Westside Church of Christ

Church of Christ in Ames, Iowa









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West Side Church of Christ
107 Abraham Drive
Ames, IA 50014

Phone: (515) 292-2969

Upcoming Events
Shaeley Santiago's Birthday
September 12, 2010, 12:00 am - 12:00 pm
...
Niter Elliott's Birthday
September 18, 2010, 12:00 am - 12:00 pm
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Brian Hulse's Birthday
October 10, 2010, 12:00 am - 12:00 pm
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Malkan Santiago's Birthday
October 20, 2010, 12:00 am - 12:00 pm
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Joanne Chenowith's Birthday
October 27, 2010, 12:00 am - 12:00 pm
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Welcome
Written by David Padfield   

Many people are hesitant to attend worship services at an unfamiliar church. To help alleviate any apprehensions you may have regarding this congregation, we would like to explain what you can expect when you visit with us at the Westside Church of Christ.

Courtesy And Kindness

First of all, you will find no exclusive pews for any person. All are greeted with equal courtesy and kindness (Acts 10:34-35; Galatians 3:28).

You will find no tendency toward entertainment with beautiful organ or piano music. Like the first century Christians, we will engage in the singing of psalms, hymns and spiritual songs .  The words used in our songs will be easy to understand (1 Corinthians 14:15). God has commanded the sincere praise of His people to come from the heart (Colossians 3:16).

Order And Reverence

You will not be confused by many people speaking or praying at the same time. Good order will prevail at every service (1 Corinthians 14:33). You will observe one of the brethren leading the congregation reverently and quietly in prayer (1 Timothy 2:1-5).

If you are present on Sunday, the Lord's Day, you will observe the congregation eating bread and drinking the fruit of the vine in memory of the death of Christ (Matthew 26:26-29). We do this on the first day of every week, like the Christians in the first century (Acts 20:7).

You will not find special collections taken at every service. A collection is taken only on the Lord's Day (1 Corinthians 16:1-3). This congregation is supported by the free will offerings of its members. We do not ask non-members to financially support our work, nor do we engage in fund raising activities like rummage sales and bingo games. We specialize in being a church, and do not compete with places of amusement.

The Bible Is Our Only Guide

You will observe that the Bible is the textbook to which reference is repeatedly made in our classes and sermons. Special emphasis is placed on that part of the Bible known as the New Testament (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Romans 1:16). You will never be asked to accept what some man says about the Bible; we want you to read the Bible for yourself to see "whether those things are so" (Acts 17:11).

The audience will not be embarrassed or singled out for any sort of demonstration or testimony. You can quietly observe and study that which you see and hear (1 Corinthians 14:40).

Salvation In Christ

You will hear obedience to the will of Christ emphasized as necessary to salvation: faith in Christ as taught in the gospel (Romans 10:17); repentance (Luke 24:47); confession of faith in Christ (Romans 10:9-10); and baptism for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).

If there should be a response from someone in the audience to the appeal mentioned above, you will see them taken to a pool of water where, in simple likeness to the burial of Christ, they will be buried in water and raised to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:3-4).

You will be more than welcome at all of our services. Please come and bring your Bible to "search the Scriptures" with us. If you do not have a Bible, we will be happy to give you one.
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What Steps For Salvation?
Written by Anonymous   
1 -  WE MUST BELIEVE IN GOD!

"Without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that seek him" Hebrews 11:6 .

  1. First, we must believe that God is -- that he exists.  The universe is one of the best sources of evidence in proof of such. "For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity" Romans 1:20.
    1. Two broad solutions are offered for the origin of our universe: naturalism/materialism [usually identified as evolution] and creationism. In the previous verse, creationism is specified as the correct answer [see also: {bible 9}Genesis 1:1; Exodus 20:11; Psalms 19:1-3; Psalms 33:6-9; Isaiah 45:18;Jeremiah 27:5].
    2. By a study of the universe and a logical search for its origin, you and I can know that God exists, that he is powerful and that he is divine. Without this intellectual acceptance, it is impossible to please him.
  2. Second, we must believe that God is a rewarder of those who seek after him. -- Where is he? Who is he? What is he like? What does he want? Without some kind of revelation, we have no answer. 1 Corinthians 2:10.
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Baptism
Written by Stephen Kingery   
Baptism is perhaps the most misunderstood and misinterpreted concept in the Bible. There are those who would have us believe that baptism is not necessary for salvation. Others will say that it a good thing to do, and we really ought to, but it is strictly optional. Still others say that baptism is necessary, but only to join the local church.

Not only do Christians disagree on whether baptism is a necessary part of salvation, there is also disagreement as to the form and who should receive it. Some say that infants can, should, or even must be baptized. While others contend that one should be of the age of accountability. There is disagreement as to whether the form of baptism should be by immersion, sprinkling, or pouring.

All the disagreement noted above is purely on the part of mankind. The Scriptures are in full agreement on all these points. If one reads the New Testament he will find no place where more than one form of baptism is used and he will not find a multitude of opinions as to the necessity of baptism for salvation. So, let's see exactly what the Scriptures have to say about the subject of Baptism.

Is baptism necessary for salvation? Well, Jesus commanded it, and the apostles taught and practiced it. Jesus said, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." (Mark 16:16) How much clearer must we have it said by the Lord Himself than this.

 He clearly says salvation is dependant upon our being obedient and submitting ourselves to baptism. In another place Jesus told His disciples, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19,20)

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