Frequently Asked Questions
Elliott Street is committed to following the "God-breathed" commands of the Bible. We strive to know God, to obey the gospel, and worship as those did in the Early Christian Church era.
What is the Gospel?
The Gospel we refer to is the Good News that we have a hope for an eternal life with God. How? Jesus Christ came in the form of a man, lived a perfect life (void of all sin), and died as a flawless sacrifice on behalf of us - taking the punishment that we deserved. This is not related to the "Gospels" : Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These are the 4 books of the Bible that tell different perspectives of the perfect life of Jesus.
Who is the Church of Christ?
The church of Christ is non-denominational and has no central headquarters or president. The head of the church is Jesus Christ himself (Ephesians 1:22-23). Each congregation of the church of Christ is autonomous but we use the Word of God (the Bible) to unite the the church into One Faith (Ephesians 4:3-6). We follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and his holy Apostles, and not the teachings of man.
How am I saved?
If you believe Jesus Christ is the son of God, was crucified as a sacrifice for our sins, and was resurrected triumphant over death you have the faith necessary for salvation. At the very beginning of the church the apostle Peter was given the “keys to the kingdom” which are the instructions for salvation (Acts 2:38):
"Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"
How would I become a member of the Church of Christ?
There is no membership required in any formal organization. When you obey the call of Christ, or are saved, you are part of his church. Once you are part of Christ’s church you will naturally want to associate with other members of the church of Christ. By worshiping with a congregation you will fall under the guidance of a group of elders that help ensure the congregation is based in Biblical principles.
What can I expect during worship service?
The patterns of worship the first Christians used were recorded immediately following the account of their conversion in Acts 2:42:
The worship services in the church of Christ today are patterned after the Biblical instructions on and examples of worship. The Biblical pattern of worship includes:
-
Singing (Ephesians 5:19)
-
Praying (1 John 5:14, 1 Peter 3:12, I Timothy 2:5, Eph 5:20)
-
Studying (Acts 17:11-12)
-
Giving (1 Corinthians 16:1-2)
-
The Lord’s Supper (1Corinthians 11:25, 1 Corinthians 10:16)
Why does the Church of Christ not use musical instruments?
Jesus Christ wants his followers to worship him from the heart. Under the old law (Old Testament) worship was based on external instruments including literal sacrifices for sins, ceremonies, feasts, and the use of instruments for song during worship. In Hebrews 8:10 the writer reminds the Christians of the time of the prophesy (Jeremiah 31:31-34) that Christ was going to change their worship from external to internal:
"10This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel
after that time, declares the Lord.
I will put my laws in their minds
and write them on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people. (NIV)"
It is this internal worship, or singing from the heart, that is a part of our worship today. We use songs in worship not just for listening to, but as a personal way to “Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:20 NIV).
