Greg Chandler
06/28/14
A young man visited a local church for several weeks, seemingly interested in the work and participating in their times of study. When he stopped coming, a member of the church asked why he had not been present at their assemblies as of late and was told that he and his fiancée were looking for a church that better fit their needs. The conversation ended and the young man did not indicate what needs were being neglected. While his claim may have been legitimate, there are many who “church shop” with a criteria that seeks self-satisfaction rather than seeking a group with which the Lord is satisfied. What, then, should one look for when seeking to join in the work of a local church?
A Church That Does Not Claim To Offer Salvation: One of the fundamental concepts that must be understood by Christians both individually and collectively is that a church cannot save souls. Salvation is a matter that is solely between a man and his God. The Apostle Peter made this point clearly when asked by Jews of the first century what they must do to be saved. In reply he stated, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). While a church can and must make sure that the truth is taught concerning salvation, it must never seek to put a man or group in the place of God.
A Church That Looks Only To The Bible: While an individual must understand that a church cannot offer salvation, he must also realize that being an active part of a local congregation is a requirement from God for all Christians. Because of this, each person who has been baptized for forgiveness of sins must then seek to find a group with which to worship and work. This is not always an easy choice since it requires looking at the practices of the church to make sure they are fully aligned with biblical standards. Local churches can easily fall sway to the notions of man and soon make additions or deletions that are unacceptable to God. Even before the establishment of Christianity, the Lord made Himself perfectly clear concerning those who add and take away. In discussing the practices of the Jewish sect known as the Pharisees Jesus stated, “And he said to them, ‘Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, “‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men’” (Mark 7:6-7). Personal likes and dislikes must never be allowed to take precedence over the divinely inspired commands for local churches.
A Church That Does Not Stray From Its Purpose: A study of local churches in the New Testament reveals a very narrowly defined purpose. In summary, members of a local church are to worship together, edify and admonish one another, use their money in spreading the gospel and helping other Christians who are in dire need. The New Testament does not give examples of churches involving themselves in secular activities, offering “ministries” to help various groups in society, seeking to provide for the poor of the world, fundraising drives, etc. While all of these types of activities may be good and some even expected of individual Christians, the Lord expects for local churches to follow the plan He has given. Whatever concept that society has concerning the work of churches must never be allowed to supersede the plan God has established within the pages of His Word.
A Church That Is Free From Entanglements: What is striking about local churches described in the New Testament is their very independent nature. Each church is described as being led by a group of elders (the terms pastors and bishops can be used synonymously). Everyone, including the elders, is considered on equal footing with no distinctions between the manmade concepts of “clergy” and “laity.” These churches were united only in their love for the Lord and their desire to follow His ways. When looking for a church with which to work, each believer must make sure that the church under consideration recognizes its independence, answers to no one but the Lord, seeks no alliances with other local churches, and follows no manmade creed.
A Church Characterized By Love: When a church loves the Lord its members will show the proper love toward one another. This means building each other up through edification and admonishing those who are straying from the path of God. This love also means that sins against one another will be forgiven and grudges will not be harbored. This love will help each to remember that no individual or church is perfect, but that all should seek to be like their Lord. When this is the attitude, even the most serious problems can be resolved in the spirit and practice of love.
Conclusion
Current times idolize the concept of individuality and clothing styles are sought that reflect the personality of the wearer. When it comes to finding a local church, such concepts must be left behind. Indeed, believers are not seeking to find a church that fits their individuality but rather seeking to conform to the standards laid down by the Lord. When this is realized, each believer can become an active part of a local church and please the Lord who laid down the pattern.
