So many people tell me they are "
looking" for a church. I often
respond with, "What are you looking for ?" We need to be careful to
look for the right thing. In Acts chapter 2, verses 40 -47 we read not only
about a great spiritual revival but also about a large number of people joining
the group called the church. There are some definite qualities that should be
considered in choosing a church.
First, verse 40 shows us we should consider
its PREACHING. It seems that many
people today are choosing churches because of the glit and glamour, the
programming, the social status, or the entertainment appeal. Few churches today
have strong Bible preachers. They have great style and eloquence, and are
extremely educated and well trained. They fill their sermons with numerous
illustrations, loads of philosophy, bits of psychiatry, historical
documentation, inspirational oratory, entertaining antics and tons of notable quotations from
famous people. Yet for the most part they are almost void of the prophetic
"Thus saith the Lord". Strong Bible preaching is a gift understanding
God's Word, boldness to proclaim it and a conviction strong enough to stand
upon. All of this is coupled to a divine calling from God. People want
and need to hear a pure, strong Word from God's preachers.
Next, verse 42 speaks of the "Apostles
doctrine" thus pointing out the need to choose a church because of its POSITION.
A church needs to stand for something. So many do not and so anything goes as
long as it draws a crowd and keeps everybody happy. Your church's doctrine ought
to be your doctrine and reflect your beliefs. It ought not be denominational
doctrine, family doctrine or a doctrine of convenience; rather it should be the
"Apostle's doctrine" or the doctrine of the Bible. (Biblical
doctrine).
Another factor in choosing a church ought to
be its PEOPLE. In verses 42 - 45 the
fellowship and warmth of the people stands out. After all it is the people who
are the church. The building we so commonly refer to as the church is just the
place where the church assembles. When the people leave it is just the church's
building. These people had qualities that distinguished them. Reverence for God,
fellowship and togetherness with each other, un-selfishness as they shared their
blessings, gladness in serving Jesus and a disciplined code of conduct they
lived by are just some of the things that made them the church. Their number was
impressive, first 3000 then 5000, yet they never lost their warmth and
togetherness.
Verses 42 and 46 use the word
"Continue." They were A PERSISTENT
people. They were not deterred by the world's influence and pressure. They had
many things confronting them, Jewish
heritage, Pagan surroundings and a strong Roman governmental power. We are
called upon daily to cave in. The church must not only stand, but march forward.
No team wins with defense only, they have to take the offense and score.
Be careful to choose the right church.
former Pastor Lynn Gardner
.