Not Just Anywhere

Some time ago I attended a church where the population is now dwindling.  Myself and countless others actually outgrew the focus of the ministry; while some just left for a variety of reasons.  I don't find this to be uncommon, because if the center of any ministry is not Jesus Christ, then it's time to dip.  But as stated before, not everyone moved on because of that.  And due to the non-Christ reasons for departure, many people went back.  And for a lot of them it wasn't because the Spirit moved consistently in the structure, it's just that they had to go somewhere.  I can't quite get the "go to church somewhere" philosophy.  It's almost like the goal is to be a well-rounded human by gaining a religious component to ones life.  Shallow to say the least.

It's also dangerous for several reasons.  For one, it appears that many who buy into this find themselves in churches that are...comfortable...for lack of a better term.  They're not challenged by the leadership to live at a new level; instead they are coddled and celebrated for being 'buked and scorned'.  But the bigger problem is the deception factor; where individuals who earnestly search for Jesus are mislead by an above average orator and great music; and because there is little substance in the talent show, the wandering soul is in worse shape than when they started...simply by just trying to go to church, any church.

I could write a self-help book on this, but that's unnecessary.  Still, I realize some of my readers haven't found that home in pursuit to know Christ better; so here are a few tips:

• If the preacher/teacher does not reference the Holy Bible or if his/her reference doesn't line up with the scriptures' intended principle, more than likely the ministry isn't official.  Now if you don't know the Bible, you're easy pickings.  To help you with this you should obtain a study Bible.
• If the ministry isn't encouraging you to live in accordance with the Word of God, be out.
• In the event the Bible is referenced and you're pushed towards Christlike living; and you get that notion that the ministry is a good place to learn and grow outside of Sundays, the ministry may be a good fit.  Again, it must be conveyed that we are to live a life pleasing to God through Christ. Or simply put, you should be sincerely encouraged to not sin. This isn't the same as being condemned; still, don't whine when you are expected to live by a Christian standard.
• Lastly and most important, it has to be clearly preached that Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God and that He died for the salvation of mankind. 

Whatever you do, by all means, don't go just anywhere.

Peace