HOW TO SELECT A CHURCH
I once noted an article on the question of "how to select a
family doctor." It occurred to me, while reading this discussion,
that men are likewise confronted with the problem of selecting a
religious organization. There a number of religious groups constantly
working to enlist or enroll persons upon their roll books.
Perhaps you have contemplated the importance of having a church
connection, but have not as yet become a member of any religious
group. Or, you may be one who is not satisfied with the church you
have chosen. Hence, we would like to study with you for a few moments
this morning the urgent question of how one should go about choosing
a church.
When I speak of the church, I am talking about people; those who
are children of God. I am not talking about a building, nor an
organization, but of those who are saved by the blood of Christ;
those who gather together to worship and serve Jehovah, our God. Of
necessity there must be a place where the church assembles.
There are some things which should not govern your selection.
In deciding where you will worship God, certain things should not be
a part of the criteria used to make such a determination.
FIRST, one should not select a church because it is the most
convenient. Many feel that there is no difference in religious bodies
and thus it is best to attend services at the church nearest one's
place of residence. This may well serve as a factor in selecting a
store from which to purchase your groceries, but it is hardly a
logical -- or Scriptural reason for choosing a church. One must act,
in religion, out of conviction and not from convenience. The group
meeting near you may indeed teaching the truth; it may not be. Thus,
you should investigate what is being taught and determine if this
teaching agrees with what the Bible teaches before making a decision.
SECOND, one should not select a church because it has the
largest membership. Often we hear someone boast concerning the
largeness of his church saying, "So many millions could not be
wrong." But, my friend, the number of persons who believe a thing
does not determine whether it is true or false; an error multiplied
by a million is still error. Whereas, quite to the contrary, the
Bible leads us to understand that the minority (not the majority) is
on the side of truth. Jesus declared, "Enter ye in at the strait
gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to
destruction, and many there be which go in thereat; Because strait is
the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few
there be that find it" (Matthew 7:13-14). Does the language of
Christ cause you to conclude that the action of the masses will
furnish a safe guide? Indeed not!!! One thus should not accept a
church because of its huge membership. Size has nothing to do with
the serious business of determining who is right with Jehovah.
THIRD, one should not select a church because one likes the
preacher. Who would select his mechanic solely on the ground of his
likeability? Though this may enter into the selection one would want
assurance that the mechanic could properly repair his automobile. A
preacher may have a sparkling personality with great persuasive
power, but that same preacher may be in error. He may be like Apollos
concerning whom we read in the Scriptures: "And a certain Jew named
Apollos, born in Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the
scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of
the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught
diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and
Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him
the way of God more perfectly" (Acts 18:24-26).
Apollos was an eloquent man capable of not only convincing the
intellect, but of moving the emotions as well. He had a certain
knowledge of the Scriptures; but it was imperfect. Thus, it became
necessary for Aquilla and Priscilla to teach him the way of the Lord
more perfectly. May you ever remember that your preacher may be in
error and hence ought not to be followed blindly.
I do not ask you or any man to follow me or to accept anything I
say because I say it. However, if what I teach is taught in the
Scriptures then your loyalty to God's truth will cause you to submit
to it, not because I preached it, but because it is the truth. So,
examine what you are being taught and be sure that it is founded upon
the truth of God's Word. Accept nothing just because some man said
it.
FOURTH, one should not select a church solely on the
recommendation of one's parents, or the husband or the wife. You may
select a doctor based largely on the advice of parents. But the
religion of the Bible is a personal matter. The apostle Paul states,
"So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God"
(Romans 14:12). Each one must therefore determine for himself or
herself if a religious body is Scriptural and pleasing unto God. This
is not to say that we show disrespect to our parents or spouses.
Indeed, consider what mother and father believes, what husband or
wife believes. But, be sure when you reach your own conclusions that
you have made your decision based upon what God's Word says rather
than what parents or spouse believe. If they believe and practice the
truth, that is good. One can thus be united with them in service to
God. But, if they differ with the revealed truth of God's Word, then
may you have the courage to do what God commands of you. Then, you do
your best to teach them the right way
LET US NOW TURN OUR ATTENTION TO PRINCIPLES WHICH SHOULD GUIDE
IN THE SELECTING OF A CHURCH. In selecting a doctor, for instance,
there is no infallible rule. But, when choosing what church we will
become members of, we have an infallible guide to turn to, to
determine which one is right. That guide is the Bible. It clearly
lays down the characteristics of the Lord's church. Thus, in
selecting a place to worship God we need to find a group with these
Bible characteristics:
FIRST, one should find a church whose only head is Christ Jesus.
