W. Frank Walton
11/26/10
The world is filled with all kinds of churches. Many are designed to suit popular tastes, but bear little spiritual resemblance to the original model found in the New Testament Scriptures (cf. Matt 15:13-14).
Also, many are turned off by modern organized religion, with the problems of hypocrisy in members, superficial religion, and too much emphasis on begging for money.
When men’s efforts fall short, remember that God has a perfect plan for man. We encourage you to look for a simple church that specializes in being a church patterned after the original ideal in the “everlasting gospel” of the New Testament (Rev 14:6, 2 Tim 1:13). Our focus is following Jesus to heaven.
Where is Christ’s Original Church?
We encourage you to look for the church of the Lord’s choice. He said, “I will build my church” (Matt 16:18). The church (Gr. ekklesia) means “the called out (people).” We’re simply Christians who have been called out of the world by the gospel into a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ. By “obeying the gospel” in penitent faith, we’ve been baptized (immersed) into Christ for the “remission of sins” (Acts 2:38, Mk 16:16, 1 Cor 12:13, 1 Pet 1:22, 2 Thess 1:8). The Lord has added us to His body of the saved, the one universal church that He promised to build.
This “church” pictures a distinctive group of people intent on following the Lord’s spiritual purpose, because He alone has all authority to direct our lives as “head of the body, the church” (Col 1:18; Matt 28:18-20).
The church that Christ will return to take with Him to heaven is designed to be “the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless” (Eph 5:26). God is turned off by hypocrisy, and so are we! Those who “play church” will lose out in the end. A faith that saves our souls will transform our lives for the better to be more like Christ (Ja 2:24)!
The Lord’s church is the Lord’s people patterned after the Lord’s Word (Jn 8:31-32). We gather together as a local church (assembly) on the Lord’s Day (Sunday) to observe the Lord’s Supper; this weekly memorial commemorates the redeeming death of our resurrected Savior (Acts 20:7, 1 Cor 11:23-33). God is the honored object of worship, as we pray together, enthusiastically sing praises, give gratefully of our means to the Lord’s work, and listen to preaching from God’s life-changing Word (Acts 2:42-47).
We have Bible classes for all ages, so we can know God’s will for our lives. This will help teach your children right from wrong. We don’t waste our time on trivial entertainment, social crusades, or politics. The local church is chartered by Jesus to redeem the soul and strengthen the inner character of men bound for eternity.
When you come, you’ll see we lovingly greet our brethren and warmly welcome visitors to our assemblies. The search for divine truth from Jesus Christ never goes out of style in a confused, troubled world. This search is eternally relevant to your soul’s welfare. Jesus alone is the only way to heaven (Jn 14:6). He said, “If you abide in my words, then you are My disciples indeed, and you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free” (Jn 8:31-32).
So, are you searching for a church that…
Then please visit us! You’ll be warmly welcomed at all services!
By W. Frank Walton