True Church Is One That Follows The Teachings Of Jesus Christ And Upholds His Standards. Series

A true church is one that follows the teachings of Jesus Christ and upholds His standards. In this article, we will explore what the Bible has to say about the characteristics of a church that deviates from God's design.

Encouraging Sin

"They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work." - Titus 1:16

A church that encourages sin is not a church. This may seem obvious, but it's essential to remember that a church's purpose is to lead people to righteousness, not to condone or promote sinful behavior.

Lukewarm and Carnal

"I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth." - Revelation 3:15-16

A church that is lukewarm and carnal is not a church. Jesus demands a passionate devotion to Him and His teachings. A church that is more concerned with worldly desires than spiritual growth is not following Christ's example.

Compromising Teachings

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables." - 2 Timothy 4:3-4

A church that compromises the teachings of Jesus is not a church. The Bible is clear that we must hold fast to the truth and not be swayed by false teachings or worldly pressures.

Demonic Lifestyle

"Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." - Galatians 5:19-21

A church that encourages a demonic lifestyle is not a church. The Bible warns us about the consequences of living a life contrary to God's will and encourages us to live a life led by the Holy Spirit.

Encouraging Sins of Sodom and Gomorrah

"And the Lord said, 'The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great, and their sin is so grievous, that I will go down now and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry against it that has come to Me; and if not, I will know.'" - Genesis 18:20-21

A church that encourages the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah, such as same-sex relationships and other sexual perversions, is not a church. The Bible clearly condemns these practices as an abomination to God.

Encouraging Foul and Unclean Spirits

"But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." - Revelation 21:8

A church that encourages foul and unclean spirits, such as occult practices and demonic worship, is not a church. The Bible warns us about the dangers of these practices and encourages us to seek God's truth and guidance.

Fighting for Position, Status, Power, and Influence

"But Jesus called them to Himself and said, 'You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.'" - Matthew 20:25-26

A church that is fighting for position, status, power, and influence is not a church. Jesus taught us to serve one another in humility, not to seek worldly recognition or authority.

The Danger of False Doctrines

The Bible warns us about the danger of false doctrines and teachings that can lead us astray from the truth. A church that follows false doctrines is not a church of Christ.

In 2 Timothy 4:3-4, Paul writes, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables."

This passage highlights the importance of sound doctrine and the danger of false teachings. When we compromise the truth, we compromise our faith. We must be vigilant in guarding against false doctrines and ensuring that our teachings align with God's Word.

In Galatians 5:1-4, Paul warns, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Indeed, I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace."