Can you be a Christian and go to any church?

I am certain that most religious people believe Christians can go to any church they choose. What does the Bible, God’s preserved word, say? In a literal sense, anyone can do anything THEY want. Let’s rephrase the question to better seek the will of God: Can one be a faithful Christian and go to any church they want?

There are many questions that need to be answered. When we find the answers to these questions, then we will have found the answer to our original question.

1. What does the Bible teach about becoming a Christian? (Rom. 10:17; John 8:24; Rom. 10:9-10; Acts 2:38; 22:16)

2. If a “church” does not teach what the Bible clearly states for question #1, then why would a Christian want to assemble with that “church”? (II John 9-10; I John 4:1)

3. Has the Lord specified which church a Christian must be of? (Matt. 16:18; Acts 20:28; Eph. 1:22-23; 4:4; Rom. 16:16).

4. If the answer to question #3 is no, then would it really matter which church one was a member of? (Rom. 4:15)

5. However, if the Lord is being specific, then does this not answer the question given in the title? (Acts 2:47).

Allow me to be direct as we conclude this article. Jesus adds those who obey the gospel to His church, not some man-made organization. Becoming a Christian and picking any “church” you want is NOT authorized by the Lord. To make sure you are pleasing the Lord, study to show yourself approved (II Tim. 2:15). If you need further help identifying a church that is faithful to the Lord, do not hesitate to let us know.    

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Chuck

What pleases God?

There is true joy when we do something for someone and know that they are really going to like it. This is why parents want to be around when they give their child a gift. The same is true when you see soldiers come home early to surprise their loved one – to see their reaction. Knowing that someone is going to be really pleased is what makes it a joy to give to others. Here is a list of things the Bible says will please the Father:

1. Walking by faith (Heb. 11:6).

2. Not being a man-pleaser (Gal. 1:10).

3. Preaching the gospel (I Cor. 21).

4. Having Jesus reconcile man to the Father (Col. 1:19-20).

5. Singing praises to God (Heb. 13:15-16).

6. By obeying our parents (Col. 3:20).

7. Keeping His commandments (I John 3:22).

8. Being in the Spirit rather than in the flesh (Rom. 8:8-9).

9. Having all members in the body of Christ/the church (I Cor. 12:18).

10. The body we gain at the resurrection (I Cor. 15:38).

Again, we should enjoy doing these things because we know they please God the Father. We should not assume that God is pleased because we like something. It is the other way around – we should find joy in things that we know please Him. The question for all of us is this – are we pleasing the Father?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Chuck