Here, in Terre Haute, Indiana is a Christian congregation which is intent on rediscovering the faith and practices of the New Testament church of the first century. To get a sense of the challenges they face, consider this from the congregation's pastor, Jeff Osborn:

"Picture this: it is 30 years after the death and resurrection of Jesus. You just met the apostle Paul and he invites you - a person from the 21st century - to church services in one of his congregations. You would be shocked at some of the differences."

"Most people would show up for church on Sunday - only to find they were a day late. The first century church observed the seventh day Sabbath and met on Friday night or Saturday."

"Easter sunrise services were not observed, but Passover and seven other holy days were observed by both Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians. There would be no Christmas, no Valentines Day, no Halloween."

"In the sermon you might well hear that the believers expected Jesus to physically return as the king of all nations. This kingdom would be set up in Jerusalem, replace the governments of the nations and actually rule through the Christians and certain resurrected prophets and righteous people of the Old Testament."

Osborn states that many things would be familiar. The New Testament Church of God taught that men and women could be made right with God through repentance, the atonement for sins through the sacrificial death of Jesus and the grace of God through faith. They would hear of the importance of our life being transformed through the indwelling of the Spirit of God.

The Terre Haute congregation of the Church of God Terre Haute submits itself to the authority of the Scriptures when determining what it should or should not do. According to Osborn, "Too often human tradition or the interference of political organizations and governments has shaped the beliefs and practices of churches through the last 20 centuries. We find it both a daunting task and an exhilarating adventure to rediscover the original roots of Christianity and put them into practice."

The congregation supports humanitarian aid efforts both locally and around the world. As President of the Greater Terre Haute Church Federation, Osborn has worked to bring more than 25 Faith-Based community service groups together to better serve our community. The congregation also networks with other congregations and organizations across the country and around the world to contribute to World Outreach efforts.

Church of God Terre Haute congregation meets at 1403 Poplar Street in Terre Haute. Osborn can be reached at his toll free number, 888-526-5710, and he invites people who want to explore what New Testament Christianity was all about to visit this congregation that is stepping back in time to move their church forward.

"We meet on Saturday afternoons at 2:30," says Osborn, "Drop in and see what we are about sometime. Visitors are always welcomed and we are known for the love we have for one another."