Did you know that in Christianity in the United States there are over 200 different church denominations and in the global Christian Church there are over 45,000 denominations. This doesn’t include the many thousands of inter-denominational and non-denominational churches with their own belief systems, doctrines, and traditions. Many other so-called Christian sects don’t make this list. These facts and figures are completely overwhelming. Many of these different denominations are divided against each other and have no fellowship with each other, yet they are all classified as Christian.
Many denominations claim that they are the best option and just like in the commercial business world there is plenty of competition to go around to try to gain your spiritual attention. Even, many denominations of the same faith traditions with the same beliefs and the same value systems, bash each other and have no communal relationships with each other’s members.
What happened to Christianity? What happened to Christian unity? What happened to the original Christian Church that was founded by Jesus in the New Testament? This is not what Jesus envisioned for HIS church some 2000+ years later. This is not how Christianity is supposed to work. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 1:10 ESV - I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. and in Ephesians 4:3-6 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. This was how the Christian Church was supposed to be united in Christ without division and without strife. Not Un-United in Christ.
In Romans 12:5 the Bible says, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We as Christians are supposed to be on the same team for the same cause to worship together Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and to spread the good news of the Gospel so others can come into God’s saving grace.
So with all the divisions and strife in our different churches today, where is a new born-again believer or an un-churched Christian supposed to attend worship? The answers to this question will come shortly. First, let’s look at 2 John 1:9 it says, Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. The apostle John wrote this verse regarding an individual Christian who teaches false doctrine and not the doctrine of Jesus Christ. This person who does not preach or teach truth does not have God. So therefore, God is not with him.
This verse of scripture could also apply to a church that teaches false doctrines as well. A true Christian church teaches biblical truth and the correct doctrine of Jesus Christ. There are many churches today that have fallen away from God’s truth. These churches are choosing to conform to what man wants and what is humanly popular. So again to answer the previous question – where should a new believer attend church? You should pray and ask God to give you guidance and direction to the right place of worship. This church should be based solely on Biblical truth. This church should also preach the Bible and teach the Bible. Finally, this church should never compromise the Word of God for what’s popular in society today.
So, don’t look for a church that has a rock-star pastor or a large children's program. Don’t look for the nearest church to your house. Find a Christian church that is closest to the Bible. Then you can be 100% sure you know God’s truth. AMEN
