Does it really matter which Church an individual attends?

How to Find the “Right” Church

This information is provided freely to ALL in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

With or Without Jesus Eternity is Forever.

Introduction

“Attend the Church of your Choice” has become a common phase in our everyday lives. Many people wonder how to choose the “right” Church and are asking the basic question: How do I decide which Church is the “RIGHT” Church?

The objective should be to find the One Church, the True Church of the New Testament, that Jesus built with his own hands, as defined in the Bible.

In a perfect world, if everyone had listened to the Words of God and if man had no introduced their own ideas and traditions, there would still be only one Church today.

The world is no perfect and as a result of Satan encouraging men to add their own ideas and traditions to worship, we have the religious divisions of today.

Can an individual be deeply religious and not be acceptable to God?

Many people believe that if they are religious and live upstanding life in the eyes of society, it will be all right with God in the end. Jesus taught us that God is a spirit and that we must worship him in spirit and in truth.

John 4:23-24
But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
How can hundreds of different religions worshiping in various manners all worship Him in spirit and in truth?

Does the Truth really matter?

The Truth really mattered to

Jesus, Paul, John and Peter in the first century!

This is made perfectly clear in the New Testament by the following;

Jesus had a great controversy with deeply religious people, the Pharisees.

Mark 7:1-9
Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.
For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.
And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.
Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

The controversy between Jesus and the Jewish leaders continues.

John 5:43-47

I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.
For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.
But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?

Paul’s controversy with the churches of Galatia

Galatians 1:6-9

I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

John’s warnings of false teachings in the first century church

1 John 4:1

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

1 John 4:5-6

They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

2 John 1:8-11

Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

Paul comments to Christ's Church at Corinth regarding Timothy's mission.

1 Corinthians 4:17

For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.

Peter encourages first century Christians to be diligent in the faith and warns of false teachers.

2 Peter 3:13-18

Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Don't fall into Satan's Trap

Many deeply religious people are in serious danger of not being acceptable to God, because they have not sought the Truth and therefore, have not worshipped Him in spirit and in truth. Unfortunately, they have blindly accepted the teachings of men. God never promised that it would be easy and expects people to diligently study the scriptures.

In Matthew 7:13-14 He Jesus provide a clear warning, Enter by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. As an all-knowing God he could foresee the numerous divisions that would take place in modern times. Jesus built only One True Church and only those worshipping, as defined in the Holy Bible have any Hope of Heaven.

Jesus made it clear that the vast majority will spend eternity as the angels of Satan in the everlasting fires of Hell. This verse makes it plain that there are only two roads to eternity. The broad and most popular way, which leads to destruction or eternal punishment and narrow and difficult path that leads to the perpetual joys of Heaven. It is certain that everyone who attempting to live a Christian life is HOPING they will among the few that find the narrow way.

But, it will take more than hope.

Consider the following questions:

Can you take the doctrines of any other religion or denomination, beginning with its name and point to a passage in the Bible, in clear support of each brief, practice or tradition? In other words, do their beliefs, practices and traditions have the POWER and AUTHORITY of the Word of God behind them?

If any religion or denomination, you may be considering, is unable to provide Biblical support for each and every belief, practice and tradition, it is clear that its members are traveling on the broad and popular road to eternal damnation!

Are your feelings a safe guide as whether we have been saved, that we have the Grace of God or have found the Right Church?

Consider the life of Saul, later known as the apostle Paul. In his early days, he was a very religious man, a member of the Pharisees sect, who lived his life in good conscience before God, while persecuting Christians. After he was converted, he admitted his persecution of Christians, was in ignorant of the Truth.

Trusting your feelings or your heart is very dangerous as is clearly stated in the following:

Proverbs 14:12
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Proverbs 28:26
He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

Jeremiah 10:23
O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps

Some mistakenly believe that the form of worship makes no difference.
Paul reports serious concerns regarding this issue in 1 Timothy 4:1-2 “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,”
Paul continues in 2 Timothy 4:3-4 “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”
In 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 Paul issues a further warning “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their work”

Jesus warned in regard to false teachers “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:16)

Does it Really Matter?

It matters to those who wish to strictly obey and be pleasing to God, rather than following the ideas and doctrines of men.
It matters to those who are concerned regarding the biblical injunctions against ADDING TO WORSHIP.

IT MATTERS!

“Ye shall know them by their fruits.”

(Matthew 7:16)

Mark 7:9

And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

1 Corinthians 4:6

“that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written”

2 John 1:9

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

Revelation 22:18-19

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

In the first century there was only One Church. Satan, the evil Prince of the World, has caused the original Church built by the hands of Jesus Christ to be divided into thousands of religious sects of today.

Millions of sincere individuals, who believe that they are living a Christian life and looking forward to spending eternity with the Lord, have been deceived into believing false doctrines. Why? Because they fell into Satan’s TRAP of the false teachings, that Jesus warned us of in the New Testament. Jesus stated clearly "And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matthew 15:9)

The Only Answer is to careful study and to follow the ONLY instructions found in the Word of God.

God desires that everyone in the world would follow His Plan of Salvation and then remain faithful; “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the KNOWLEDGE of the TRUTH.” (1 Timothy 2:4) Jesus told us in John 8:32 “ And you shall KNOW the TRUTH and the TRUTH shall make you free”

What is the TRUTH that is being referred to in these passages? Jesus answers that question in John 17:17 “Sanctify them by your TRUTH, YOUR WORD is TRUTH.” DO YOU NOTICE A PATTERN? The Word of God is the TRUTH and the only source of the TRUTH.

