How to Choose a Church

We would all like to be part of an ideal church. Brainstorming together we could draw up quite a list of things we deem important. There are some basic characteristics that start a church toward this goal. In any type of construction, be it buildings, clothing, things mechanical, educational and, yes, even relationships, there has to be framework --fundamentals you can build upon. Lets consider, then, some characteristics of the Church of God; things that give the Church its shape and identity of being a Christian church. First, a church should be Christcentered. Everything about that church should center on Jesus Christ. People are not the center of attention. Some have the idea that if the church is not focused on them and their needs it is not relevant. Churches have bought into this concept, becoming market-driven enterprises, relating their activities to what people say they want. Consequently, the church calendar is filled with the latest entertainment. There is as much competition in the religious world as there is in the business world to see who can come up with the biggest attractions. Yet Jesus said He was to be the drawing card. And I, if I be lifted up will draw all men unto me.

When people come into religion through entertainment it takes entertainment to hold them. Psychologists have to be put on the staff to help them deal with their problems. Entertaining men is a diversion, entertaining God is devotion. God is to be the focus of your religious experience. Next, look for a church that will assist you in drawing near to God. If you will draw near to God, He will draw near to you. The church that helps you draw near to God and to worship Him will do so because that church exalts the Bible as the Word of God. The Bible must forever stand as the final court of appeal for your beliefs. Compared to any other writings or revelations, the Bible is the more sure word of prophecy. To draw near to God there must be a steady diet of the Word -Gods Word. God reveals Himself through the Bible; therefore the Bible must be upheld with absolute authority. The third thing you should look for in a church is something many do not like doctrine. Simply stated, doctrine is principles, rules for living and teachings. Bible doctrine is Gods principles. You should take heed unto the doctrine that is being taught. Bible doctrine does not always agree with the traditions of men. When mens traditions are taught for doctrine, it makes the Word of God ineffective. Every church member should search the Scripture to see if the things being taught are indeed Bible doctrine. Another thing that should be evident is holiness of life in the members of the church. Church people should be holy because God is holy, and holiness is a requirement God has placed on man.

Gods expectations are not unreasonable. When you draw

near to God, and when you begin worshipping Him; when the Bible is your blueprint for the things you do, think, the way you behave and live, then God is working in your life. You are not trying to rework God to fit into your lifestyle and framework, but you see the ways in which He desires to change you. Gods Word working in us changes us to fit His robe of righteousness. This is living Holy. The church is Gods plan for lifting you above the commonplace, lifting you out of the sin that fills and rules the world. He is the reason we live, and move and have our being. When He becomes our focus we discover what our real needs are, and He will meet every one.