WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU VISIT

You will first notice our friendly people eager to say "Hello" to you and to get to know you better. They warmly welcome you to the service and will introduce you to others. Before the worship service we have a Bible class for each member of your family. When you visit the adult classes you will find enthusiasm, participation, and discussion of verses or topics found in the greatest book ever written. You will meet people who sincerely want to follow the teachings of the Bible...nothing more or nothing less. You will meet people who care about one another and care about you. As the worship begins you will notice that we have a simple service where all who are present participate. The singing is enthusiastic, contagious and heartwarming. The Lord's Supper is served each week in an orderly and reverent manner. Prayers are humble and earnest. The minister's sermon is a clear message from the word of God. You will see that our members open their Bibles and follow along. When the worship is over you can rest assured that the people here will invite you to return for another visit. Hopefully, you will leave this place with a better understanding and a deeper appreciation for Christ and His church, wanting to return to the Green Plain church of Christ for another opportunity to learn more about the simple Christianity revealed in the New Testament and to associate with this group of people who show so much love for God and for one another.

The Singing In Our Worship

You will immediately notice that we sing without the use of any musical instruments. "A Capella" singing, with our voices raised in harmony to God, is the only music used in our worship. In Ephesians 5:19, Christians were exhorted to "speak to yourselves in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord." The heart is the only instrument mentioned here. There is no biblical authorization for the use of musical instruments in worship. Early Christians were so strong in their opposition to the use of instruments in worship that no instruments appeared in worship until the sixth century A.D. There was no general practice of instrumental music in Christianity until after the eighth century. Singing as a part of worship at the Green Plain church of Christ has a two-fold purpose: we know that it is pleasing and acceptable to God and we know that it edifies and builds us up as we teach others through our songs of praise unto God. "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." (Colossians 3:16).

Prayer

What is "prayer"? There are several aspects of prayer. Prayer is communion with God. It is a response of man for what God has done for us. Prayer may be an earnest request for something. It may be an utterance of praise or thanksgiving. We Christians who meet at the Green Plain church of Christ strive to pray in a humble and faithful manner, believing that God hears and answers our prayers (Jas. 5:16). We know that the Lord will continue to hear us and bless us as long as we continue to follow His ways.

The Lord's Supper

Jesus Himself on the night of His betrayal inaugurated this memorial supper (Matthew 26:26-28). Christians observe the Lord's Supper in memory of His death (I Corinthians (11:24-25). The emblems -- unleavened bread and fruit of the vine symbolize the body and blood of Jesus (I Corinthians 10:16). Churches of Christ observe the Lord's Supper on each first day of the week. We do this in order to follow the teaching of the New Testament and the practice of the first century church. In Acts 20:7 we read that "upon the first day of the week the disciples came together to break bread."

Teaching God's Word

The Green Plain church of Christ emphasizes the importance of a working knowledge of the Bible for all. The Bible teachers at Green Plain strive for excellence in their classes. They study God's word and prepare their lessons well to bring the message of New Testament Christianity to their students. We often engage in lively discussions as teachers guide their students to a better understanding of biblical teaching and of the application of these principles in our everyday lives. At Green Plain we have Bible classes for all ages. Why not join us as we strive to learn more about God's word and His will for us?

The church of Christ is not a denomination. We are not Catholic, Protestant or Jewish. We are simply Christians. We are members of the church you read about in the New Testament, established in the first century. The term "church of Christ" is not a denominational designation, but rather it serves as a descriptive term indicating that the church belongs to Christ and we are His followers. It is our conviction that only Christ has the authority to say what the church is and what we should teach (Matthew 28:18). Since only the New Testament sets forth Christ's teachings, it alone must serve as the basis for all religious practice and teaching. In the first chapter of I Corinthians the apostle Paul begged those who were divided to unite in Christ. We believe that religious unity can be achieved and that the only way to achieve this unity is for all to return to the Bible. We believe that to subscribe to any creed or doctrine other than the New Testament, to refuse to obey the instruction and principles of the New Testament, or to follow any practice not supported by the teachings found in the New Testament is to add or to take away from the teachings of God. Any additions or deletions are condemned in the Bible (Galatians 1:6-9 and Revelation 22:18-19). We simply strive to do Bible things in Bible ways and to call Bible things by Bible names: nothing more or nothing less.