We appreciate your interest in visiting the Licking Valley church of Christ. Please join us at your earliest opportunity! During our worship assemblies, you can expect several activities to occur.
Bible Teaching:
As the inspired Word of God, the Bible governs all Christian teaching and activities (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Colossians 3:17). Therefore, an important aspect of public worship involves learning God’s Word together (Acts 20:7; 2 Timothy 4:2). During our morning services on Sundays, worshippers learn the will of God through Biblical sermons delivered by capable men. In addition, on Sunday and Wednesday evenings, classes for all age groups assemble for Bible study (2 Timothy 2:15).
Singing:
In our assemblies, all worshippers participate in a capella (i.e. without the accompaniment of musical instruments) singing. This form of music allows human voices to blend together in a beautiful fashion. From grateful hearts completely dependent upon God’s provisions, we teach and admonish one another in songs of praise (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).
Prayer:
God invites His people to communicate with Him in prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17). This unlimited access allows children of God to unburden their hearts to a loving Father (1 Peter 5:7; Philippians 4:6) and to make requests of a powerful and generous God (James 1:5-8). In our assemblies, we pray to praise God, offer thanks for His provisions, request assistance to overcome our human frailties, and seek His continued blessing.
The Lord’s Supper:
Following the New Testament pattern, our weekly assemblies include partaking the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7). On the evening of His betrayal, Jesus chose the items of the Passover meal (unleavened bread and the cup containing “fruit of the vine”) to establish an abiding memorial of His sacrifice (Matthew 26:26-29). Christians consume these items in solemn remembrance of the body and blood of Jesus who sacrificed Himself to provide their salvation (1 Corinthians 11:23-29).
The Offering:
During our worship services on Sundays, members participate in a monetary collection. In the days of the apostles, Christians voluntarily gave in proportion to their prosperity to supply special needs (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). Through the fellowship of contribution, believers participate in numerous local, national, and international efforts to glorify God. Furthermore, when Christians give cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7), they exhibit the godly characteristic of sacrifice, protect their hearts from covetousness, and experience special joy (Acts 20:35).
The Invitation:
Matters of the soul deserve great urgency (2 Corinthians 6:1-2; Hebrews 9:27). Therefore, near the end of our public assemblies, worshippers enjoy the opportunity to seek Divine help with their problems. Sometimes, children of God need the prayers and encouragement of believers to endure the burdens of life (Galatians 6:1-2). In other cases, unfaithful Christians desire to restore their relationship with God by repenting of sins and and asking the church to pray with them for forgiveness (Acts 8:20-24; James 5:13-16;1 John 1:8-10). Finally, this loving and tender invitation extends to anyone who desires to obey Jesus to receive forgiveness for sins (Hebrews 5:8-9; Romans 6:16-18). Through Scripture, Jesus commands lost souls to believe in Him (John 8:24), repent of a sinful lifestyle (Luke 10:3; Acts 17:30-31), confess the identity of Christ (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; Mark 16:15-16;Acts 22:16). The invitation provides an opportunity for rejoicing in this life and above (Psalms 51:1-13; Luke 15:10).
What Will Be Expected From You
When you visit, we will neither ask nor expect you to do anything that makes you uncomfortable. We would merely encourage you to join in our worship to God and return at every opportunity. We strongly desire to help you grow in your relationship with God and welcome the opportunity to meet you, help you increase your knowledge of the Bible, and assist you in any way we can. We look forward to your visit!