Welcome! We are a non-denominational fellowship of believers who strive to be Christ-centered, abounding in faith, and biblically based in all our teaching and practice. Our simple goal is to follow the example of Jesus as we are found...Reaching UP, Reaching IN, and Reaching OUT.
Would you like to learn more? Follow the links below to the right:
What to Expect
Perhaps you have been interested in visiting the church of Christ, but have delayed because you would not know what to expect during a worship service at the church of Christ. In order to make you feel welcome, we have outlined a typical morning service at the St. Augustine church of Christ. Be assured that you will be treated with the utmost kindness and courtesy. We hope that you do decide to visit with us and be our honored guest.
Class
If you arrive at the building at 9:00am on a Sunday morning, you are welcome to attend one of our Bible classes conducted for all ages. Upon entering the building, classes and room numbers are clearly designated, however, if you are having trouble one of our very friendly members will help you find the appropriate class for you and your family.
Lord's Supper and Collection
Following Bible class there is a ten to fifteen minute period of time for you to meet and fellowship with our members. Worship begins promptly at 10:00am in the auditorium. We begin each worship service with song followed by the announcements. An opening prayer then preceeds the collection. This affords each person in attendance an opportunity to give back a portion as they have been prospered. We view this as an expression of love to God for the blessings we have recieved from Him. You may participate or not as your heart dictates. Following this we will be partaking of the Lord's Supper, as we do each first day of the week, to remember the death burial and ressurection of our Lord, Jesus, as he sacrificed himself on the cross for our sins.This is not a display of intense emotion or excitement, but rather a period of simple, spiritual worship. This is a meaningful part of our worship and each may participate according to his/her relationship to God in Christ.
Music
The music consists of simple songs of praise to God. All who are present are welcome to sing along with the unaccompanied vocal music.
Sermon
The sermon that you will hear is Bible-centered with the purpose of motivating the audience to a greater love for God and service to one's fellow man. They are very understandable and, we hope, helpful in a practical way for each individual. At the close of the sermon, people with needs are invited to come to the front to make thier needs known. No pressure or propositions will be made to cause anyone to respond. We care for the welfare of each individual's soul and pray that they will respond to God through a knowledge of His word and a personal desire to obey it.
Sometimes, one who has never become a Christian will respond to the invitation. If you desire to know more about this process click on our link labled 'Plan of Salvation'.
During any of these times of devotion, you will not be embarassed or pressured in anyway, but you are welcome to participate.
Closing
At the close of worship, we hope that you will stay and meet with our visitors, eldership, and ministers. Again, we hope that you will make the decision to visit with the church of Christ in St. Augustine, Florida.
The St. Augusitne Story
We read in Acts 11:26 that they [the followers of Jesus] were first called Christians in Antioch. Now, many centuries later, we see that the Lord's church still lives and grows in St. Augustine, Florida. It continues to be our life's work to spread God's word and love in St. Augustine and throughout the world.
The St. Augustine Church of Christ dates back to 1925 when W.H. Wasson and P.L. Copeland united to serve and worship God in this community. Soon a group of 29, including children met in the Copeland home on Bruen Street. In 1926, a tent was erected in the Copeland yard where several gospel meetings were conducted as well as their weekly assemblies.
The first permanent meeting place was a small frame structure located at 33 Masters Drive. It had no class rooms and a seating capacity of approximately 90. Three Bible classes were held on Sunday morning, sometimes two of them out under the trees.
In 1946 a lot was purchased at 132 Oveida Street where a building was erected. The first meeting at this new location occurred on August 1, 1948.
In November 1966, the congregation moved into its current building at 2900 Lewis Speedway.
What Must I Do to Be Saved?
The Bible teaches that sin is a transgression of God's law (1 John 3:4). All people who know the difference between right and wrong have sinned (Romans 3:23). Our sins separate us from God (Isaiah 59:1,2). The punishment for sin is death (Romans 6:23). This is "the second death" which is "the lake of fire" (Revelation 21:8).
