I live in a city that comes and goes and I regularly interact with people who shop at church.
Add to that, the various churches in ventura options in some places, and it can be more difficult. But are all options, options? And, do we approach the search with the correct criteria?
God’s word is clear that not connecting is not an option. So what are some things to consider when making the important decision of choosing a local church?
First, some preliminary points.
The church is a gift from God to his people. Connecting to God’s kind of church is a privilege and a joy for believers. Keeping this in mind will help us maintain a necessary humility as we search.
A little more, rather than less, time in a church can facilitate a good decision.
Finally, God has not left the essential matters of the church in our hands. Choosing a church, then, is not an arbitrary process. It is necessary to use biblical criteria on personal preference for the decision.
With that in mind, here are some things to look for when choosing a church:
- A church that embraces the sufficiency of the Scriptures.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, - so that the man of God may be perfect, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17) .
This is where we should start choosing a church. Local churches need to affirm the Bible for what it is; 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, inspired by God, and therefore, inerrant, infallible, authoritative and sufficient.
The sufficiency of Scripture should not be a hidden statement in a dusty doctrinal statement that is no longer used. Rather, it is highly visible in the life of the church.
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Furthermore, this type of church will justify things like its leadership structure, ministry philosophy and practice, budget, worship, youth ministry, discipleship,
and other events with Scripture, since Scripture alone is our God-given, sufficient authority. for the life of the church.
When our churches start here, in word and deed, then many other necessary things will fall into place.
- A church that upholds the glory of God.
“So whether you eat, drink, or do anything else, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Cor. 10:31).
God wants our churches to be centered on the glory of God.
There should be a sense that the church life is about pleasing God. And if you’ve been like me at times, this might feel a bit awkward. But discomfort is good: the church seeks to applaud God, not man, in everything he does.
Furthermore, it is a church that avoids highlighting how “they do things” and how many people attended/made decisions/came forward. The church is about the honor of God, which means that our election must follow the same path.
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- A church that specializes in the biblical gospel.
“For I delivered to you first of all what I received: that. - Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; that he was buried and that he rose again the third day, according to the Scriptures; » (1 Cor. 15:3-4).
Next, the church must emphasize the loving and finished work of Christ for sinners.
We should hear words like redemption, propitiation, atonement, substitution, and justification explained and applied.
Furthermore, since the gospel includes the call to put faith in Christ (Acts 17:30),
we will want to hear a measure of plea and call for the unregenerate to turn to Christ, whether the church is gathered or scattered. .
before God: faith in the Person and finished work of Christ. We should see and hear the message of the cross anywhere in the church.
