Text- Hebrews 10:25- “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching”.
Another Sunday is around the corner, and while some people have totally given up on the concept of “going to Church”, many others may be wondering, which Church they should attend on Sunday. One thing stands sure however, we must not forsake the assembly of ourselves together; we should rather keep on encouraging each other, especially since we know that the day of the Lord’s coming is getting closer.
I want you to know that there is no such thing as a perfect Church anywhere! Church is made up of men, and all men are flawed. But while people in church may not be perfect, as long as Christ is at the center of everything a Church does, things will work out just fine.
There are however few things to look for in choosing which Church to attend. There are certain parameters that must be in place before we can validate that where you will “worship” on Sunday is indeed a good Church.
The things I will discuss shortly should also serve as a wake-up call to Pastors as to what kind of assembly they are grooming.
1. THE CALLING Matthew 9: 36 “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd”.
Church by its nature is instituted by God, and is gathered around the calling of a Pastor, with the primary role of a shepherd to care for God’s flock under his watch. A Pastor is recognized by God’s call and commission, not by natural skills and academic certificates. Every genuine Church would be under the leadership of a man called by God into the office of a Pastor.
2. TRUTH John 17:17 says, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth”. That was the prayer Jesus prayed for the disciples shortly before his crucifixion. The place of truth cannot be over-emphasized in the body of Christ.
You must be like the Jews in Berea who received the word with all readiness (i.e. they were sincerely willing to learn) but they searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so (i.e. they would not settle for anything less than truth). Don’t find yourself in a place where what you are being taught is different from what the Bible teaches.
3. INTEGRITY Having ascertained that what you are being exposed to is truth, you must be sure that truth is being practiced in the ‘Church’. You can’t afford to stay in a Church where although truth is preached, sin is celebrated. I once heard of a Church that banned children from coming to Church services because their Pastor is a pedophile. That is quite despicable!
4. FELLOWSHIP Don’t go to a Church where you are just a face in the crowd; you must be able to find friendly association, especially with people who share your interests in loving and serving the Lord. Ensure that when you leave your house tomorrow, you are going to fellowship with God and with fellow believers who sincerely love the Lord, and who will encourage you to build your walk with God.
PRAYERS:
1. Lord, this year I am making a decision that I will open up myself to your shepherding through the ministry of my Pastor.
2. Lord, help me to Church right this year. I will receive the word with all readiness and search the scriptures daily for truth.
3. Lord plant me in the right Church where I will be rightly fed and where I can be firmly rooted; a place where I can flourish in the courts of my God.
Image Credit: roncitlau.com