Welcome to the Ocoee church of Christ
What To Expect When You Visit With Us
Our commitment is to follow the New Testament pattern for the church, endeavoring to model ourselves after the church we read about in the New Testament – being what they were, saying what they said, doing what they did, getting what they got – no more, no less, no other. Our plea is to speak where the Bible speaks and remain silent where it is silent. The New Testament church assembled every first day of the week (Sunday) to worship God, so do we. Likewise, our worship is simple, spiritual, and orderly, “true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth” (John 4: 23-4). Absent is the frenzied emotionalism so common with churches today.
Singing
Our singing is strictly a cappella (without instruments). The Scriptures reveal the first century church used unaccompnaied vocal music only in worship. We have no choirs, special singers, or praise groups, just simply congregational a capella singing. The congregation is the choir, the special singers and the praise group! The New Testament teaches that the entire assembly participates, not just a few. There is no authority for mechanical instruments of music (or clapping) in New Testament worship (Ephesians 5: 19; Colossians 3: 16).
Prayer
The first century church also devoted themselves to prayer (Acts 2:42). Following their example we, too, offer prayers to God. We are told to pray without ceasing (I Thessalonians 5:17). The congregation is lead in prayer by one of the men in the assembly. We pray, not only to praise and thank God, but also to ask for our needs and the needs of others (I Timothy 2: 1-4).
Preaching
We are instructed to preach the Word (2 Timothy 4:2). The Scriptures are designed for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, for the purpose of making an individual complete (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Our sermons teach and encourage compliance to God’s word. It has become popular for preachers to appear sensational by discussing subjects not revealed in the Bible, advancing fantastic theories and speculations, even laying claim to miraculous powers. We make no such claim, preaching only the pure gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Lords Supper
Each first day of the week (Sunday) we remember the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts 20:7). We proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes (I Corinthians 11:26). We partake of the Lord’s Supper each first day of the week (Sunday), only (Acts 20: 7). The Lord’s Supper consists of unleavened bread and fruit of the vine, which serve as memorials of the body and blood of Jesus (I Cor. 11:20-36).
Giving
The New Testament teaches us that the first century church made monitary contributions every first day of the week or Sunday (1 Cor.16:1-2). This is a freewill offering given by the members of the church. Visitors are not expected to give. We do not take up a collection every time we meet as some churches do, but upon the first day of the week (Sunday). Should you plan to assemble with us on Sundays, and see the collection plate passed through the entire assembly, then please do not feel as if you must give. Giving is the responsibility of our members, not our guests.
Come Visit Us Soon
When you visit, you will be received friendly, kindly and courteously. We believe this to be the natural attitude of those who truly love God and mankind. Though you may at first be among strangers, we hold that you will come to know us well and count us as your friends. If these matters find favorable response in your heart, we invite you to consider them further. At your request we will gladly study the Bible with you in the privacy of your home.