God loves us. He does not want us to be punished for our sins. Therefore, He has provided a way for us to be forgiven (John 3:16). God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins (1 John 4:10). Jesus suffered the punishment which we should have received for our sins (Isaiah 53:4-6). He did not die for His own sins, for He had none (2 Corinthians 5:21). He suffered for our sins on the cross so that we can be forgiven (Romans 5:6-8; 1 Peter 2:24).
In order for us to be forgiven of our sins, and therefore receive eternal life, we must accept salvation according to the plan which Christ has made possible. There are five steps which we must take to enter into the saved relationship with Christ.
Hear
First, we must hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17). One is not a Christian because his parents are. Just as sin is not inherited, neither is faith (Ezekiel 18:20). Each person must believe in Jesus Christ for himself. Christianity is a religion of teaching (Matthew 28:19,20). Unless one has heard the Gospel and learned that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and arose from the dead, he cannot be saved (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). The apostle Paul wrote: "How shall they call Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher" (Romans 10:14)? One must first hear and understand the Gospel before he can believe it.
Believe
Second, one must believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16). Jesus said: "I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins" (John 8:24). The jailor at Philippi asked Paul and Silas, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." (Acts 16:30,31). Jesus also said: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:16). One comes to believe in Jesus Christ when he hears the Word of God (Romans 10:17). This is the reason it is so important that the Gospel be preached to the whole world (Mark 16:15).
Repent
Third, one must repent of his sins in order to be saved (Acts 17:30,31). Jesus commanded that "repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem" (Luke 24:47). Repentance is a result of being sorry for one's sins (2 Corinthians 7:10). When the Jews on Pentecost Day learned from Peter that they had crucified the Son of God, they "were pricked in their heart" (Acts 2:37). They wanted to be forgiven of their sins, so they asked, "What shall we do?" They were told to "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 2:37,38). When one repents, he turns away from his sin (1 Thessalonians 1:9). He shows he has repented by doing good works (Matthew 3:8).
Confess
Fourth, one must confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16). This great truth is the very foundation upon which the church of Christ is built (Matthew 16:18; Acts 4:11,12; 1 Corinthians 3:11). Jesus said that we must be willing to confess Him before men if we want Him to confess us before the Father (Matthew 10:32,33). The apostle Paul wrote: "But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:8-10). When Philip preached Jesus to the Ethiopian eunuch, the eunuch responded, "See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?" Philip told him he could be baptized if he believed. The eunuch then confessed, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:35-38). We must make this important, yet simple confession also in order to be saved.
Be Baptized
Fifth, one must be baptized in order to be saved. Jesus said: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved;" (Mark 16:16). Please note that baptism follows belief. One who does not believe that Gospel cannot be truly baptized. Therefore, babies cannot be baptized for they are too young to (1) have sin, (2) hear the Gospel, (3) repent of sins, and (4) confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Baptism also follows repentance. On Pentecost Day, Peter told those who asked what to do to be saved to "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized..." (Acts 2:38). One cannot be truly baptized who has not truly repented.
Baptism is a burial in water (Romans 6:3,4; Colossians 2:12). Therefore, sprinkling or pouring are not proper baptism. Baptism is in order to be saved (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21). One is not saved before he is baptized! Baptism is "for the remission (forgiveness) of sins" (Acts 2:38). Just as Jesus shed His blood for the remission of sins (Matthew 26:28), so we are baptized in order to receive the remission of sins. In baptism, the sinner's sins are washed away by the blood of Jesus (Acts 22:16; Revelation 1:5).
What does one have to do in order to be forgiven of his sins?
1. Hear the Gospel of Christ
2. Believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God
3. Repent of all his past sins
4. Confess that Christ is God's Son
5. Be Baptized for the remission of sins
When he does this, he is added by the Lord to His church (Acts 2:41,47). He is born again (John 3:3-5; 2Corinthians 5:17). He is in Christ where all spiritual blessings are to be found (Ephesians 1:3; Galatians 3:26,27). In short, he is a Christian (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16).
