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“Attend The Church Of Your Choice?”

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Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles

If we read newspapers that advertise the worship services of churches in our community, we will usually find these words of encouragement: “Attend The Church Of Your Choice.”

The majority of religious folk believe that such a statement brings glory and honor to Christ. But does it? This is the question for us to consider as we turn to the only Book that can give us a truthful answer – the Bible.

Prophecy Of The Lord’s Church

Long before the birth of Christ it was prophesied:

“And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever” (Daniel 2:44-NKJV).

On one occasion, Jesus said to Peter:

“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:18-19-NKJV).

Let us note that the word “church” in the above inspired passage is singular – not plural. Christ promised to build only one church – His church. Other inspired Scriptures affirm this truth. In Ephesians 4:4, the apostle Paul notes that there is but “one body.” The Scriptures also affirm that Christ:

“put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” (Ephesians 1:22-23).

Paul also records that as Savior, Christ has promised to save only His “body” (Ephesians 5:23).

Since it is impossible for God to lie (Hebrews 6:18; cf. Titus 1:2) and His Word is always true (John 17:17), let us ask the following questions:

Which Church Would Our Lord Choose To Attend?

Which church would our Lord choose to attend? Would He choose the church that wears His name and thus gives Him the honor and glory rightly His, or would He choose some church wearing a man-made name that honors a human being? These are questions that cannot be ignored and they deserve an answer.

Choosing A Church For The Wrong Reasons

Today, many religious folks choose “a church” for the wrong reason. Some choose a particular “church” because of its beautiful architecture. Others choose a “church” solely because of what it can offer their children (and other reasons).

They have in mind fun and games, pizza parties, ski trips, camping trips, volleyball, softball, and an appealing youth minister to shuttle the young folks to and from their entertainment appointments.

Dear reader, the Lord’s church is not in the entertainment and recreation business! Parents (or the home) should be the “youth directors” and responsible for all recreation and entertainment engaged in by young people.

Some choose a church because of its size as if large numbers are to be equated with spiritual success. The truth is that only a few were saved in the ark (1 Peter 3:20) and a few (not many), will be in Heaven (Matthew 7:13-14).

Why Choose The Lord’s Church?

If one is truly interested in the salvation of his or her soul, would it not make sense to choose to attend the Lord’s church? One distinguishing characteristic of the Lord’s church is that it was established on the Day of Pentecost in A.D. 33 as promised in Holy Scripture. Any church that comes into existence after A.D. 33 cannot scripturally be the Lord’s church.

The name “church of Christ” is not (nor ever will be) a man-made name and is a Scriptural term (Romans 16:16 – NKJV). It does not honor and glorify any fallible man. It shows ownership and gives honor and glory to the one whose blood purchased the church – Christ  (Acts 20:28-NKJV).

All Roads Do Not Lead To Heaven

No, the “attend the church of your choice” slogan is not found within the pages of the Bible. It is totally the product of man’s thinking and man’s wisdom. All roads do not lead to Heaven as so many believe. Jesus made this clear by stating:

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6).

There are not many “ways,” or many “truths” – eternal life is found only “in Christ” (Gal. 3:26-29; Ephesians 1:3) or “in the doctrine of Christ” (2 John 1:9).

Conclusion:

Why not today choose to be a member of the Lord’s church that He promised to build? Obey the gospel plan of salvation so that the Lord can add you to His church – “the church” (Acts 2:47). Choose a congregation because of people’s love, reverence, and respect for the Word of God – not simply for entertainment purposes.

Are we willing to abide by the Lord’s choice in a church or will it be “attend the church of your choice?”

Let us this day make our choice the Lord’s choice so that our soul may prosper (3 John 1:2).

Related Articles:

  • About The Churches Of Christ
  • About The Lord’s Church
  • “One Body”
  • The New Testament Church – A Chart
  • Christ And His Church Are Inseparable
  • The Spiritual Nature Of The Lord’s Church
  • Spiritual Characteristics Of The Lord’s Church
  • Belonging To “A” Church, Or Added To “The” Church?
  • Which Church Will You Look For?
  • Is One Church As Good As Another?
  • The Lord’s Church — Built To Last!
  • Uniqueness Of The Churches Of Christ
  • The One New Testament Church
  • The Oldest Church In The World
  • The Church (Kingdom)
  • The Church Before Pentecost – In Purpose (1)
  • The Church Before Pentecost – In Prophecy (2)
  • The Church Before Pentecost – In Prophecy (3)
  • The Church Before Pentecost – In Preparation (4)

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