Looking for a Church
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
If you are in the process of looking for a church home, there are several things you should consider. We will spend two days covering the qualities of a True Church.
First, you should look for a church that stands on the Word of God, and not just tradition. Do you know what tradition is? It is an order or a system that you keep doing; if you do it, then you are okay. You do this rather than standing on the Word of God, the Bible, and teaching the Word of God. We need to remember that the Word of God is more important than keeping tradition. Regardless of which church background you come from, the most important thing that you need to look for in a church is that it stands on the Word of God. This is far more significant than some denominational tradition.
Second, you should look for a church that challenges you to act upon what the Bible says and not just be satisfied with information. God wants you to apply what you have learned from the Bible. Look for a church that is not content with just passing along religious factoids. Instead, look for a church that challenges you to move forward.
Third, look for a church that calls people to repent and turn to Jesus, and not just “sign up and join.” All across America, we are not hearing the words, “Repent, change your mind, turn around, become sorry for your sin, and turn to Christ.” We don't hear that in many churches. It is almost like, “Redecorate, don't repent. Just change some things, but don't turn around and change direction.” Look for a church that focuses on repentance.
Consider these qualities as you look for a new church, or evaluate your current church.
If you are in the process of looking for a church home, there are several things you should consider. We will spend two days covering the qualities of a True Church.
First, you should look for a church that stands on the Word of God, and not just tradition. Do you know what tradition is? It is an order or a system that you keep doing; if you do it, then you are okay. You do this rather than standing on the Word of God, the Bible, and teaching the Word of God. We need to remember that the Word of God is more important than keeping tradition. Regardless of which church background you come from, the most important thing that you need to look for in a church is that it stands on the Word of God. This is far more significant than some denominational tradition.
Second, you should look for a church that challenges you to act upon what the Bible says and not just be satisfied with information. God wants you to apply what you have learned from the Bible. Look for a church that is not content with just passing along religious factoids. Instead, look for a church that challenges you to move forward.
Third, look for a church that calls people to repent and turn to Jesus, and not just “sign up and join.” All across America, we are not hearing the words, “Repent, change your mind, turn around, become sorry for your sin, and turn to Christ.” We don't hear that in many churches. It is almost like, “Redecorate, don't repent. Just change some things, but don't turn around and change direction.” Look for a church that focuses on repentance.
Consider these qualities as you look for a new church, or evaluate your current church.
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7 Comments
I have been very blessed to belong to churches that do preach the Word and do believe in repentance.
I love my church, it is definitely Bible based and God lays on the hearts of our 3 pastors the word of God. I feel so blessed and so thankful that God helped me find this church.
My church is a very small church and our Pastor preached the word of God. Our Pastor was also very loving and kind. He passed away 12/21/22. We're in the process of finding a new Pastor. I love my church family
Yes and amen! Thank you. Looking forward to tomorrow's post....
Unfortunately churches that teach the Bible and follow it are few and far between. A lot of so called churches have turned wrong into right and made things that are wrong acceptable such as abortion and homosexuality. I chose to leave a church because of this. Dr. Dodd I thank you for your daily messages on email and the television services I watch each Sunday.
Thank YOU Dr. Dodd for Your Message. Thank YOU JESUS !
I have been looking for a church for several years. This advice helps because too many churches are full of tradition, not focusing on the word of God.