It has been brought to my attention that some people want to know how do I decide on what church to attend. Given the proclivity of prosperity and hyper-grace churches popping up all other the place, where does one lay their head? The first thing I would ask is: Who gave you the gospel of Jesus Christ? That persons church should automatically be your own. Now if this person, was someone you met on a 2.5 hr plane ride to Austin, but you live somewhere else, then they should be led by peace. Someone who has received Jesus as Lord and Savior has received the Holy Spirit (third person of God, teacher and guide). He will give you conviction. The first thing you do is find a local Christian church. A church within the community you live. Post up! Now given the fact you have God’s Spirit, you will immediately feel a coldness or warmth within the church. If you feel a coldness this isn’t the one. Look for another one in your city/town close to your home. You want to effect the area you live in for the Kingdom of God. Music should not be the designating factor, but peace.
Now if you live in an area where the local church does not exist, then go to a nearby town and post up. Do you feel a warmth their. If yes, dwell there. Now as you grow in Jesus Christ your sensitivity to God’s Spirit and those who have it will increase. One thing to keep in mind is sin. Are they preaching against sin? This is a quick give away you have just landed in either one of Satan’s Christian churches or a novice pastor, if they do not. Another sign is a female pastor. The Bible does not permit it. Women who lead churches do so using the evil spirit of rebellion, do not engage them because they are vile and will work to assinate you with their tongue. They know they are outside God’s will and bringing the Scriptures to them will only inflame them.
The two biggest deceivers are those who preach hyper-grace, meaning the blood of Jesus is so powerful that you don’t have to commit to lifestyle of holiness because God’s grace is sufficient. Here’s what Paul says within the pages of Scripture, notice the last part.
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality (adultery, fornication, homosexuality), impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy;drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you,as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5).
Also, preachers preaching prosperity as the goal. Here is what the Scriptures say. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3). Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him? – James 2:5 You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked (Revelation 3:17). Remember, money doesn’t clothe you, righteousness does as a Christian. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33).
As a Christian you are responsible for your own growth. Similar to getting good grades in school. If you do not study, you will not good grades and you will fail. God throws failures into the lake of fire. Don’t let anyone lie to you about God. He told the unprofitable servant to go to hell. God created his children to be busy and diligent in their profession. You have a great and eternal blessing with this profession, but you will work and you will suffer. In the end, your work for Jesus Christ will be more than worth it.
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