Evaluating Your Church Alignment

Aug 17, 2024

Lecture Notes: Finding the Right Church

Introduction

  • The decision of finding the right church can be influenced by various factors such as:
    • Youth program vitality
    • Church size
    • Architectural appeal
    • Financial resources
    • Dress code
    • Preacher's talent
    • Proximity to home
  • Importance of finding a church that follows the Bible as closely as possible.

Building the Church According to the New Testament

  • Reference to Matthew 16:18 where Jesus promises to build his church.
  • The New Testament records the life and teachings of Jesus and the establishment of the church.
    • Acts: Establishment and expansion of the church.
    • Epistles (Romans to Jude): Instructions for church conduct.
    • Revelation: Future of the church.

Evaluating if One is in the Right Church

  • Importance of consulting the New Testament to guide teachings, practices, worship, and decision-making.
  • Hypothetical scenario: If stranded on a deserted island with only the Bible, what would the church look like?

Characteristics of the Right Church (Acts Chapter 2)

  • The right church has the right head: Jesus Christ.
    • Jesus as the head is emphasized in verses 22-36 of Acts 2.

Right Plan of Salvation

  • God's plan for salvation revealed in Acts 2:37-41.
  • Importance of churches teaching the biblical answer to "What must I do to be saved?"
    • Instances of different answers given by various churches today.
    • New Testament teaches baptism and following the apostolic teaching.

The Right Purpose of the Church

  • Devotion to apostolic teaching, fellowship, worship, and meeting needs.
  • Early church priorities:
    • Worship as instructed in the New Testament
    • Meeting spiritual and material needs
    • Fellowship and unity

Conclusion

  • The importance of being part of a church that reflects the teaching and practices of the New Testament.
  • Encouragement to find a church that aligns with the biblical model.
  • Offer for assistance in finding a New Testament church.

Key Bible Passages

  • Matthew 16:18, 28
  • Acts 2:22-47
  • Ephesians 1:22, 5:23
  • Colossians 1:18
  • Galatians 1:6-9
  • 1 Corinthians 12
  • 2 Timothy 3:16-17

These notes provide a summary of the lecture on evaluating whether one is in the right church by aligning with New Testament teachings on church leadership, salvation, and purpose.