You may notice some differences
between the West Murray congregation and other churches you have
been to before. We want you to know that these differences have
to do with our desire to respect Biblical authority and not because
we lack money or because we don't like to enjoy ourselves.
Specialization is often
a good thing. At West Murray, we specialize in spiritual matters
and letting the church be the church. While groups of our members
often socialize together in individuals' homes, play golf together,
eat together in restaurants, and so on, these are not activities
that are sponsored by the West Murray church. There is simply
no Biblical authority for the church to provide entertainment,
recreational opportunities, or meals for its members. The apostle
Paul said (1 Cor. 11:22): "What? Do you not have houses
to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God?"
The work of local churches is clearly stated in scripture. Local
churches serve as God's collectives for performing spiritual
works (Eph. 4:12, 16). Local churches serve as the "pillar
and ground of the truth," and they are to "sound out
the word of the Lord" (1 Tim. 3:15; 1 Thess. 1:8; Acts 13:1
- 3).
Today many churches have
diversified in trying to fulfill peoples' social needs as a way
of drawing and keeping members. At West Murray we believe in
letting the word of God be the power that draws and keeps members.
Remember, "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word
of God" (Rom. 10:17). It is the gospel that is God's power
to save (Rom. 1:16; Jas. 1:21; 1 Cor. 15: 1,2). At West Murray
our goal is to follow, as closely as possible, the pattern for
the local church and for worship that is found in the New Testament.
If you have any questions
about what you have read here, please don't hesitate to contact
us. We would be honored to talk with you further or to have you
attend one of our worship services
