ARE                        
YOU IN THE
RIGHT CHURCH?

SINCE THERE IS a considerable difference between various churches, all cannot be right.   The only way one can determine definitely whether or not a particular church is right is to test it by the Bible, the Word of God, and the principles it sets forth.

   Here are some questions based on the teachings of the Bible by which any sincere person might examine the church in which he is interested.   If he wants to be true to God, he will have nothing to do with a church which does not pass the test!   "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

THE PREACHING

   Is the preaching based upon the Bible and entirely centered in it? (Isaiah 8:20).   Is the Bible recognized and relied upon as the Word of God? (2 Timothy 3:16, 17).   Are questions answered by a searching of the Scriptures? (Acts 17:11).

   Is the Lord Jesus Christ the central theme of all the preaching? (Acts 4:12).   Is He set forth as the One who suffered, shed His blood, and died for our sins? (Romans 3:25; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24).
Is His bodily resurrection clearly set forth? (Luke 24; Acts 2:31, 32; Romans 4:25; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4).
Is He presented as the ever-living Saviour who is able to save to the uttermost? (Hebrews 7:25).   Is His visible, imminent return declared? (Acts 1:11; Philippians 3:20; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 4:16; 2 Timothy 4:8; Hebrews 9:28).

   Is warning given concerning the wrath of God, impending judgment and the pains of Hell? (John 3:36; Ephesians 5:6; Hebrews 9:27; Luke 16:19-31; Revelation 20:15).

SALVATION AND CHRISTIAN LIVING

   Is the way of salvation made clear?   Is salvation given the same emphasis that it is in the New

Testament? (Luke 19:10; 1 Timothy 1:15; John 3:17; Acts 4:12; Romans 1:16; 10:1; Hebrews 2:3).   Are people being saved through the ministry of your church?   Were you saved through its ministry?

   Is emphasis placed upon the importance of personally receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour? (John 1:12).   Is a clear distinction made between the saved and the lost? (Matthew 7:13; 1 Cor. 1:18; 2 Cor. 4:3, 4; Luke 19:10).   Is assurance of salvation taught, and do those who profess to be Christians have this assurance? (Romans 8:16; 2 Cor. 13:5; 1 John 5:13).

   Is the necessity for repentance and turning from sin repeatedly set forth? (Acts 17:30; Revelation 3:19).
Is there continuing emphasis on the importance of holy living for God's people? (2 Cor. 7:1; 1 Peter 1:15, 16; 2 Peter 3:11).   Is the secret of freedom from the power of sin set forth? (Romans 6:1-13).

BIBLE STUDY AND PRAYER

   Does the ministry of your church feed you on the Word of God? (Matthew 4:4).   Are you inspired to search the Scriptures?   Is adequate opportunity given for a systematic study of the Bible?   Are you taught how to study the Bible for yourself? (Joshua 1:8; Jeremiah 15:16; 2 Timothy 3:15; 1 Peter 2:2).

   Are there regular gatherings for united prayer with free participation by all? (Acts 4:24; 12:12; 21:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:17).   Do the assemblings of the church afford opportunities for spiritual worship and for fellowship in the things of the Lord?

THE PEOPLE

   Do the pastor, church officers, and Sunday school teachers live godly lives which are free from questionable habits and practices? (Acts 6:3; 1 Timothy 3:1-13).   Can the pastor be depended upon to give real help to those in spiritual difficulty, leading

them to peace, deliverance, and blessing in the Lord Jesus Christ?   Under his ministry do people either turn from sinful ways or else reject his preaching? (Jeremiah 23:21, 22).

   In continuing the association with your church, is it necessary for you to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers (the unconverted), thus disobeying God's clear command to the contrary? (2 Cor. 6:14- 7:1).   Are those who make up the church for the most part living for the Lord?   Can you discuss spiritual things with them?   Do they have a clear testimony by word of mouth for the Lord Jesus Christ? (Romans 10:9, 10; Matthew 10:32, 33).   Do they have a burden and concern that other people come to know the Lord Jesus Christ?   Can you rely on them to be praying for you when you are in need? (Galations 6:2; Ephesians 6:18).

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

   Does your church pass the test?   Be honest with yourself and be honest with God.   "We ought to obey God rather than men." (Acts 5:29).   If your church does not pass the test and you intend to remain in it, how do you plan to give account to God for your disobedience to His Word?

   "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord," (2 Cor. 6:17).   "So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God." (Romans 14:12).

--ERNEST B. ROCKSTAD

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