Is One Church As Good As Another? Ephesians 1: Timothy 3:15 Popular evangelists advise people to “join the church of your choice”

Using Common Sense Indifference is usually the forerunner of cynicism –If it does not matter what one believes, can it matter whether one believes at all? Do we believe truth can contradict itself? –Or be whatever we want it to be? Our disposition should be like the Bereans –Acts 17:11 (also see Rev 2:2)

Spiritual Considerations A person today looking for the Lord’s church is in a similar position as one looking for the Messiah in the first-century –“could this be the Christ” is a question one could not afford to be wrong about John 4:29; 7:25-31 Many claimed to be the Christ –Acts 5:36-37; Matthew 24:5, 24 Were any of the “Messiahs” as good as any other?

Spiritual Considerations Today – if we have correctly identified the Messiah: –Would we want to connect ourselves to any church that this Messiah did not acknowledge as belonging to Him? THE TRUTH IS: –Christ does NOT acknowledge just any church that professes Him

Spiritual Considerations Apostasy was predicted early on “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons” Some congregations disregarded Christ’s authority –Revelation 2:5; 3:16 1 Timothy 4:1

Spiritual Considerations Then and now – faith and practice matter the most! “Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” Matthew 7:21

“Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.” 2 John 9-11 Spiritual Considerations Churches that go beyond the “doctrine of Christ” forfeit the right to wear His name

Overlooking A Basic Point The Lord’s church IS NOT the one correct DENOMINATION that one must find to be saved The church of the Lord consists simply of Christians –Those who have been “added to the Lord” –Acts 11:24; 2:47 “disciples” The Lord’s “disciples” are not members of any denomination “disciples” The Lord’s “disciples” are not members of any denomination

Overlooking A Basic Point One ceases to be the Lord’s disciple when one attaches themselves to ANY congregation that operates outside the boundaries of Christ’s authority! “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” Luke 6:46

Conclusion The person who has genuinely obeyed the gospel of Christ: –Will want to submit to the Lord’s will concerning which congregation of the Lord’s church to join themselves to Colossians 3:17 –We must seek His will – can only be discerned by an honest investigation of the scriptures 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3

Conclusion The most basic question: –Has one actually obeyed the gospel? –Is one actually a Christian and in fellowship with Christ? Fellowship with other Christians grows out of fellowship with Christ –1 John 1:3-4 Are you in fellowship with Christ?