Below are answers to a few of the common questions we receive
about our church. If you do not see the answer you are looking
for, or if you just need further information or clarification,
please feel free to contact us.
Q. Why don't you use a piano, organ or worship band?
A. In keeping with the New Testament Church’s directive
for heart worship, we sing without the aid of musical instruments.
Q. Why do you just sing Psalms instead of Hymns?
A. We believe that, in order for our worship to be acceptable
to Christ, it must follow the clearly-defined parameters set
forth in His Word. And while there is abundant biblical evidence
that Psalms were used for praise in both the Old and New Testament
eras, there is no evidence in the Bible that God’s people
ever used uninspired human compositions (i.e. hymns) in public
worship.
Q. Can visitors participate in your Communion Services?
A. We are not casual about our Communion services. Rather,
we look upon this remembrance of our Lord's death as a holy
and precious experience. The Scriptures promise rich blessing
to those who approach rightly (1 Corinthians 10:16-17) and
warns of spiritual harm to those who don't (1 Corinthians
11:27-30).
Because of this instruction in God's Word, and for the good
of all concerned, our church asks that all who wish to participate
in the Communion Services, first meet with our Elders (the
Session) to make a profession of their personal faith in Jesus
Christ, describe their relationship to a true branch of Christ's
Church, and discuss the meaning of this Sacrament.
Even if you are unable to participate, this Sacrament can
be a great blessing to all who hear God's Word preached, join
in His praises, and witness this simple yet profound Memorial
Celebration which recalls the sacrificial death of our Lord
Jesus Christ for His people.
Q. What is the significance of the banner with the
words “For Christ’s Crown & Covenant?”
A. The Blue Banner dates back to our spiritual ancestors of
the Protestant Reformation. Reformed believers (known as Covenanters)
insisted on "the crown rights of King Jesus," which
brought them into conflict with those who supported "the
divine rights of kings." The blue banner bearing the
motto "For Christ's Crown and Covenant" originated
in 1639 as a battle flag for these Covenanters.
During the period of most intense persecution (1680-1688),
some 18,000 men, women, and children died in battle, were
executed, killed without process of law, or exiled, for their
faithfulness to 'Christ's Crown and Covenant." Since
the end of "the killing time," the Blue Banner has
continued to serve as a symbol of the Reformed faith. The
Reformed Presbyterian Church is the continuation of the Covenanter
church in Scotland, and treasures the testimony and heritage
which God has given to it. The banner itself has no theological
significance, but serves as a reminder of our commitment to
the great truths of the Word of God.
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