— Critical issues concerning the Church —

Fellow Soldier,

Because we all tend to take things at face value, it’s quite natural to assume that any place displaying a cross, steeple, an organ — and perhaps a grave yard out back (or some combination thereof) is a “church” in the biblical sense.  Not necessarily.

Supposing the congregation is huge, the pastor famous and they’re on radio, TV and the Web? How about if they have a book store, cafe, Bible school, 300 Sunday School teachers; everything for the kids except Disney Land; a world-wide missions program and 54 outreach ministries to the body and community?  Nope!

Not one of the above qualifies a religious group as a bonafide “church.”  Therefore, it’s vital to know what does, and to exit those which are not.

What’s a “Church”?

Does your church meet biblical criteria?

"Those who accepted his message were baptised, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.  They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." — Acts 2:41,42 NIV 

We fervently love the true Church, but equally despise the false.  This might shock you (and we hope it does) but many of today’s churches are not the real thing.  Because of not meeting biblical criteria of legitimacy, they should not be visited by Christians.  They impede one’s spiritual growth and imperil the souls of all who frequent them.

Please hear the Spirit in this message because the day of final reckoning will come upon us all as suddenly as did the present economic tsunami.  It will then be too late to correct our course, to repent of sin, or to come out from those things abhorrent to God.

A typical Church

You can attend “‘til the cows come home,” but will not hear the Gospel.  If such attempts are undertaken, it will be another gospel because the need for repentance will be skipped (2Cor 11:4).  “Worship”  will consist of seven-eleven sing-alongs (7 words sung 11 times) and there’ll be cheer leaders on the platform to urge you on.  You’ll be entertained by a “Christian” (rock?) band as you peruse the bulletin’s promotional insert from a “Christian” psychologist.  The Bible will not be systematically taught, nor will you hear about sin, hell, blood, sacrifice, and other hard things of the faith that offend unbelievers in attendance. A (rare) new convert will not be discipled in Christian essentials or prepared to do the work of the ministry (Eph 4:12) but will be recruited into this religious corporation’s overhead activities.

Wolves will not be stopped at the door; indeed, they will be invited in for  as long as forty days.  The pulpit will be turned over to a furry one to help you find purpose in life.  A Bible Study will not feature the Bible, but the tainted work of a doctrinal compromiser, albeit “famous” ... or worse yet, the publication of a heretic.  You will have no assurance the one next to you is even a member of the body of Christ because the “pastor” is soliciting pagan attendance.  A few more nots: upon entering, you will not sense that you have come out of the world and into a refuge; a “sanctuary.”  You will not be privy to the supernatural dimensions of historic Christianity.  You will not be blessed by the corporate ministry of the Holy Spirit.  You will not experience the exquisite koinonia attained by being bonded and worshiping (near) exclusively with those indwelt by the Spirit of God.  In fact ... you will not be in a church of the living Lord Jesus Christ.

A biblical Church

They’re hard to find, not only because of being few in number and small in size, but because they don’t utilize worldly methods to attract attention.  They rely on the Holy Spirit rather the Church Growth Movement (CGM) to bring in new sheep.  As Our Lord declared: "I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Mt 16:18b).  Some do not even have recognizable buildings, but meet wherever the Lord provides: "they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart" (Acts 2:46b).

Local gatherings of the universal, invisible Church of Jesus Christ (it’s head) are as different from the typical, as night from day.  When a lamb enters, he senses that he’s come out of the world and into an exclusive fold.  Sheep all have fleece and smell conspicuously different than their fur-bearing enemies.  God’s flock takes comfort when the door is closed behind, shutting out the world’s odious clamor, charlatans and canines; they feel safe.  The Spirit of God illumines hearts therein, as did golden lampstands light the tabernacle of Moses and Solomon’s temple; the spiritual aroma of God’s presence fills the place.  A holy hush (like a gilded lace) allows the love, joy, excitement and anticipation of that sacred moment to waft through.  Saints know they will hear from God — corporately and individually.  Each has been eagerly prepared by divine love, mercy and grace, to lavishly pour out their praises and thanksgiving to the One and only true God ... as Spirit led.

