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....

Who Is Your Master?

Renn Ferguson

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” Matthew 6:24 (ESV)

Our society is so focused on our freedoms that sometimes we fail to remember that we are all servants. I do not mean that in the earthly sense of the word but spiritual. Sometimes it seems that we fall into a similar mindset as the first century Jews in John 8:33 when they say, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, 'You will become free'?” They misunderstood what Jesus was saying. He was not talking about physical bondage or slavery but spiritual (v. 31-32). The truth of the matter is, we all serve someone. This is the very point Jesus is making in Matthew 6:24.

The only two options are sin or righteousness. Throughout scripture we see two opposing forces, Satan, and God. While Satan is not as powerful as God, God has allowed him to work in this world setting up the traps and snares of sin (Eph. 6:11, 2 Cor. 2:11). This presents men with a choice. Will we follow God or Satan? Ultimately these are the only two masters one can choose to serve. Again, as Jesus pointed out, it is either one or the other.

The question then arises how do we know which one we are serving? None of us are perfect right? Does that mean each time we sin we become a servant to Satan again and we are constantly changing masters? No. Read 1 John 3:8, “Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.” The key word in this verse is “practice”. There is a vast difference between committing a sin and practicing a sin. One is a momentary lapse in judgment, or a mistake made in weakness that is then repented of. The other is a habitual action that is not repented of. Paul makes a similar point in Romans 6:16.

When you look at your life, are you presenting yourself as an instrument of righteousness or sin? We all must serve someone. Who are you serving?

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