Some of our kind and generous church members have become dissatisfied lately about the car their preacher drives. So, they began a movement to help me and Galina buy a newer car that would be more fuel efficient and not quite as likely to break down on Highway 24, 345, 347, or some unpaved road in our beautiful region. I don't know, but maybe it has something to do with image. Anyway, we have agreed to do some car shopping. After our vision is getting fuzzy from spending more time than we ever should looking at all types of cars on the Internet, reading newspaper advertisements, and browsing a few car lots, we have concluded that it is a very difficult job to buy an expensive item like a car. We even joked sympathetically for well to do folks who must have such a high pressure job just choosing where to prudently spend their money. Then, it also dawned on me that we are spending more time in trying to choose the best car for us than many people spend choosing the right church for their family. One phrase that we keep hearing from the people who are tying to sell us their car is: "what can we do to earn your business?" That's a fair question when you think about it. Of course when thinking about a new automobile, we simply want the best car which will have the least problems, will provide an enjoyable ride, with decent fuel efficiency, and that our budget can afford, and finally we hope the people who sell us the vehicle are honest and trustworthy. What are some of the considerations whenever we are making the more important decision regarding the church that will be best for me and or the family? Please consider these points: Choose a church that believes in the absolute integrity of the Bible as the word of God, and that all matters pertaining to creeds or doctrine must come from the Bible and not from the opinions of men. Men may have differences of opinion on issues of expediency, but matters of faith must be settled by what is written in God's word. Jesus desires that Christians be one. (John 17) This is possible when we all agree to settle matters honestly and without prejudice according to the truth contained in the word of God. Make sure the church you are considering is teaching the truth from God's word about how to be saved from your sins and have hope of eternal life. Be certain they are teaching the truth about how to live the Christian life, and the work and worship of the church. Our modern world is full of complex problems that seem to boggle our mind. There appears to be some new standard of morality that is taking over the minds of many in this generation. But, long ago God inspired the wise King Solomon to write: "What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun." (Ecclesiastes 1:9 NIV) The Bible has an answer for every evil. Jesus Christ made a promise to the disciples that he would establish his church and even the powers of death could never prevail against it. Christ is the foundation upon which the church is built. (Matthew 16:18) Make certain that the church under consideration exalts Jesus Christ as the founder, and absolute head over all matters pertaining to the church. "And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way." (Ephesians 1:22-23 NIV) The church built by Jesus Christ is not a sect, cult or denomination, but the universal church of God! Find out if the church is actively obeying Christ in the way they are communicating the Gospel of salvation to all people of the world. The church must have an evangelistic world view. Every human being is a potential Christian. It doesn't matter now what they believe, Jesus came as the light of salvation for all people of this world, both Jews and Gentiles which includes all Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and any other people who do not acknowledge Christ as their Lord and only Savior. The local congregation should also be actively involved in the work of showing people God's love through service to the poor, sick, prisoners, widows and orphans. (Matthew 25) The Christians motive for living is to live by the Word of God and not by bread alone. (Luke 4:4) Worship, prayer and meditating upon the goodness and faithfulness of God are real food for our needy souls. Choose the church that comes the closest to the church you read about in the New Testament, and even if you find individuals who are not living up to what you expect from Christians, be patient and live for Jesus yourself and you will be a shining light for others to live by. Have you accepted the amazing salvation that is offered to you by the gift of God's love? Receive Jesus Christ as your Savior by confessing that faith, repenting of your sins, and obeying the commandments of our Lord Jesus Christ. You are invited to attend the services of the Church of Christ at the corner of 3rd and E Streets. Please write to me with any questions or comments at P.O. Box 186, Cedar Key, FL 32625 or dgbinkley@aol.com. Or you may also request to receive the daily WORD OF THE DAY by e-mail. Check out our web site at www.cedarkeychurchofchrist.com. | 