All know they are in the presence of the God of the Bible and under the care and leadership of spiritual elders and a shepherd raised up by God.

Orchestrated by the Spirit, God’s people will break forth in adoration, prayer, praise and song.  As a summer breeze sways heads of wheat, this way then that, blood-bonded believers move with the Spirit, alternating from quiet worship to joyful and exuberant praise ... at times to reverential silence (Ps 133:1).  There’ll be a psalm, a verse, a prayer (Eph 5:19) a divinely coded word followed by its interpretation (1Cor 14:26).  There may be other supranatural signs: healings and outbursts of repentance (1Cor 12:28).  But, always, ministry unto God, unto one another and full strength instruction from a bonafide Bible.  This agape lovefest is always punctuated by prayer and often by breaking of bread at the incomparable Lord’s table; holy communion.

Do you believe ...

that scripture is the inspired and infallible Word of God?  Do you, really?  Two heart-birthed “yeses” should then translate into a life dedicated to studying the Bible and daily endeavoring to apply its truths.  That includes regularly joining with other Christian believers according to the basic outline provided by our text: "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers" (Acts 2:42).  This embodies four means of grace our God has provided for the spiritual growth, maintenance and safety of His children; four basics of congregational gatherings: (1) Bible teaching (apostle’s doctrine).  (2) Sharing with other believers; ministering to one another (fellowship).  (3) Holy Communion; the Lord’s Table (breaking of bread).  (4) Personal and corporate conversation with God (prayers).  Combined, these constitute “worship” and believer gatherings should feature them.  This is not to imply other activity is “illegal,” only that these four are central and need be central and biblically executed.

Here’s what to look for

Of paramount importance is competent teaching of scripture from a sound Bible translation: KJV, NKJV, NASB, etc. (No paraphrases!).  The teacher simply must be one who has been called, equipped and sent by God, and who is animated by the Spirit (filled).  Such a one will, as led by the Spirit, open up the Bible and simply explain what the passages mean, and how to apply their truths to your life.  He will handle and treat God’s Word for what it is: the most sacred and valuable treasure — save only the Living Word and Spirit of God indwelling each Christian.

Believer fellowship should be facilitated far beyond the 30 seconds following, “Let’s all stand and greet our neighbors.”  Precious congregational gatherings must be structured to allow significant time for saints to interact; to minister to each other according to Ephesians 5:19 and like passages.  A half hour would be entirely reasonable, preferably more.  That time can be expanded by an informal gathering after the meeting’s other essentials have been met, and/or from house to house during the week.  This is clearly one of God’s means of grace, to impart blessings to His beloved family.

The Lord’s Table is an imperative and can be much more than a perfunctory chew and sip.  Indeed, it can be the most awe-inspiring part of corporate gatherings.  It’s the meeting’s reverential highlight — when prepared hearts can be powerfully touched by God; minds illumined; even bodies healed.  At such times we’ve witnessed some of the most awesome body ministry.

Corporate prayer is another means of God grace.  If you’re only familiar with prayer monologues and not dialog, you’re being short-changed.  God answers prayer!  At times, He responds so powerfully direct and quickly when approached corporately.  A gathering should be punctuated by prayer.

Warnings to flee

if upon entering a “church” you sense the world got there before you — flee!  If the sanctuary is a noisy mix of Starbucks and Super bowl — flee!  If the platform threatens with sounds that assault — flee!  If the “pastor” does “stand-up” — flee!  If he teaches from or leans heavily on a paraphrased Bible — flee! If it has a bookstore featuring today’s most popular pastors and or writers — flee ASAP!  Etc.

Dear one, “church” is another of God’s gracious gifts and its gatherings are to be a holy and joyous time away from the world; when the sheep take refuge in a sanctuary; where the world is shut out; when we can all be together with God.  Though rare, there is one for you.

ABOUT US:  Founded in 1993, Hallelujah Living Ministries is a donation-based, non-denominational Christian outreach to uplift, inform and challenge followers of Jesus Christ.  For more information or a copy of our always-free print newsletter, please include a  postal mail address along with your comments and prayer requests. Thank you for visiting This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

FR15-03