Choosing the Right Church to Attend?
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standard for our beliefs, our duties, and our whole
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connection with it. Because of the neglect of church truth,
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There will be a seven-year tribulation period, as
church because of what she believes the Bible teaches on: bibliology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology. Or to put it another way: the Book, Blood, Bride, and the Blessed Hope! If you are a member of an independent Baptist church, then you ought to support it by your presence, prayers, and pocketbook. We should love the church as Jesus Christ did -- He gave Himself for it. If you are not a member of an independent Baptist church, the Bible teaches it is God's will for every born- again believer to be a member of a sound, Bible-believing, New Testament independent Baptist church. It is through the church that you can live for and serve the Lord Jesus Christ for His honor and glory. "Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." (Ephesians 3:21) TABERNACLE BAPTIST CHURCH
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The Right Church is an Independent, Fundamental, Bible Believing Baptist Church
(King James Only)
20 Questions to Ask before Joining Any Baptist Church
Do you attend church services regularly? Are you a member of a church? If so, why? Over the years, I have learned that most church goers are going to all the wrong churches for all the wrong reasons. "My wife likes it there," one says. Another says, "We have always went there." "They have a good youth program." "My kid's friends go there." "Well, that's just where most people go." "My boyfriend goes there." "They have a large nursery." "I get to sing in the choir." "I teach a Sunday school class." "I like the preacher."
Every reason given above is an UNSCRIPTURAL reason. God never told you to attend "the church of your choice." The devil told you that. God's word is supposed to be your Final Authority in life. God's word is your measuring stick. With God's word you can discern which church is the best church.
The primary issue in choosing a church is DOCTRINE. What does the church believe? No matter how many exciting "programs" the church may have, if they do not believe the right things, then you have no business attending or joining. You are to attend the church of GOD'S CHOICE, not the church of your choice.
Before joining any church, ask for a Statement of Faith and check it carefully. If one is not available, at least speak with the Pastor personally and get answers to the following questions. This concerns YOUR spiritual well- being. You have every right to ask questions. In fact, a genuine Bible-believing Pastor will appreciate you asking doctrinal questions.
The answer to every question should be a very definite "Yes." If the answer is "No" or "I'm not sure," then keep looking because there are better churches to join. A "Yes" answer to each question doesn't guarantee that the church in question will be the best one for you, but it does help you to guard yourself from many of the heresies in our midst.
I. Do you believe God has preserved an infallible copy of His word for us today? Psalm 12:6-7; Matt. 24:35
II. Do you believe the King James Bible is God's infallible word for the English speaking people? If the answer is "No," then ask "What is God's infallible word? Can I see a copy?" See question I.
III. Do you believe that God is a Holy Trinity, consisting of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? I John 5:7; Matt. 28:19
IV. Do you believe that the Lord Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, without a man being involved, and lived a sinless life for thirty-three years as God manifest in the flesh? Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:23; I Tim. 3:16
V. Do you believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died and paid for our sins on Calvary's cross through the shedding of His own sinless blood? Matt. 26:28; Heb. 9:22; I Tim. 2:5-6; Heb. 10:10-14; Rom. 5:1; Rev. 1:5
VI. Do you believe that the Lord Jesus Christ rose physically from the dead for our justification? Rom. 1:4; I Cor. 15:1-4; Rom. 10:9-10; Rev. 1:5; Luke 24:36-39
VII. Do you believe that the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, currently sits at the right hand of God the Father as our High Priest?Heb. 3:1; Heb. 4:14-15; Heb. 8:1; Heb. 10:21
VIII. Do you believe that the Holy Spirit is a Divine Person who convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment? John 16:7-15; John 14:15-17
IX. Do you believe that the Holy Spirit is the Supernatural Agent in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the body of Christ?
