The Right Church We must make our choice as to which church we will attend. God tells us which church is right.

Introduction Does it make any difference what church we are a member of and work with? Is one just as good as the next? We are told by many today, "Join the church of your choice." The question we need to ask is not, which groups do I want to assemble with, but rather, which groups would God have me assemble with.

Introduction Which church did God's Son die for? Jesus said, I will build my church. The church of Christ was built by Jesus. He did not say I will build many churches.

The Wrong Criteria Size is NOT a sign of faithfulness. Remember the 12 spies who went to Canaan? The majority reported they could not conquer the people of the land. The majority was wrong. Jesus tells us clearly that the majority are hell bound (Matthew 7:13-14, 21-23). We must be careful of majorities, even (or perhaps especially) when it comes to religion.

The Wrong Criteria Convenience can NOT be used as a determining factor of where we assemble to worship the Lord. Convenience appears to be a strong condition for many people. It may be conveniently located, however, if the group is teaching false doctrine, we cannot fellowship them.

The Wrong Criteria Comfort does NOT make a true church. We all like a good atmosphere, comfortable seating, etc.. If we want a comfortable place, buy a good chair to place in the living room. If we want a place to worship, find a church that teaches and practices what God's word says. In many ways, we have become spoiled.

The Wrong Criteria Going to church should NOT be a habit. Some folks will attend a specific religious group "because they always have", or "because that's where mom and dad went", etc.. Never should something be done simply because that's what has always been done. We must do what is right, and do it because it is right. Just because we have done something for years does not make it right. We must examine everything we do continually.

The Wrong Criteria Some may say “I like the preacher”. This can be dangerous!! The apostle Peter warned of teachers who use flowery words and appeal to man (2 Peter 2:18-22). We must assemble for the message, NOT the messenger! All Glory and Praise should go to God.

The Right Criteria Finding the right church is a life and death situation (Matthew 16:24-26). Sincere faith is not evidence of salvation, but rather, obedience to the perfect will of God. Jesus only established one church. Let us be sure that we have been added to the Lord's church, in the Lord's way, and that we are worshiping and working with the Lord's people. The Scriptures are the measuring rod. It establishes which churches are of Christ and which are not.

The Right Criteria Has a proper relationship to Christ. He is the builder (Matthew 16:18). And note, He only built one! He is the head (Colossians 1:18). His doctrines should be taught and practiced (Matthew 15:8). He purchased it (Acts 20:28). Ownership is His, therefore ALL glory goes to Him.

The Right Criteria Was established at the right time and place. The Lord's church was established in Jerusalem, on the first Pentecost after the resurrection (Acts 2). This was in accordance to Prophecy. If a church (religion) claims some other start, it is not His. Notice, for membership, God added to the church; man did not join, nor was he voted in. verse 47.

The Right Criteria Worships according to the New Testament pattern. Lord's supper each Sunday (Acts 20:7) Free will offering on the Lord's day, not tithing ( 2 Corinthians 9:6-7) Music is vocal, not instrumental (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 14:15) Prayer is given to God (Matthew 6:9-13; Acts 7:59), not to the 'saints'. God's word is taught (Acts 2:42), not doctrines of men/creeds (Galatians 1:6-9)

The Right Criteria Teaches the same plan to save man that the early church (New Testament) taught. Faith (Hebrews 11:6; Romans 10:17), a good start, but can't stop there! Repentance (Acts 3:19; 17:30-31), turn away from sins (Romans 6:1-2). Confession of Christ (Matthew 10:32-33; Romans 10:10) Baptism for remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21) Live faithful (Revelation 2:10; 1 Corinthians 10:12) Don't fall back!!!

The Right Criteria Wears a scriptural name. A woman takes on the name of her husband. Imagine a wife who chooses to wear another mans name as her own. The Lord's church wears the name the Lord gave it (1 Corinthians 1:2; Romans 16:16) church of Christ. Members are Christians, nothing else (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16)

Conclusion It does make a difference to God which church you attend. You must attend for the right reasons. All the wrong reasons listed are because people want it that way. But God wants us to do what is right. Find the church that follows the New Testament pattern of worship.