Are you saved from your sins? Have taken these simple steps to salvation? If not, why not do so today?
Our Eldership
The elders, also known as "shepherds and bishops", have been given the responsibility of leading the church (Hebrews 13:17) according to God's will. They are responsible for the spiritual feeding of the flock, of which they are "overseers" (Acts 20:28). They are to be watchful for and stop those who would subvert the church.
Since the role of elder in the Lord's church is an awesome responsibility, the Bible sets forth qualifications for them to possess recorded in Titus 1 and 1 Timothy 3. While you are here, please take a moment to ask God's blessing upon these who faithfully serve as leaders in God's kingdom.
Two men currently serve as Elders of the flock for the St. Augustine Church of Christ: Steve Wasson and Steve Greene.
Our Deacons
The term "deacon" means minister, servant, waiter, or attendant. Deacons are men who fulfill special areas of service for the local congregation (Acts 6:1-6). These men serve under the oversight of the elders.
As men who in ther performance of their duties represent the Lord's church, the Bible sets for specific qualifications they must possess (1 Timothy 3:8-10, 12). While you are here, please take a moment to pray that the Lord will provide these men the strength and guidance necessary as servants of the Kingdom.
Four men are currently serving as Deacons for the St. Augustine church of Christ: Jon Wasson, Matt Wasson, Jim Dilbeck, and Thomas Dees.
Our Ministers
Ministers or evangelists of the church have no special prerogatives. They do not wear the title of Reverend or Father, but are addressed simply by the term Brother as are all other men of the church. Along with elders and others they do counsel and advise those seeking help. We are blessed here at St. Augustine church of Christ to have two great ministers working with our congregation. Both men are sound speakers and are very passionate about their service to God. Bob Burkert currently serves our congregation as preacher for the St. Augustine Church Christ. Anthony Ray currently serves as associate minister for the St. Augustine Church of Christ.
Worship Times
Sunday
9:00AM Class
10:00AM Woship
6:00PM Worship
Wednesday
7:00PM Class & Worship
In the book of Matthew, Jesus commissioned His followers to, "go into all the world." The St. Augustine family has an unprecedented opportunity to reach out to the St. Augustine community and beyond with a real message of hope. As a church we have been blessed with unbelievable resources and awesome servant-minded christians that believe that meeting the needs of others comes before self.
In 1945 a group of Christian leaders had a vision to open a two-part organization: a private Christian school and a Children's Home orphanage in Mount Dora, Florida. Under the leadership of W.O. Norton, the school doors opened on September 10 with 55 students and 8 residents. The school's motto was "To develop the whole child-mentally, emotionally, physically, socially and spiritually," and on May 31, 1946, with the graduation of the first senior class, it was clear that they had succeeded.
The church in Cumbernauld began in 1982 with its first converts travelling to worship in East Kilbride. In 1986, Mike Ireland moved to Cumbernauld to work as an evangelist and the church began to worship together in Cumbernauld from then. Adam Barr moved here in 1987 and Graham McDonald in 1994. Today, the church continues to worship God and serve Him according to the New Testament pattern. We are very active in the local community.
Since 2000, St. Augustine church of Christ has supported Mike with monthly support. He has been instrumental in organizing and establishing two new spanish speaking congregations in the southern part of Miami-Dade County. Both the congregations, Homestead church of Christ and Miami-Dade Inglesia de Christo, continue to grow and there are plans to establish an additional congregation in the coming years.
In April of 1958 a small group of Christian men traveled to Panama to seek opportunities to bring the Gospel of Christ to that country. At that time there were no full-time Gospel preachers there. The Canal Zone was bustling with Americans and Panamanians and this is where the work of the Church began in Panama. The years have also brought changes in all who are involved in the work. We have grown spiritually. We have seen the shortness of life. We have felt the sense of urgency of the Gospel. We have had opportunities to study the Bible and bring someone to Christ. We have built life-long relationships with brothers and sisters from all over the United States and Latin America. We have made wonderful memories from challenging campaigns. We have witnessed hunger, sickness, and poverty. We have learned to pray fervently. We have felt heartaches when someone we love and have taught chose not to obey. We have experienced sadness when leaving friends and “family” behind, knowing we may not see them again until we arrive to our Heavenly Home. We learned there is always more to do. We have realized that we can make a difference.