I Cor. 12:13; Matt. 3:11
X. Do you believe that the apostolic sign gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues and the gift of healing, are not for today, since they were for the purpose of confirming the preached word of God to Israel in the first century? Heb. 2:3-4; II Cor. 12:12; 1 Cor. 13:8; 1 Cor. 1:22; 1 Cor. 14:22
XI. Do you believe that all men are born with a sin nature, and that salvation through Christ is needful for all? Rom. 3:10-23;
Rom. 5:12; Rom. 5:8; Isa. 64:6; Psalms 39:5; Psalms 51:5; John 3:16; Rom. 10:9-10
XII. Do you believe in the eternal security of those who have received Christ as Saviour? Eph. 4:30; John 10:28-29; Rom. 8:38-39; Philip. 1:6
XIII. Do you believe that the church is the bride of Christ, consisting of all born-again believers? Eph. 5:25-32; Rev. 19:7-8;
Rev. 21:9
XIV. Do you believe in the autonomy of the local church? It functions alone without any external administration or control. There are no conventions, associations, or hierarchies mentioned in the Bible.
XV. Do you recognize water baptism and the Lord's Supper as Scriptural ordinances of obedience for the church? Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 8:37-38; Matt. 26:26-30; I Cor. 11:23-34
XVI. Do you agree that the majority of professing Christianity is in apostasy, and that true Christians need to practice Biblical separation from such people? II Tim. 3:1-7; II Thess. 2:3; II Cor. 6:14-18; II Tim. 2:20-21
XVII. Do you believe in the literal, physical, imminent Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ? Luke 12:40; Titus 2:13; Acts 1:11; Rev. 19:11-16; Rev. 22:20
XVIII. Do you believe in a literal glorious New Jerusalem for the saved, and in a literal burning Hell for the lost? Rev. 21:8;
Rev. 20:15; Matt. 25:41; Luke 16:19-31; John 14:1-3; Gal. 4:26
IXX. Do you believe that Satan is a literal living being who opposes God, and who will be condemned to eternal punishment in the Lake of Fire? Rev. 12:9; Isa. 14:12-15; Ezek. 28:13-17; Job 1:6-12; Rev. 20:10
XX. Do you believe in the literal word-for-word Genesis account of creation? Genesis Chapters 1-2; Matt. 19:4; Mark 13:19;
John 1:1-3; Heb. 1:1-3; Col. 1:16
What is the Church Doing?
In addition to finding out what a church believes, you should also find out what a church is doing. Many churches believe all the right things, yet they are little more than social clubs. A New Testament church should be a working group of Christian soldiers who strive for three primary goals:
(1) The evangelization of sinners. Lost people need the Gospel, and it is the local church's duty to give it to them. Don't join a church where regular efforts are not being made to turn sinners to Christ. This may be done by door-to-door soul winning, street preaching, tract distribution, jail ministries, nursing home ministries, etc. (Acts 20:20; Luke 14:23)
(2) The edification of the saints. Christians need to grow from the word of God. Don't join a church where such activities as chili suppers, donkey rides, hay rides, skating parties and ball games have taken the place of God's word. The sound preaching and teaching of God's word will produce mature Christian ladies and gentlemen who can go on to live Christ honoring lives. Activities alone will produce carnal babies who will hinder the spiritual growth of the church. (I Peter 2:2)
(3) The glorification of the Saviour. Jesus Christ is the head of the church, and He deserves all the glory. Beware of churches which spend lots of time boasting about their attendance, their ministries, or their offerings. Look for Jesus Christ in a church. If you don't see Him real quick, then look for a better church.(Col. 1:14-18; John 16:13-14)
Also, keep in mind that the size of a church is very seldom an indication of its strength. More often than not, the largest churches in a town are the deadest churches in town. By contrast, there are many small churches which God is using mightily. Never make a decision about a church based solely on its size.
Copyright © 1996 James L. Melton
This is my parents church, so that’s where I will worship.
The church is near my home, so it suits me.
The church has a good sunday school, it’s good for the kids.
The church can help me network with likeminded people, its good for my professional development.
The man/woman I love and want to marry goes to this church, so I’ll join it too.
This is the first church that ever knocked on my door, they helped me when I needed it.
Everyone at this church seems to be prospering materially, it must be right for me.
I can wear what I want at this church, I don’t like the idea of rules about dressing, drinking etc.
The preacher doesn’t say anything offensive. I like that the sermons here are “nice”.
