Good News from the Stony Creek Church of Christ

Help! I’m looking for a “church home” (Part 1)

Finding a “church home” is one of the most important decisions that a person will ever make. The presence of over 1,200* religious organizations in America complicates the process of finding that church home.

There is a great deal of religious confusion and disagreement, through, which the honest-hearted searcher must trod. In light of all of the choices and confusion that exists, how should a person go about finding a group of people with which to worship the Lord?

When deciding on a “church home” there are several questions that are often asked. ‘With what church should I identify?’ or ‘Which choice would be most beneficial?’ are two that might be asked. But of greater importance is the question of which choice would the Lord want me to make? If Christ were on the earth today, with which church would He worship?

People might be tempted to answer these questions on their own. The searcher might visit a number of churches until they found one that pleased them or seemed to meet their specific needs. They might look for a religious organization that offers an appealing array of social and recreational programs. A person might search until they found a building that was particularly beautiful or had an exceptionally dynamic minister. These are all considerations that would appeal to physical man.

If a person makes this important decision based upon such considerations, are they guaranteed to make a decision that will please the Lord? The Bible warns us that relying upon our own feelings or wisdom is dangerous. “There is a way which seems right to man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12). “I know, O Lord, that a man’s way is not in himself; nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps” (Jeremiah 10:23).

Do you want to please yourself or God?

If people are looking to please themselves and serve themselves, then resting upon their own wisdom might be a valid approach to answering these questions. However, if they are searching for an answer that will please the Lord then they must turn away from themselves and turn to the Lord.

The Bible promises to be a safe and sure guide in all religious matters. It will answer all of a person’s religious questions with answers that are guaranteed and reliable. “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Jesus stated that, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). We find God’s will revealed in the Bible (1 Corinthians 2:11-13). So, if a person wants to find God’s answer to the questions of which church should I attend, they must turn to the Bible and seek an answer there.

What does the Bible say about having a choice of churches?

There is much talk today of “choosing the church of your choice.” Given the 1,200 choices available to Americans, are all these pleasing to the Lord? Is one church as good as another?

Before He left the earth, Jesus told His disciples that He would build His church (Matthew 16:18). He promised to build HIS CHURCH singular. He purchased HIS church with His own blood (Acts 20:28). Jesus did not build or purchase 1,200 different churches. Jesus prayed that His disciples would be united in heart and mind: “That they may all be one; even as Thou Father, are in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that Thou didst send Me” (John 17:20-21). The Christians in Corinth were rebuked because they were divided into various sects that followed men (1 Corinthians 1:10-13).

The New Testament reveals only one body (Ephesians 4:4). In Ephesians 1:22-23, the term body is shown to be synonymous with church. Thus, there is only one church revealed in the New Testament. Read Ephesians 4:4-6 carefully: “There is one body, and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.” There are as many churches built by the Lord and recognized by the Lord as there are Lords, Gods, and faiths – ONE.

From these passages the honest-hearted searcher must conclude that there are not 1,200 choices that are pleasing to the Lord. All these choices may please some people, but they do not please the Lord. Jesus did not build or die for a divided or denominated church. The religious division that exists today is the result of men following their own feelings and wisdom rather than the truth revealed in the Bible. Americans certainly have a number of religious choices, but not all of them are pleasing to the Lord.

(This is the first article in a series that will investigate how one might search for and find a church that pleases God. It is my desire that these articles will challenge your thinking and lead you to important Biblical truth.)

* This number is several years old and now is many times more.

Write or call and let us know what you think. Would you like more information about the church found in the New Testament? I would love to accommodate your request. Do you have questions or disagreements? I will be happy to study God’s Word with you and help you find the “peace that passes understanding” (Philippians 4:7).

I hope you will accept our offer to visit and investigate. We meet at 15530 Herriman Blvd., Noblesville. Our phone number is (317) 219-5852. We meet for Sunday morning Bible Study at 10 a.m. and have classes for all ages. Worship begins at 11 a.m. and we have a Bible Study Wednesdays at 7 p.m. A warm welcome awaits!