Reasons for join a church.
A. These are some common reasons!
1. Boy: So I may find a better behaved girl friend!
2. Girl: So I may find a nice looking and gentle boy friend.
3. Parents: So that my children will not become gangs.
4. Patents: So my children when grow up may find a good girl to marry.
5. Retire older people: So that I can find some people to talk to!
6. When I am in trouble someone from the church can help me!
7. My friends are in this church!
8. My boss is in this church!
9. So that I will have an excuse to stay in America!
B. 45 years ago these are how I taught young people to join a church!
1. The name of the church is to be church of Christ! Romans 16:16
2. Do they take Lord's Supper every Sunday? Acts 2:42, 20:7
3. Do they teach water baptism for remission of sins! Acts 2:38. 22:16
4. Do they use instrumental music in singing praises to God on Sunday worship? Heb.13:15
I remember a very bright young lady Betty Tseng went to Taft University in Bakersfield California.
The first Sunday after she arrived! She went to a church of Christ, asked an elder these questions!
After answer all 4 questions correctly!
He said: Can I ask you some questions?
1. Who are you? I am Betty Tseng. 2. Where do you come from? Hong Kong.
3. Who taught you these? My preacher.
4. Who is your preacher? Brother John Chan.
5. Where is he? Studying in Abilene Christian College!
6. My mother lives in Abilene. When I go to visit her, I will find your preacher and talk to him!
7. Yes, he found me and in 1972 I took a trip to visit the church in Bakersfield with my family!
8. By the grace of God, as we all can see, these 4 questions never have to change they are still valid!
9. As I said, any teach what is in the New Testament Bible never have to change!
C. Biblically, what is the paramount reason for join a church?
Does this church believe and teach what says in the New Testament Bible?
The answer to this question has to be yes!
1. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God…. 1 Peter 4:11
2. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:8
D. I have changed for the better!
1. I was taught to say, anyone who is different from what I am is heretic!
2. Then one day this dawn to me!
But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers,
believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets. Acts 24:14
Those wicked Jews called Jesus and Paul’s teaching heresy!
But Paul said: I believe and preach all things which are written in the law and in the prophets!
3. I have changed to say: Do you teach what is in the Bible?
If yes, please give the chapter and verse!
Do not be surprise, when you press the person hard enough that person will say, Baptist church is church of Christ too! Methodist Church is church of Christ too!
Even Mormons say they are church of Christ of later day saints! How about church of Christ scientist! How about International church of Christ….
E. Conclusion:
Forever remember where did our Lord put the saved people on this earth?
Acts 2:47 --> Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
What is the name of that church? Ro.16:16
How did they worship God on Sunday? Acts 2:42, Acts 20:7, 1 Cor.16:1-2.
Are they righteousness doing people? 1 John 3:10 Do not do righteousness belong to the devil! (The Apostle of love, John said this!)
May the Lord bless you and keep you always! Preach this on December 1, 2013.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kn5D6TzGH5s