At the Vicksburg Church of Christ our commitment is to follow the patterns set by the apostles and the first century church. It is our prayer that when you visit our congregation you will see that we speak where the Bible speaks and keep silent where the Bible is silent. Following the pattern of the first century church, we gather together every first day of the week to partake in the Lord's supper and hear a message preached from God's word (Acts 20:7). Below you will see what to expect when you come to worship with us on Sunday.

Prayer:

The first century church devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayers (Acts 2:42). Following their example we too offer many prayers as a congregation to God. The apostle Paul tells us that we should pray without ceasing (I Thessalonians 5:17). Underlying our worship is a continual prayer of thanksgiving and supplication to God, thanking Him for His blessings and asking Him to help us in our weaknesses.

 

Singing:

Throughout our worship we speak to one another through a cappella singing making music in our hearts with thankfulness and reverence towards God (Ephesians 5:19). As we look throughout the scriptures we see that Christians sang praises to God regardless of their situation. Following their example we sing with hearts full of thankfulness, whether we are facing plenty or hunger, abundance or need.

 

Preaching:

Paul instructs Timothy to preach the word in season and out of season (II Timothy 4:2). Following these instructions we devote a moment in our service to hear a message from the word of God. Knowing that all Scripture is God-breathed (I Timothy 3:16) we seek to be encouraged and guided by the sincere words of God, not through flattery or pretext for greed.

 

Lord's Supper:

Each first day of the week we "break bread together", remembering the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts 20:7). In our desire to continually confess our belief in Jesus, we seek to proclaim His death every Sunday until He comes again (I Corinthians 11:26). We share in the Lord's Supper at both the Sunday morning and Sunday evening services.

 

Giving:

In 1 Corinthians 16:2, Paul provides an example for us that it is a convenient time on the first day of the week when the saints are assembled for us to lay by in store as we have prospered. With a cheerful heart we show our thankfulness and trust in God by gathering a collection for the work of the church. God has blessed us and we give so that we may be a blessing to others. This is a freewill offering given by the members of the church. Visitors are not expected to give.