (Adult) 1:30 PM
Bible Classes (All Ages) 7:00 PM
What is a church? Or for that matter, what is a church of Christ? A concise answer as written in the Bible is, a church belonging to Jesus the Christ. After all, Jesus said, "...I will build my church" (Matthew 16:18). The church of Christ then, is a church that belongs to Christ, a church that was built by Christ. But what does a church of Christ look like? She preaches the Word. She preaches Jesus. Come and see (John 1:29).
We are: A 21st Century church following God's first century pattern in worship. Proclaiming the Good News (1 Corinthians 15:1, 2) and caring through local evangelism and supporting national and international missions.
We worship God in the simple manner of the New Testament scriptures. We worship because, "... true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him" (John 4:23).
We are Christians: ...the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch (Acts 11:26).
Come join us, for reverent worship to God.
Just off Interstate 55/70 at Exit 17 in Troy, Ilinois, is a nondenominational congregation of Christians who base their worship, service, and life on the principles found in the Holy Bible. We follow no creed but Christ, no manual but the Bible, and no spiritual authority but God. When you visit you will not participate in an entertainment-oriented exercise, but in a God-centered worship patterned after the truth and simplicity of New Testament worship (John 4:23). We strive to follow Paul's instruction, "And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Colossians 3:17).
Therefore, when we assemble on the first day of the week, prayers of praise and adoration will be offered to God, as well as prayers of request (1 Corinthians 14:15). All are encouraged to sing songs of praise to God, that also encourage one another, as New Testament Christians did (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). We participate in communion (the Lord's supper) as the early church did (Acts 20:7). Those who are members contribute of their monetary means (no bake, rummage, or other sales) to support the work of the Lord (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). Non-members are not expected to give.
The preacher will preach from God's word, as Paul did at the Troas church (Acts 20:7). At the close of the sermon, the preacher will offer the opportunity for anyone to respond publicly who has a spiritual request, such as to be baptized or to have prayers of encouragement. Life can be difficult.
Come join us for reverent worship to God. Come to focus on God's word, find the truth, follow the Lord.
Let's talk about heaven. We all want to go there, right? God wants you to be there. So do we. The place to start the straight talk:
"For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Mark 10:36-37).
Of all the words we ever listened to, of all we ever want to be, will any of it matter if we aren't saved the New Testament way? Here it is straight from the New Testament. What must I do to be saved?
6. Sins washed away (now saved, forgiven) through baptism (Acts 22:16)And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.'
And that's the Bible truth. So, after we heard it all and done it all, here is what really counts: (Ecclesiates 12:13-14).
Sharing the Good News: We present Jesus' hope and encouragement through the message of the scriptures by articles (see right side), door-knocking campaigns, tracts, and pamphlets distribution (House to House, Heart to Heart). Look outside. One may be in your mailbox or hanging on your doorknob. Jesus makes the difference. Read all about Him.
Sharing in the Work: The Far East and Russia. Apologetics Press. In Search of the Lord's Way, Gospel Broadcast Network. Potter Children's Home. Shults Lewis Child & Family Services. Spanish Ministry of the West End Church of Christ. Supporting and encouraging students at preacher training schools....
Jason Wright
The first word we looked at in this series on church growth was compassion…sympathy, pity and concern for others. Jesus modeled this throughout His ministry. We should as well.
Imitation is a word I think of when I consider church growth. Imitation is the act of using something or someone as a model. Paul imitated Christ according to I Corinthians 11:1. The scriptures teach we should also.
As Peter discusses Christ's willingness to suffer for us, he reminds us that Christ was our example and that we should follow in His steps (I Peter 2:21). In John 15:9-11, Jesus teaches His disciples to love as He loves and to obey God's ommandments just as He has.
Jesus loved to teach. After all, His mission was to seek and to save the lost (Lk 19:10). This cannot be done by example only; we have to open our mouths and share the gospel. Penn Jillette, one half of Penn and Teller who perform magic and comedy in Las Vegas is an Atheist. He asked, “How much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize?” “How much do you have to hate somebody to believe that everlasting life is possible and not tell them that? If I believed beyond a shadow of a doubt that a truck was coming at you and you did't believe it, and that truck was bearing down on you, there' a certain point where I tackle you. And this is more important than that.” I am certainly not saying we should imitate an Atheist, but in this case, he speaks truth.