I fit in here. There’s no need for me to change anything. It is comfortable.
The right way to find a church.
1. The church preaches the Bible or God's Plan of Salvation. They acknowledge that Jesus is the only way to God, because all men have sinned and come short of God’s glory (Rom. 3:23), we are all spiritually dead (Eph. 2:1). Salvation is the result of God’s grace toward us (Eph. 2:8) and we recieve salvation through believing in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ – this is called saving faith (Eph. 2:8, Rom 5:1). To demonstrate our faith is genuine we will repent of our sins and be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the removal of our sins (Acts 2:38). God then will give us the Holy Spirit to empower us to live a holy and godly life (Acts 2:4, Acts 2:38-39). Without the Holy Ghost we are not born again Rom. Chapter 8.
2. This church makes me feel uncomfortable. I feel convicted of sin when I am here. I am challenged to change, sometimes I don’t feel like I fit in, it is as if I need to ask God to help me. This is called CONVICTION and it is proof that you are being called to salvation by God the Father.
3. This church reminds me of what I read in the book of Acts. The book of Acts gives us the model for the true Church, we see miracles, healing, the move of the Holy Spirit i.e. speaking in tongues etc.
4. The saints and pastor love each other. This is how we will know we are among Jesus’ disciples John Chapter 17
5. The messages are largely negative in content. Men are confronted with their sinful hearts and hatred exposed. REPENTANCE is
a necessity for the New Birth and the maintaining of Fellowship with the Lord.
6. The Preacher has his share of enemies because of his messages.
7. Sin's sinfulness is exposed, it's danger and it's consequences in the believers life.
8. The fear of and the Holiness of God is apparent in it's members. Their testimony is demonstrated by their living and walk.
9. There is a liberty among believers. Soul liberty is acknowledged among it's membership. Practiced and taught
10. Allegiance to the (KJV) of the Bible is realized. It is the only law of faith and practice amongst it believers. Biblical Separation is commanded. Adherence to Baptist Distinctive's is LAW.
The Bible is what makes us Baptist!
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How should I choose a church?
Choosing a church is one of the most important decisions a person makes in his/her life...perhaps second only to who they will marry. Your church, in many ways, helps to shape who you are and your relationship with God. Many of the things you will learn about the Bible will come through your church. Most of your close friends will be from your church. In fact, much of your time is spent (or should be) at your church. So, when you set out to find the "right" one for you, it is not light-hearted decision. It will affect both the rest of your life on earth and your eternity.
With so many different "kinds" of churches and denominations...how can you decide which one you should attend? Which follow the teachings of the Bible? Unfortunately, there is no one "type" of church that can be recommended...every one is different...and thus every one must be evaluated individually according to the pattern we find in the Bible. This worksheet is designed to help you discover which churches in your area would be the best to attend. The following are five simple "tests" with which you can evaluate a prospective church. (Note, if a church fails in even one of these important, biblically-based tests, it is probably not the best choice for you.)
The AUTHORITY Test
Do they believe and teach that the Bible is God's inspired Word...that it is without error and that it is the final authority on every church matter?
Is the Bible used as the main reference in preaching, teaching, etc.?
Careful. Many churches have "added" their own traditions to the Bible's authority. They place the words of a specific teacher or leader on the same level as what the Bible says. They might use the Bible or even respect it, but it is not their ultimate authority. This is extremely dangerous! Some have even gone so far as to add whole books to the Bible itself!
The DOCTRINAL Test
Does this church believe and teach that:
God created the world in six days, not by the process of evolution
God is a Trinity--Three Persons in One (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)
Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, and lived a sinless life
He died on the Cross as the final payment for all sins
He rose again from the dead on the third day
He will appear one day again to "rapture" His church and judge the world
Mankind is sinful and in need of a Savior
Salvation is only by grace through faith in Jesus Christ
A person is saved when he/she repents of sin and trusts Christ as Savior and Lord
Does this church believe what the Bible plainly teaches about all matters of faith and practice?