We are instructed to SEARCH for the TRUTH in the Holy Scriptures and to follow its clear instructions to the letter. The decisions make in this life will make all the difference in the life to come.

If we are to know the Truth we must study and listen closely to the Words of Jesus and the writings of God’s inspired men. We live in a time of countless religious organizations, which have twisted, and distorting the Scriptures and are teaching the commandants of men. Jesus warned "But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." (Matthew 15:9)

Paul tells us that there is only ONE body (Church) and ONE Faith.

Ephesians 4:4-6

There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Jude made it clear that we should earnestly contend for the faith.

Note “the faith” is singular.

Jude 1:3

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith, which was once delivered unto the saints.

Does the Truth really matter?

Of course, the TRUTH really matters!
That is, if the difference means spending eternity in Heaven or Hell really matters.

How to find the “True” Church

With so many contradicting religious messages, claims and opinions of today it is very difficult for the average person to know what the truth is and how to find the “right” church.

The “True” Church found by:

Careful study of the New Testament, a part of the inspired Word of God

This is absolutely necessary as the Bible makes it quite clear that Understanding is essential to gaining salvation. The Bible includes those individuals “without understanding” in the same category as murderers and homosexuals.

Romans 1:24-32

Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.
And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things, which are not convenient;
Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

Who knowing the judgment of God, that they, which commit such things, are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Please note in Romans 1:32 (the last verse, above) that such individuals are counted as worthy of death or of no value.

Jesus stated clearly that we will be judged according to His Words.

John 12:48

He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

Jesus clearly indicates that diligent study is required of those who would have hope of salvation.

Matthew 4:4

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
In ancient times, God spoke thru prophets and apostles before his Will was completely revealed. Today, God speaks to us only through His Word, the Bible or the complete knowledge of his Will. We hear him by “open minded” study, so we can learn His Plan. Understanding the Bible is not easy. In fact, it can be very difficult, particularly if one is trying to "fit in" the various traditions and commandments of men.

Jesus understood this and designed His Church, Christ’s Church to provide guidance and assistance in developing a complete understanding, which is absolutely required for being saved.

Looking for a Church whose basis and preaching is, Knowledge, Truth and Unity using only the Bible.

Looking for a Church that uses only the Bible, the inspired Word of God, as the basis of their entire faith and no other manuals, books or creeds created by man.

Looking for a Church that worships God in Spirit and in Truth.

John 4:23-24

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Looking for a Church that teaches only the Pure and Simple Gospel of the New Testament.

Romans 1:16

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Looking for a Church that has a zeal for the Truth.

A Church that is safe haven where you too can experience Love, Acceptance and Forgiveness.

Looking for a Church that was established at the “right” time and place.

Where does one find such a Church?

His One True Christ was established in Jerusalem in approximately 30 A.D. The TRUTH is clear, based upon a careful search of the Scriptures, there is only ONE True Church. His True Church, Christ’s Church, which known to the world as The church of Christ, which was the name of The ONE TRUE Church in the first century. Thus the great Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 16:16, "The churches of Christ salute you".
Now that you are aware of a church in the 21st century, which is built according to the design of Christ's original church, why not becomes a member of it? You will then live and worship just as the apostle-guided Christians of the first century did.
Not only is this return to New Testament Christianity a wonderful basis upon which all believers in Christ can unite, it is absolutely solid ground. If we do just what our Lord commanded we know that our salvation is certain. Come with us as we go back to the Bible, back to Christ and his One True Church!
Millions of sincere individuals, who believe that they are living a Christian life and looking forward to spending eternity with the Lord, have been deceived into believing false doctrines. This is a call is for the religious accord of all believers in Christ, based solely on the Word of God.
Members of His One True Church plead is for a worldwide restoration of New Testament Christianity and to unite all God-fearing populace, using only the pure, plain and simple instructions of Jesus and His Apostles.
After a carefully in-depth examination of the Holy Scriptures, it must be concluded, based upon all available information that ONLY the Members of His One True Church have any Hope or Possibility of being saved from everlasting punishment. In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus warned that narrow is the way, which leads to eternal life and very few will find it. Now is the time to follow:

The Path to a Crown of Life

Hear the Gospel.

"How shall they call on him whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" (Romans 10:14)

Believe.

"And without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him" (Hebrews 11:6)

Repent of Past Sins.

"The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent." (Acts 17:30)

Confess Jesus as Lord.

"Behold here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, if thou believeth with all thy heart thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:36-37)

Be Baptized for the Remission of Sins.

"And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38)

Live a Christian Life.

"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light;" (1 Peter 2:9)

Sources of further immediate Assistance

Telephone the Minister of your local Church of Christ and tell him you have visited this website and as a result, that you realize that you need to make some changes. That you have decided to take personal control of your Spiritual Life and wish to meet with him as soon as possible.

The telephone number(s) are listed in the white pages under Church of Christ.

The Minister and the Elders of that Church of Christ stand ready to assist you in learning the TRUTH, in any way possible. You are invited to make a complete investigation of the doctrine of Christ or any part thereof and they would be delighted to personally discuss any point or answer any question.

In the event you live in an area not served by His One True Church or would prefer have your questions answered via e-mail, please feel free to forward your question(s) along with your name and e-mail address to answers@seekingthelost.org and we will address your questions and provide answers as soon as humanly possible.

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JOHN 17:17
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth
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James W. Goddard, Ph.D.
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220 West Grand, Eufaula, Oklahoma 74432
e-mail jwgoddard@seekingthelost.org
Author’s Home Congregation, please visit Eufaula Church of Christ http://www.histruechurch.org/eufaulaokcfc.html
Psalms 19:1
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