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Why We Said Yes to Joining the Church Of Christ
Rashad Christmas: Hi there! Thank you for joining us for today. I’m sure you have a lot of questions right now and I promise we’ll get to those in a few minutes. But first, let me introduce myself.
My name is Rashad Christmas. I’m a dad, a husband and as of January of 2022, a member of the Church Of Christ. I got to let you know, joining the Church Of Christ has been amazing for me and my family.
Voiceover: That’s them in the photo right there. I never thought that I would join the Church [Of Christ].
Rashad Christmas: A good friend of mine invited me a few times over the years, and I’m glad that he did. You know, I’ve always had questions about God. I always sought after Him and a lot of unanswered questions that I was seeking for, I finally got answered here at the Church Of Christ. So sit back, relax, and welcome.
Voiceover: I have to admit it was a bit overwhelming at first. I was a little nervous and scared, but I was curious. So I did my research and said, “Why not find out what the Church is all about?” If it doesn’t work out, I’ll just keep doing what I was already doing.
Rashad Christmas: Anyway, it’s been a few years since I’ve been in your shoes, and I know you have a lot of questions and thoughts going on in the back of your mind right now. Like, did I make the right decision accepting this invitation? And let me tell you the short answer is: yes. And let me tell you why.
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Rashad Christmas, Joined the INC in 2022
Voiceover: As a kid, I was raised as a Methodist. I sang in the choir, and even when I went to college, I became a youth pastor. Missionizing out in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York. So attending church wasn’t really new to me. But I also had a phase where I didn’t even think I needed a church, and all I wanted was a relationship with God. So when I say I’ve been where you are, chances are I have. And maybe like you, I didn’t accept the invitation to the Church Of Christ the first time I was asked. Actually, it took a very long time for me to accept my friend’s invitation. But I got to tell you, I’m so glad I did. Because after all these years of trying to build a relationship with God, I finally found a Church that will teach you how.
Rashad Christmas: Inside the Church Of Christ everything is Bible-based. You won’t find spontaneous verses being read. You won’t find someone in the pulpit talking forever about their personal life. You won’t find idols or statues just looking at you.
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Rashad Christmas, Joined the INC in 2022
Voiceover: Instead you’ll come in and be ushered to your seat by a deacon or deaconess. You’ll sing hymns and you’ll have time to meditate and say your personal prayers. And during the preaching, the lesson is going to follow a simple question and answer format. This gives you the time and space to really focus on serving God and learning what it is that He wants from you. Your time will be focused on learning the steps that lead to salvation, living a life that brings you closer to God. A lifestyle that will bring you to heaven. And isn’t that why you want to get closer to God in the first place?
Voiceover: In fact, my friend, it’s important for you to explore the teachings and beliefs taught inside the Church Of Christ first. That could mean attending Bible studies like this one, worshiping with us during the weekend and even attending some of the different socializing activities the Church Of Christ holds. You can even volunteer with us as part of the INC Giving Project. When we go out into the community to help clean up the communities, visit senior citizens, and appreciate teachers and firefighters. You can learn more about the INC Giving Project by visiting INCGiving.org. But the important thing is that you get to know the Church Of Christ.
You get to know the teachings we follow. You get to know how God’s words can shape your life and give you the direction that led you to attending this particular Bible study.
Rashad Christmas: Maybe you’re wondering, “What if I don’t know anything about God or religion?” And that’s okay. Let me introduce you to someone very special to me, my wife Mary, who hasn’t been to church in years.
Mary Christmas: Rashad’s right. Because of my experiences in religion growing up, I truly didn’t want to have anything to do with God, Bible studies, or even joining a church. But I’m blessed because God gave me a wake up call. And I’m truly grateful for that.
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Mary Christmas, Joined the INC in 2022
Voiceover: When I first arrived at my initial Bible study with the minister, I was apprehensive because we didn’t begin our Bible study the way that I would normally begin in Catholicism, with the sign of the cross, or with a repetitive prayer such as the Hail Mary or the Our Father. Once we got past the prayer and I opened my notebook and I started to listen to the words of God coming from the minister, a lot of my apprehensions started to fall away. I began to hear things from the Bible that I’ve never heard before, and that was shocking to say the least.
Rashad Christmas: Now, I’m sure you still have a lot of questions on your mind, and that’s okay. But I hope this was a great introduction to the Church Of Christ for you.
Mary Christmas: And honestly we could spend all day talking about the impact that the Church has had on our lives, but I think that you should come and experience it for yourself.
Rashad Christmas: So bring your curiosity, bring your notebook, write everything down because I’m sure the answers that you’re searching for, you’re going to find right here in the Church Of Christ. So come on, let’s go. Join us!
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SET UP A TIME TO SPEAK WITH A MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL
