Finding A Good Church Part-II

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.  So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42, 46-47 (NKJV)

In Part I of this devotional we looked at some of the essential basics that should be prevalent in any potentially Good Church that we would be considering attending.  

We learned that any Good Church should be teaching out of the Bible, and they should not be teaching things that are in conflict to what is clearly taught in the Bible.  Simply put, God doesn't change, and God's Word doesn't change either.  There may be new translations, but be weary of those that change the meaning of the original message.  

In today's devotional we will continue to look at some of the distinctives that a "Good Church" should be teaching.  Again, these things should be easily verified on their website.  


5.    All people are eternally lost; salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone-apart from any works on our part.

"...for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19:10 (NKJV)

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV)

6.    All ministry that is effective, must be empowered by the Holy Spirit.

We clearly see Jesus teaching this principle in the Gospel of John. 

 "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." John 15:5 (NKJV)

7.    Corporate prayer (Body of Believers), and individual prayer should be taught, encouraged and practiced continually.

Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:16 (NKJV)

Everything is to be done in and through prayer, as this is the medium with which we communicate to God directly.  It was through the death of Jesus Christ that we were given this right.
  
Any "Good Church" will recognize the power of prayer and will practice it during services and in every aspect of their ministry. 

8.    The Church is for the edifying of the Body, and the equipping of the saints. 

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, Ephesians 4:11-12(NKJV)

The exclusive purpose of any "Good Church" is to help the body of believers, and to equip them for the service in ministry.  A healthy Church will reproduce itself by committing itself in serving others, and sharing the Gospel message (The Great Commission).

9.    They should be teaching that we are to be bringing Glory to God in everything we do. 

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV)

According to the infallible and inerrant Word of God, we should be bringing glory to God in everything we do as Christian men and women.  Any "Good Church" should have at its basis an earnest desire to bring glory to God.

It is important for us to meet as a Body of Believers.  We have looked at the advantages in previous devotionals.  I sincerely hope that these two devotionals have been educational to you in finding a good quality church that teaches God's Word.  

Ultimately, we should pray about every decision we make, and especially about one so important as to where we will be fed.  I want to encourage you today to seek the Lord about finding a Church that He would want for you to be involved with.  Once you have found one, then pray about getting involved and serving the body of believers.  There is nothing greater than being used by God in ministry, and your rewards will be with you for eternity.  

May God richly bless you...

STUDY QUESTION: What foundational truths can we glean from the Scriptures contained within this devotional with regard to finding a "Good Church?"

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you involved with a "Good Church?"  Are you serving the Body of Believers at your Church?

APPLICATION: Seek the Lord about where you will attend, and then ask Him to open a door for you to serve the body.  Everyone should be serving at some capacity.