WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A CHURCH!

Written by spreadingodslove

Hi friends!! It has been a very long time I know :(( I am very beyond busy with college :/ but I am back for now! God as always is doing so much in my life and I cannot wait to share with you all updates on another blog post hopefully!! In my posts, I love sharing about the different topics God is teaching me and the areas I am maturing in as a Christ follower with all of you, whether you are a believer or not, my heart is to share Christ with you and I love you! :). For today’s post, I am going to talk about what to look for in a church and the importance of being in a local body of Christ-followers – as this is a topic I have learned more and matured in this year – I am definitely not perfect in this yet, still learning each day! :).

1. LOOK FOR A CHURCH THAT LOVES JESUS.

Friends, when looking for a church, look for a church that loves Jesus. In all honesty, in my sophomore year of college, I was really struggling with finding a church, and I remember someone telling me to look for a church that loves Jesus. This is so important. Look for a church that genuinely loves God and loves people. I think of the bible verse in Matthew 22:36-39 which says:

“Teacher, which command in the law is the greatest? He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself“. – Matthew 22:36-39 ♡

I thought of this verse above because I am reminded of the two greatest commands: Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength + love your neighbor as yourself. Love God and love people.

I cannot imagine going to a local church that does not love God and people, especially with these being the two greatest commands. I think it will be very well known if a church loves the Lord and people. Some ways that can be known if a local church loves God and people is by their teachings being fully based on biblical truth, loving in action, serving others, an encouraging, welcoming, and inclusive community/environment, opportunities and emphasizing sharing the Gospel, ways to serve, outreach, etc.

2. LOOK FOR A CHURCH THAT TEACHES THE SCRIPTURES.

When looking for a church, look for a church that teaches and preaches the Scriptures very closely and fully based on biblical truth. I cannot explain and put into words how dangerous it is to go to a church that does not teach the truth of the Scriptures and the Word of God. Unbiblical teaching is dangerous.

It is also important that as the church is preaching the Word of God, it is lived out in action. The teachings should always point back to Christ. It is also very important we take what we learn from church and take it back to God and His Word – this is important because we see if what we have learned aligns with the Word of God and the context of God’s Word. And of course, it is important that we are reading the Word of God for ourselves to grow in the Lord and learn more about Him.

I am reminded of Matthew 28:19-20 which says, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you…” – Matthew 28:19-20 ♡

I am reminded of the verse above which is about the Great Commission. I am reminded that God has called us here on earth, to give Him glory and to share the Gospel and make disciples. This just reminds me of the mission of the church – to love God, love people, share the Gospel, and make disciples.

3. PRAY AND SEEK THE LORD

When looking for a good church, we can for sure ask God that He would guide us in finding a good church, and He certainly does guide us as He is our Shepherd. I know I mentioned above that when looking for a church, look for one that loves Jesus most of all and teaches very closely to His Word – everything else flows from that. It is important to realize that no church is perfect because the church is full of imperfect people who are humans and fall short every day. Though there is no perfect church, we should find a good, genuine church that loves the Lord, teaches God’s Word biblically, and is passionate about making disciples of Jesus Christ.

KEY EXTRA POINTS

I realize there is so much to touch on when it comes to the topic and so I want to give you some extra key takeaways!

  • The church is the body of Christ! It is God’s people. We gather together to worship our God and learn more about Him corporately.
  • Find a church that will mature you in your walk with the Lord and grow you in your relationship with Christ.
  • Going to church and our church attendance does not save us – it is by the blood shed by our Savior Jesus that we are saved. I am reminded of Ephesians 2:8-9 which says, “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift – not from works so that no one can boast”. I used to struggle and sometimes still do, with thinking I need to do all these good works to please God and be “more approved” by God. The reality is, there is absolutely nothing anyone can do to earn God’s grace and love. His gift of everlasting life with Him is freely given and we accept it by true, genuine faith in Jesus – His saving work for us on the cross, His burial, and resurrection. We do the things we do out of the result of our love for God and following Him. His blood that He shed is enough and nothing in our human power can do anything to save ourselves.
  • Though our church attendance does not save us, it is still very important that we are under the watch care of a local church! We go to church with the purpose of going for Jesus. Church plays a big part in the spiritual nourishment in the life of a believer. Church is also where we get to use the gifts God has given us to serve Him and His people. Church is where we get to be in fellowship and relationship with other believers in the Lord – we truly are not meant to do life by ourselves. As followers of Christ, it is important we have a good, godly community around us and accountability.

  • Church denominations – I will briefly touch on this but – I am aware that there have been divisions in the church because of different denominations. To share with you guys what I believe is that – we are all one in the body of Christ. What matters is our genuine hearts and love for the Lord above anything. Again, find a church that loves Jesus, loves people, and teaches the Word of God biblically. We should continue to pray and seek the Lord in everything! He will guide you.
  • I also want to empathize as I realize this topic can be hard and people have experienced hurt in the church, in which I am very sorry. I want to remind you today that you are fully seen by the Lord and He loves you more than words can say. I am praying for you and your healing. Each and every one of you is so loved by the Lord.

Friends, hoping this helped as this is what God has recently been teaching me. There is sooo much that I can unpack about this topic but if there is anything you have questions about or want me to write about more – I can definitely write another blog post about it as I learn more about the topic with the Lord.

I am thankful for those of you who still read these blogs haha and stick around though I am in a busy time of my life! I am hoping to write some more blogs soon to spread God’s love to you! You are amazing.

Love Bea ♡

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