Finding the Right Church
If you wait for a perfect church, you must wait until you get to Heaven; and even if you could find a perfect assembly on earth, I am sure they would not admit you to their fellowship, for you are not perfect yourself.
Find out those people who are nearest to the Scriptures, who hold the truth in doctrine and in ordinance, and are most like the apostolic church, and then cast in your lot with them, and you will be blessed in the deed.
Charles H. Spurgeon
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19 comments:
I couldn't agree more. Sometimes I think people are a little too quick to switch churches for small imperfections. I am not talking about doctrine either. Like Spurgeon said, doctrine should be the key element in choosing a church. Unfortunately many decide based on programs, entertainment and oratory skills.
We all find like-minded people. It's human nature. We like to be with people-like-us because it affirms and reassures us.
And of course our judgement on doctrine also depends on what we receive from those around us. It is self-perpetuating. We move to remainn with like-minded people because we don't like the changes that are happening around us. We rarely move because we are changing.
It will be a wonderful thing to be a part of the Perfect Church. :)
DP,
Your comments remind me of a sociology class.
Thanks...I think.
Just based on my own experience and observations.
*We rarely move because we are changing.*
Interesting comment DP.
If applied to a church where the word of God was taught, preached and appropriated among the flock, there would be no need for faithful followers to move; in fact others would/should be moving to that church.
But that is also applicable to churches where false teaching and false doctrines are being taught as well. These folks stray from the true church because their itching ears need to be tickled by preachers who are promoting their own man centered gospel.
It goes back to what you first said; like minded people will congregate together. Both camps call it Christianity; which is the true church?
God will one day separate the good sheep from the bad, the wheat from the tares, the good fish from the bad.......thank goodness!
I love that reference to "itchy ears". I'm sure I read somewhere in the epistles about the ears which are blocked with wax: perhaps I just made that up, but it is worth considering too.
It fits with the lectionary Gospel from a week or two back about the wheat and the weeds.
Funny how we all think we are the wheat and its the others who are the weeds.
*Funny how we all think we are the wheat and its the others who are the weeds.*
Good point.
You have a very nice blog yourself.
I struggle with finding the right church. I am very picky lol
Please keep commenting on my site as I will also on yours! =)
Wayne,
Nice post.
It might be helpful to comment on what the essentials are of what is considered "orthodox" doctrine.
Blessings,
Chris
This is a very interesting topic to me because my husband and I just started looking for another church. It has been a very difficult decision to make. I don't want to leave for the wrong reasons but I don't want to stay out of guilt either.
I agree that doctrine is the most important element in choosing a church. The church that we are at now, in my opinion, is doctrinally sound. However, they are satisfied with complacency. I just got saved in March and I am no longer satisfied with status quo. I am changing and so is my entire family. I want to move forward as a christian and not stay where I am at.
I agree that you shouldn't leave a doctrinally sound church to go to another church that has better programs, entertainment, etc. But the church that we are visiting is also, in my opinion, doctrinally sound. If you have two churches that are doctrinally sound is it wrong to leave one and go to the other?
Wow Chris - that is a tall order! One could spend hours commenting on that and, probably, no two could ever agree on every point.
Here is a short stab of what I consider essential Orthodox doctrine -
*The authority and inerrancy of Scripture (without error; Sola Scriptura- the Bible alone)
*The Trinity (Who God is through the Father, Son and Holy Spirit)
*Sin (Transgressing the Law; 1 John 3:4)
*Jesus is God
*Christs attonement on the cross for man's sin (Jesus was the propitiation for us. He took the wrath of God and died on the cross for our sins. He was buried and three day later was raised from the dead so we could have forgiveness of sins and eternal life in Heaven)
*Salvation through repenting and trusting Christ alone (free gift of God and cannot be earned or worked for. Through repenting of our sins and trusting Christ we can have salvation and assurance of it)
Those essentials are in no particular order and are thought of really quick before I start work this morning......
Wendy - Thanks for visiting -
You say that the church you are at now is sound doctrine wise but you feel that they are content with complacency.
Remember the words of Jesus to the church in Laodicia (Rev 3) - They were neither cold nor hot, they thought that they were wealthy and needed nothing. This church was content and complacent. Jesus had strong words for this kind of church.
A church should always be striving to be Christ like in every area. They should be reaching the lost with a zeal. Discipling the believers with a passion for the Scripture. The pastor should be preaching the Word verse by verse.
There are so many things to say what a non- complacent church should be doing but I have run out of time and need to get to work.
Anyone care to add to the list??
Most of all, pray and seek God. He will not lead you astray.
I find it frustrating when people complain about complacency within their chuch but do nothing about it. They expect the leadership in the church to do everything. I am not saying this is the same as your situation Wendy. I have just witnessed people complain that their church does not evangelize enough yet they don't evangelize at all or I want a better program for my kids yet don't volunteer to teach. The layman can get lazy.
Wayne- thank you for your input...especially the scripture reference!
Craig- thank you also for your input! I agree with you if that is the case.
I certainly don't expect the leadership to do everything. I have questioned whether or not I have done enough on my part. However, I don't think I will ever be able to say I have done enough when it comes to serving the lord, regardless of which church I am attending. The church is not perfect and neither am I but I can say that I have not sat back and done nothing. I don't think that changing churches always has to be a bad thing.
As Wayne said, we will continue to pray and seek God and trust that He will lead us to where we need to be.
Another good post Wayne - but you can quote Spurgeon all day for me!
Similar to his quote someone once said: "If you find a perfect church - don't join it ' cos you'll only spoil it!"
lol
Neil
I've read all the blogs about choosing a church. I thought that the Lord reserved that privilege for Himself. Jesus says, follow me, I'll lead you in the way you should go. I believe that would include leading us to the church he wants us to be part of. I would hope that his sheep would clearly hear his voice when they want direction for which church to attend, or if they should change their present church they attend.
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