Nothing can be as confusing as figuring out what people really believe. They might use the same words, but have different meanings for them. Don't be afraid to check everything by what the Bible says! Even the Apostle Paul encouraged people to measure the things he said against the Scriptures. We should do the same today when we hear a preacher or teacher speak on spiritual things. (A thorough doctrinal statement with Scripture references is can be found here...you may want to print it out and check it over yourself, comparing it to the Bible.)
The SPIRITUAL Test
Are the "fruits of the Spirit" evident in this church? (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control-- Galatians 5:22-23)
Does the worship service itself remind you of Christ and cause you to worship God, or does it instead glorify people or rituals? Is it proper and in order, the way you think Jesus would run a church service?
Is the music style proper and fitting for the worship of God, or is it merely an entertainment/concert? Would you say the music was "Spirit-driven" or "flesh-driven"? (or outright boring?)
Watch out for churches that brag about being "Spirit-filled". Obviously, having the Spirit present is essential, but many churches who use that terminology have strayed from basic Bible truth. Just because the music is exciting, or the people are fired up, doesn't necessarily mean they have the Spirit. If a church really is Spirit-filled, it will act like Galatians 5:22-23 and 1 Corinthians 12-14 describe.
The PURPOSE Test
Does this church have a "vision" or "goal" for the future?
Is this church serious about training and discipling people in the truth of the Bible?
Is this church active in evangelism, outreach, service to the community, and/or in supporting mission works around the world?
Are the leaders of the church (and prominent members) good examples of people living holy lives the way Jesus lived? Do they practice what they preach?
Biblically, there are some general purposes that every church should be seeking to fulfill. They are worship, evangelism, training, encouragement, fellowship, and service. It is important to find a church that takes these seriously and is actively working to make them happen.
The FELLOWSHIP Test
Does this church have regular times for personal / small group fellowship? (Sunday School, night Bible studies, prayer groups, etc.) Could you begin attending one of these right away?
Are there people in this church that you could get to know who could help disciple & befriend you?
Are there specific ways that you can be involved in the church, through service/outreach projects, Bible study groups, children's ministries, etc.?
You want to make sure you find a church that you can become actively involved in. Hebrews 3:13 and 10:25 make it clear that if you want to have a successful Christian life, you have to be involved personally in your church. It isn't enough to just go to services on Sundays. Many churches offer Bible studies specifically for teens, singles, young married couples, senior citizens, children, men, women, etc.
The PERSONAL Test
Do you believe you can effectively grow in your faith and worship the Lord at this church?
Did you like the pastor and the people?
Were the people friendly to you and your family?
Was the experience at the church enjoyable, encouraging, and challenging?
Is the church near enough to your home that you would be willing to go there multiple times per week?
Would you be willing to invite your friends to a church like this one?
Although personal opinions aren't the most important thing in the world, they do matter. If you don't like a church, you probably won't attend as often and won't be as committed to its vision and its leadership. You need to find a place where you can grow, develop personal friendships with people, love the pastor, and be faithful in attendance.
Although the initial search for the right church can be frustrating and may take some time, it will pay off greatly in the end. Church attendance and involvement adds such an exciting and dynamic aspect to your personal, family, and spiritual life. It provides a place of rest and refuge when you are facing pressures and temptations, a place of encouragement when you are down and out, a place of hope and help when you are in need, a place of learning and instruction to help you become the person God wants you to be, and a place to find lifelong relationships with people that can love and befriend you. The church is like a family...a wonderful family at that!
Sure, no church is perfect, just as no family is perfect. But if you discipline yourself to go often, and make room in your schedule for God, you will be glad you did. Nothing is more precious and valuable and fulfilling than to worship the Lord with fellow Christians, to see your children brought up in learning about Jesus, to spend your time doing things that will count for eternity. May the Lord bless you in your search for a church body to call your own!
Prayer: Lord, I need your help in searching for the right church. I know I need to find a place that I can regularly learn your Word and worship you. I want to find a place that You approve of, that will help my family and I grow in you, and that I can invest my time and life into for Your glory. Help me find a place where I can serve You most effectively. Please guide me in my search! In Jesus Name, Amen.
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