The Church Search Part Three

The B-I-B-L-E. That's the book for me.

Many of us sang that little ditty in Sunday School growing up. But the truth is, we need to take a close look at how the churches we visit view the B-I-B-L-E.

It's easy for church to proclaim that holds God's Word in high regard. That it's a "Bible-believing fellowship." But does the rubber really meet the road? Here are a few questions that can help us as we move through Church Search when it comes to how a certain church views Scripture.

1. Is the Bible seen as the inspired Word of God?
If God has truly inspired the Scriptures, they can be trusted as divine and without flaw. Translations can be questioned. Interpretations can be doubted. But with the Holy Spirit as its source and inspiration, the truth of the Bible is perfect.

For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (2Peter 1:21 NIV)

2. Is the Bible the ultimate standard of truth?
In other words, is God's Word the only truth or is it seen as one of many sources of truth? There is only ONE measure of divine truth: The Bible.

The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight to life. (Psalm 19:8 NLT)

3. Is the Bible used as the basic source of teaching?
It's OK if other curriculum is used, but is the source of that material scripturally based. One of the clear purposes of God's Word is to instruct His people.

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do. (2Timothy 3:16-17 NLT)

4. Is all of the Bible taught?
This might be a little harder to determine in a few short visits, but is the church committed to teach ALL of Scripture. Do they avoid hard or difficult passages? Some churches make a point of preaching and teaching through the entire Bible over a period of time. That's certainly something to consider.

"For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God." (Acts 20:27 NKJV)

When you visit, pay attention to how the Bible is used. Is it used to teach during worship? Is it read aloud? Are the songs based in Scripture? Does the pastor use it as the basis for teaching or simply as a launching pad for expressing his own opinion?

And let me know if they ever sing, "The B-I-B-L-E. That's the book for me."

In Christ,
Jay

The Church Search Part Two

If you're out there "wandering in the wilderness," on the search for a new church, you might wonder what resources might be available to help you.  

Well, here's a list of books that I would HIGHLY recommend.  They have been a great help to me as we've tried to sort through the maze of local churches.

"Church: Why Bother?" by Philip Yancey

Yancey retraces his personal journey through many of his own difficult questions and doubts about the reasons and purpose of joining a local church. 

"Who Moved My Church" by Mike Nappa

In a similar style of "Who Moved the Cheese," Nappa's parable examines how the church is to interact with today's culture.  This one is humorous, entertaining and thought-provoking.

"More Jesus, Less Religion" by Stephen Arterburn & Jack Felton

Arterburn & Felton take a look at the damage of religious legalism and "churchianity."  This is a followup to their book "Toxic Religion."  They call for a return a strong, obedient and grace-filled relationship with Jesus.

"Nine Marks of a Healthy Church" by Mark Dever

Dever examines the characteristics of a healthy and thriving church using nine qualities that are often neglected in today's churches.

I hope these help you in your journey.

In Christ,

Jay

The Church Search Part One

So, for whatever reason, you're looking for a new church.

Where do you start? What do you look for? What's important? How big? How small? What style? What denomination?

The answers to many of those questions are really up to your own personal preferences. Let's call those "the non-essentials." But as we search for a new church, there are a few things that we must not compromise. We'll refer to those as "the essentials."

First of all, do they worship Jesus?

This question is so simple that it may seem obvious. Let's face it, just about every church mentions Jesus' name in some way. But there are often subtle, yet VERY dangerous views of Christ. Maybe the better question is what Jesus do they worship?

We must remember who the Bible says Jesus is.
The one and only Son of God.
The one and only Savior.
The one and only Way to the Father.
Fully God and fully Man.
Lived the perfect life that we couldn't live.
Died the death that we should've died.
Risen to life so that we could attain eternal life.
Ascended to the right hand of the Father.
Ruling and reigning from heaven.
Returning one day soon for His people and judge the world.

Paul describes Jesus in one of the great passages in the Bible...

Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before God made anything at all and is supreme over all creation. Christ is the one through whom God created everything in heaven and earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see--kings, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities. Everything has been created through Him and for Him. He existed before everything else began, and He holds all creation together. Christ is the head of the church, which is His body. He is the first of all who will rise from the dead, so He is first in everything. For God in all His fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and by Him God reconciled everything to Himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of His blood on the cross. (Colossians 1:15-22 NLT)

When we visit churches, let's make sure to check out what they stand for and whom they worship. Research their doctrine and theology on their websites. Ask questions of the pastor and folks who attend.

And, first of all, make sure they worship Jesus. Our Jesus.  That's essential.

In Christ,
Jay