Over the course of life, many will choose to join a specific church. This decision may be influenced by various factors. Some will base their decision on family tradition, saying, “This is what my parents believed, so I believe it too,” or “This is where my grandfather attended, so I will attend here as well.” However, basing faith solely on tradition or circumstance is to choose without faith-based conviction. Our soul is far too valuable to leave to mere happenstance.
Some might select a church based on its popularity, wondering which congregation everyone else is joining. Others may choose a church where little focus is placed on scripture but rather entertaining stories or lighthearted talks with little meaningful application. Others may seek a church that caters to satisfying the flesh, providing entertainment and creating a feel-good environment where sin is not addressed, neither is there accountability.
While there may be other reasons for choosing a specific church, what does the Bible say.
In Matthew 16, after Peter confesses his belief that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, Jesus responds in V18, “I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”
Likewise, in Acts 20:28, Paul speaks to the Ephesian elders about their duty to shepherd the flock they were made overseers of by the Holy Spirit, highlighting that Jesus purchased the church with His own blood.
In Ephesians 1:22-23, Paul explains that the Father has placed all things under the feet of Jesus and made Him the head over everything to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Ephesians 4:4-6
We should not seek “a church” but the church identified in the scriptures above as belonging to Christ.
On the day of Pentecost, after Peter’s powerful sermon, the crowd asked what they must do. Peter told them to, “…repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of their sins and they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:37-38
“Then those who gladly received the word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added unto them.” Acts 2:41
“And the Lord added to the church daily those who being saved.” Acts 2:47
We do not join the church; instead, when we obey the Gospel of Jesus Christ fulfilling what He requires, the Lord adds us to His church, His one body. This is the body He promised to build, purchased with His blood, and serves as the head of.
Do not seek to join “a church” but first seek to be added to “The church.”
Prospering Pathway 
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