Lesson 14: CHURCH
The company we keep is important. If you want to grow strong as a Christian, then you will need good Christian company. This is especially important for unmarried young people: make absolutely certain that the person you go out with frequently is a Christian who is living for Christ. It is a great tragedy when a Christian marries someone who is not a Christian and this results in disharmony in the home and family, which could have been avoided if the Christian had listened to God's command: “Do not be unequally joined together with an unbeliever; for what partnership can purity have with sin? And what does a Christian have in common with a non-Christian?” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15).
Just as a newborn baby needs the constant care and attention of its parents, so a new Christian needs the company of Christian friends to help and encourage them in times of need, and also to teach them more about the Christian faith. I would therefore recommend very strongly that you find a good evangelical church which you can attend regularly. Perhaps you already have your own church and find this satisfactory. If so, this is good, but if you do not already go to a live church where the Gospel is being preached and where you can find spiritual help, then I suggest you do so as soon as possible. No doubt you have some keen Christian friends who can guide you into such a suitable church. I have listed below some important things that you should look for in any church that you might consider belonging to.
Some people may say that you do not have to go to church to be a Christian, and this is true; but nevertheless, Christians do go to church whenever possible. Although going to church does not make you a Christian, it is one of several important things that Christians should do, for the following reasons:
- First, because you will be in the midst of Christian friends who can help and teach you.
- Second, because you will be encouraged to pray and to read and study the Bible.
- Third, because all of us get discouraged at times, and in times like this Christian friends can help us tremendously by encouraging us to go on with Christ.
What sort of church should I belong to?
The name, or denomination, of the church is not nearly as important as the following. For your spiritual growth, both in receiving teaching and fellowship, and for a place where you can serve the Lord, you need to belong to church where:
1. The Gospel is preached and Christ is honoured
2. The Bible is taught and believed
3. There are obvious signs of spiritual life, especially an outgoing witness (evangelism) to the community
4. There are prayer groups and an active youth work
5. You can find help when needed and can contribute to the life of the church; that is, you will want a caring, friendly church.
Pray that God will lead you to the right spiritual home. If you already have keen Christian friends you might like to join them at their church.
QUESTIONS
1. Why is good Christian company so important?
2. Why is it important for Christians to go to Church? (List at least three reasons, if possible).
3. What are some characteristics of a good church?
4. In what ways can you be of help in your church? (List some ways you can serve).
5. What would you advise a new Christian, who wanted to find a suitable church to attend?
6. What does Hebrews 10:24-25 tell us about church life?