Paul states, "And he is the head of the body, the church...."
(Colossians 1:18). The headship of the church was never given to any
man or group of men. Those religious groups who have exalted men,
conferences, synods and conventions to the work of law-making for a
church cannot suit men who desire to select a church governed solely
by Christ, its head. Members of the church of Christ recognize the
authority of Christ and His word only. We have no other guide. All
that is taught and practices is based upon a "thus saith the Lord."
SECOND, one should determine if a church wears a Scriptural
name, both as individual members and as a collective body, before
becoming a member thereof. The New Testament reveals that the early
followers of Christ were known simply as Christians. "And it came to
pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church,
and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians
first in Antioch" (Acts 11:26). The apostle Peter states, "But let
none of you suffer as a murdered, or as a thief, or as an evildoer,
or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet, if any man suffer as a
Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this
name" (1 Peter 4:15, 16). One cannot glorify God by wearing some
other name than this according to this positive command.
Unfortunately, the masses are not content to be called simply
Christians. They want to be a certain kind of Christian. But Christ's
people wear only His name. There are no denominational handles
attached; they are Christians only and only Christians.
When Paul referred to a number of congregations of Christians he
said, "The churches of Christ salute you" (Romans 16:16). We who
bring this program to you regularly are content with the same
designation. Are you?
THIRD, in selecting a church one must learn if its worship is
Scriptural. Jesus said, "God is a Spirit; and they that worship him
must worship him in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). Obviously the
manner of worship is equally as important as the God to whom it is
directed. Christ instructs men to worship God, but likewise points
out the necessity of worshipping Him in a certain way. The same Bible
that regulates the person to whom our worship should be directed,
also regulates the manner thereof. If the one may be disregarded, so
may the other. You should give serious consideration to the worship
of the church with whom you may chose to worship.
In the New Testament we learn that the early Christians partook
of the Lord's supper each first day of each week. Acts 20:7, states,
"And upon the first day of the week, when we were gathered together
to break bread, Paul discourse with them..." What an exalted honor
and privilege to be able to commune with our Lord upon the first day
of the week as His death, burial and resurrection is remembered
through His Supper. When looking for a church, one needs to find a
group which follows this example of the those early Christians of
partaking of the Lord's Supper each Sunday.
The early church sang praises unto God as they were instructed.
Ephesians 5:19, says, "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and
spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the
Lord." There is no example, nor reference to any mechanical
instruments of music being used in their worship. We spoke on this
subject a few months ago in two lessons, pointing out that the Bible
does not include mechanical instruments in the worship to Jehovah.
So, when selecting a church, you should look for one that recognizes
the authority of God's Word concerning the kind of music used in the
worship of our God. If you find mechanical instruments of music
being used in the church you are considering, you might ask for book,
chapter and verse that authorizes them.
FOURTH, in selecting a church you need to find a group which
offers to sinners the same plan of salvation which was taught in the
first century under the preaching of heaven guided men. What did
those early inspired preachers say to sinful men? To those who cried
out, "What must we do?," Peter responded, "Repent ye, and be baptized
everyone of you for the remission of your sins..." (Acts 2:36, 38)
When Philip preached to the eunuch, we hear the eunuch inquiring,
"See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?" The
preacher responded, "If thou believest with all thy hear, thou
mayest." The chariot was then stopped and both Philip and the eunuch
went down into the water and Philip baptized him. That is found in
Acts chapter 8. From these two examples, and we could multiply this
by many, we learn that in the first century sinners heard the gospel
of Christ proclaimed, they believed what they heard, they repented of
their sins, and upon the confession of their faith, they were
baptized (immersed) into Christ Jesus for the remission of their
sins. A church that does not preach and practice this same plan of
salvation cannot be the one a person should select; that is, not if
you desire to be governed by the Scriptures.
Ladies and gentlemen, there is in your area just the kind of
church for which men who love truth are seeking. I believe that I
belong to a church that meets all of these scriptural requirements.
You have our cordial invitation to examine what we teach and
practice. We would be more than happy to hear from you. If you would
like a copy of this manuscript or of this cassette, please let us
know. The address is: White Park Church of Christ; Route 1, Box 502;
Anahuac, TX 77514.
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