by Chris Steele

July 29, 2007

The survey question read: “How do you choose a church?” The criteria that was used to answer it is quite revealing. 1. Ministry: How can this church serve you and how can you serve? 2. Fellowship: Does this church have small groups or support groups you can be a part of? 3. Worship: What kind of worship appeals to you? 4. Doctrine: Does this church teach the Bible?

What happens when the teaching of the Bible is put in last place when it comes to importance? It indicates that people just aren’t interested that much in the gospel. To many these days, truth is not absolute. As we can see from the survey most of what people look for in their religious affiliations, centers on individual likes and dislikes. This reflects on our self-centered society. What can you give me? What can you do for me? How will this benefit me?

Wouldn't it be wonderful if anyone with the desire to be religious would begin with an open Bible in their hand? Who is this one called Jesus? What did he require of his disciples? What happened in the book of Acts? Should the teaching of the New Testament determine the beliefs and practices of our day? The question on Pentecost was not, “What can you apostles do for me?” or “How is the newly established church going to serve my needs?” Instead, it was, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” The answer was given, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:37,38).

The conversion stories in the book of Acts continue to show the same pattern for becoming a Christian. Faith in Christ as the Son of God, repentance from past sins, public confession of one’s faith in Christ as the divine Son of God, and baptism for remission of sins. When these things occur, one is added by the Lord himself, to the church that Jesus purchased with his own blood (Acts 2:47; 20:28). A true disciple of Christ is one who has been baptized into Christ’s own body, the church (1 Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:27; Eph. 1:22, 23). There is no way but God's way to be saved (Mat. 7:21) and become part of his Son’s church. First century Christians made their decision on worship in the same manner as their obedience to the gospel. They were not looking for the things they liked, but what God wanted and commanded. Jesus said that any worship offered to God that has its roots in the ideas and doctrines of men were all in vain (Mat. 15:9). Those today who are looking for worship that appeals to their own desires and changing whims are looking to please themselves, not God.

Mankind has always had a problem with self. Those who are looking for the true religion and church of the New Testament, will have an open Bible in their hand, uttering the words, “Not my will, but thine be done.”