Collinsville-Troy CHURCH OF CHRIST

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?

1. Hear (Romans 10:14)How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?

2. Believe (Mark 16:16) He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

3. Repent (Acts 2:38)Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

4. Confess (Acts 8:37)Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."

5. Get baptized (Acts 2:38)Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

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....

Plato's Allegory

Bob Prichard

Greek philosopher and teacher Plato used his real life teacher Socrates to share his philosophical views. In The Republic, he records a scene of Socrates describing a cave where a group of men are tied down so that all they can see are the shadows reflected on the wall as objects are held up before a fire behind them. They see the shadow of a book, and think they see the real thing. When a man escapes from the cave, he is at first blinded by the bright sunlight, but soon realizes he is seeing the real thing for the first time. When he tries to tell the others, they reject him and hold to their own shadow reality.

Paul encouraged the Colossians against the Judaizing teachers, telling them that as Christ gave his life for us, he was “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, nailing it to his cross” (Colossians 2:14). Since they were no longer under the Law of Moses, Paul said, “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come, but the body is of Christ” (Colossians 2:16-17).

The Jews thought that their holy days, new moons and Sabbath days were the real thing—but they were in fact only shadows of the greater reality of the New Covenant and the heavenly kingdom. “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers there unto perfect” (Hebrews 10:1). How privileged we are to live under the new covenant of Christ, and to look forward to being in the heavenly kingdom! We have not the shadow, but the real thing.

- Bob Prichard serves as an elder and evangelist for the Hillview Church of Christ in Birmingham, Alabama, since 2016.
- Article obtained from www.bulletingold.com

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