There’s an old invitation song which is still sung in many of our congregations, with the
following words: I’ve wondered far away from God, now I’m coming home. The paths of sin too
long I’ve trod, now I’m coming home. Coming home, coming home! Never more to roam. Open
wide thine arms of love, now I’m coming home.
Living in a nation which in many ways seems to be drifting farther and farther away from the
Bible, many Americans are asking themselves, “How can I get back to God?” Seeing the ugly
results of sinful lifestyles, the rampant increases in crime, immorality and godlessness, and
feeling that basic Bible teaching is largely a thing of the past, many are growing concerned about
the direction we are going. They yearn for the straightforward Bible preaching and teaching of
days gone by, for clear positions on morality and godly living which were so well understood in
prior generations. They remember when marriage was something to be honored and maintainedwhen
families loved one another and were close. When crime was rare and shocking. And when
people knew their Bibles and went to church. If you see the value in these things, consider these
suggestions for getting back to God:
1. Americans need to dust off their Bibles. In prior generations, Bibles were conspicuously
present in nearly every American house. And they were not only on our coffee tables, they were
in our hearts and minds. Parents read the Bible to their children at bedtime. Children learned
Bible lessons in Sunday school, and often in public school as well. When disputes arose between
neighbors, they were resolved with Bible principles, without the need to resort to courts and
lawsuits—and violence. The Bible was rarely attacked in the media, because people had a great
respect for it, but when it was misquoted, people would rise up in defense of it. They knew what
it said and they knew it was right.
2. Americans need to return to the biblical principles of love and respect for others. The
gospel of Jesus Christ is filled with God’s love. Christianity is a religion unique in the world
because of its emphasis upon love and goodwill toward men. The phrase “road rage” has come
about only in recent years, and it’s time we forgot what it means. Principles of Christian courtesy
and humility need to permeate our thoughts again.
3. Americans need to get back to church! All of the major polling organizations show a
steady decline in church attendance throughout America for several decades now. Also, they
show an increasing trend toward no membership in any religious organization at all. Jesus said,
“Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,” (Mt. 6:33). The kingdom of God is the
church, (Col. 1:13). Active and dedicated church membership and participation used to be the
norm, not the exception in America. Church assemblies are where we hear the gospel preached,
and where Christians regularly fellowship and encourage one another. They are a vital part of the
Christian’s life—not something to be mocked in the sitcoms.
At the Central Church of Christ, we have not forgotten the need to respect God and his Word,
and we have not forgotten the need to honor the bride of Christ, his church. We invite you to
rediscover pure and simple New Testament Christianity. Come worship with us! Hear the gospel
proclaimed in its profound simplicity. Bring your children to the Bible classes, and let them
discover the wonders of God’s word. We have classes for all ages, and multiple options for adult
Bible study.
You will quickly see that the church of Christ is not a denomination. Our intent is simply to
be the church about which you can read in your own Bible. We have no creed but the Bible, no
headquarters but heaven! Each congregation is separate and autonomous, just as they were in
Bible days. You and your family will be welcome at every service!
If you have realized that leaving God out of our lives is a colossal mistake—If you see the
need for active participation in his church, and regular fellowship with brothers and sisters in
Christ,—if you want to be part of a growing church which respects the Bible as God’s word and
tries to live it every day, check out the Central Church of Christ, 90 Waverly Court, Martinsburg,
WV. You will be glad you did. We look forward to welcoming you!
– by Robert C. Veil, Jr.