Since 2000, St. Augustine church of Christ has supported Wes as he labors in the mission fields of Myanmar and China. He also leads students from Ohio Valley University in various mission efforts around the world. His first trip was to Honduras, followed by three recent trips to Burma, and now he is reaching out to the nation of China. Wes and students use the Bible as the basis for teaching English and at the same time engage in a discussion about salvation and Biblical topics.
Various members also supported Wes and Glenda during his 10 years as a missionary in Germany
St. Augustine church of Christ has the privledge of supporting this mission effort in Russia. Through social assistance homes (currently totaling 14), these mission efforts have affected various widows, young single mothers, orphans, and foster children. Many who experience this great generosity are taught the gospel and chose to be baptised. The widows often assist in with the young mother and children. They are faithful examples and teachers for all residents. The young mothers are encouraged to find jobs and develop careers so that they might support themselves. Likewise, the older children begin career training or prepare for college. Some have even begun studying to become gospel preachers. Continue to keep this mission effort in your prayers!
Get Involved
Every Sunday, the St. Augustine church gathers as a family to worship our great God. As a growing family comprised of three generations of loving Christians, St. Augustine offers a variety of unique ministries for each age group, and we want to help you fiind your place in our family.
You can feel safe dropping off your young children in our nurseries and children’s classes. Your teenagers will feel right at home in our dynamic youth ministry. Our young adult ministry serves our college students and young professionals. We have classes for all ages. And weekday Bible studies are available for our ladies and seniors.
Make plans to get involved with the St. Augustine family!
Kids4Christ
We believe that children are our greatest treasure from God, and at St. Augustine it shows! Your children have a special place here to call their own. Our children’s ministry provides a safe and fun place for children (1st - 5th grade) to discover and explore Bible truths. It is here that your child will learn to love God and develop a young life that shines.
No matter what their age or development stage, we’re here to complement the hard work that you as parents are pouring in to your children. We believe a partnership with parents is God’s way to raise great kids!
At St. Augustine Youth Ministry you belong. We encourage to deep relationships with fellow christians based on encouragement, acceptance, and accountability!
St. Augustine Youth Ministry is a place where students can come to know God, love God & serve God with their lives. In all things, we strive to help our young people develop a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus.
You’ll find that our youth group is very active. There is always an event or activity that is designed to encourage you in youth in their walk with God.
We hope you will come & join us as we discover what it means to be a teenager that seeks after God.
College & Young Professionals
This ministry exists to create a community of single College Age and Young Professionals who are eager to engage this exciting world around us, but remain faithful to the distinctive way of living a life for Christ.
We are blessed in this congregation to have various college students come through our doors each school year. We hope that if you are enrolled at a university in St. John's County, that you will join our ministry.
Visit the THREADS website for great tools, articles and insight about surviving college with your faith and your sanity intact! Enjoy!
THREADS
CIA (Christians In Action)
Christians In Actions ministry is made up of senior adults. Our Seniors get together for a monthly fellowship and Bible study followed by a meal out together.
It is a group of vibrant adults sharing their passion for the Christian life in all aspects of living. From study groups to travel opportunities, we invite you to join us as we continue to learn and love as Jesus taught us.
Here you will find a complete archive of sermons preached at the St. Augustine church of Christ. If you have any questions, feel free to use our contact page to reach us. We hope you find this message uplifting and encouraging!
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Tell: (904) 824-1800
Fax: (904) 824-5972
Mail: staugcoc_bellsout.net
2900 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084
St. Augustine church of Christ // 2900 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084 // (904) 824-1800
