Lesson 19

How does the Lord want us to go about deciding which church to join?

Why does God want us to join a church? Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Why does God want us to join a church? Acts 1:14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

Why does God want us to join a church? James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. encourage one another as we worship and pray together

Why does God want us to join a church? John 21:15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

Why does God want us to join a church? Proverbs 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Why does God want us to join a church? Ephesians 3:16-19 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. study the Bible together, young and old, growing in God’s Word

Why does God want us to join a church? Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…

Why does God want us to join a church? Mark 16:15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” work together to spread God’s Word in the world

Key Point #1 God wants us to join a church so that we can join together with others (fellowship) in worship, prayer, education, evangelism, and mission work.

What is the most important test God wants us to use in deciding which church to join? 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.

What is the most important test God wants us to use in deciding which church to join? 1 John 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

What is the most important test God wants us to use in deciding which church to join? John 8:31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.” teaches only what the Bible teaches

What is the most important test God wants us to use in deciding which church to join? Revelation 22:18-19 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. adds to or subtracts from the Bible

Key Point #2 The test God wants us to use in deciding which church to join is whether that church holds completely to his Word.

What does God tell us to do if we find that a church is adding something to or subtracting something from God’s Word? Romans 16:17 I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. adds to or subtracts from the Bible

What does God tell us to do if we find that a church is adding something to or subtracting something from God’s Word? 2 Corinthians 6:14,17 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” adds to or subtracts from the Bible

What does God tell us to do if we find that a church is adding something to or subtracting something from God’s Word? 2 John 10,11 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him. Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work. adds to or subtracts from the Bible

What does God tell us to do if we find that a church is adding something to or subtracting something from God’s Word? Titus 3:10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. adds to or subtracts from the Bible

Key Point #3 God tells us to keep away from, to separate ourselves from, and not to welcome or have anything to do with such a church.

Why does God tell us to keep ourselves separate from any church that add to or subtracts from his Word? 2 Timothy 2:16-17 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus… God wants us to separate ourselves from false churches

Why does God tell us to keep ourselves separate from any church that add to or subtracts from his Word? Galatians 5:9 “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” God wants us to separate ourselves from false churches because false teaching ruins more and more of God’s Word

Why does God tell us to keep ourselves separate from any church that add to or subtracts from his Word? 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. God wants us to separate ourselves from false churches so the devil can’t harm our faith with poisoned “food”

Why does God tell us to keep ourselves separate from any church that add to or subtracts from his Word? Titus 3:10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. God wants us to separate ourselves from false churches

Why does God tell us to keep ourselves separate from any church that add to or subtracts from his Word? James 5:19-20 My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins. God wants us to separate ourselves from false churches to warn the people in these churches about the poison they’re “eating”

Key Point #4 God tells us to keep ourselves separate in order to keep our souls from being harmed and to warn the members of that church of the danger to their souls.

Some time in the future you might go away to college or to find work in another community or to get married. How will you go about finding a new church home?

Your friend tells you that her church is exciting to attend and invites you to attend church one Sunday. What do you do?

You’re discussing the differences between your church and others with several people at school or at work. In the course of the discussion, you point out various false teachings in some other churches. Suddenly one person says in obvious frustration, “Oh, the people in your church think they’re better than other churches because they’re the only ones who teach the Bible right!” How do you respond?

Lesson 19 God wants me to make the decision about which church to join by testing whether it teaches the pure Word of God.

Vocabulary… “Visible Church” a local gathering of people claiming to be Christians

Vocabulary… “Fellowship” joining with other Christians

Vocabulary… “Heterodox” containing false (“other”) teachings

Vocabulary… “Orthodox” pure in teaching