Which Church Will You Look For?

There are literally thousands of different churches in the United States all claiming to teach the truth of God. We need to ask ourselves, “Why are there so many different churches with different names and beliefs?” Is God the author of "confusion?" (1 Corinthians 14:33).

In looking for a church, which church will you look for?

1) A church assembling by Christ’s authority and with a Bible name only? (Matthew 18:20; Romans 16:16)

2) A church built by the pattern found in the New Testament? (Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:1-47)

3) A worldwide church that you can read about in the Bible? (Romans 16:16)

4) A church with the gospel as its drawing card – no amusements to draw crowds? (Romans 1:14-16; 1 Corinthians 1:18-23)

5) A church where nothing is taught but the Bible, and the New Testament is its guide? (Hebrews 12:24; 1 Peter 4:11; James 1:25)

6) A church that teaches its members to live in keeping with the principles taught by Jesus Christ? (Romans 2:21-22; Philippians 1:27)

7) A church supported by the free-will offerings of its members, as Paul gave orders to the churches in Galatia and Corinth? (1 Corinthians 16:1-2)

8) A church guided by its head only, and that head having only “one body” – the church? (Colossians 1:18, 20-24; Ephesians 1:22-23)

9) A church that stands for the purity of the gospel both in doctrine and practice? (Gal. 1:6-9; Jude 3; 2 John 9-11)

Dear reader, will you not attempt to find the church in your community that imitates the pattern of the first century church and thus honors the name of Christ? (Acts 4:10-12; Acts 20:28). May God bless you in this effort.

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets