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The Local Church is an Outpost of God’s Kingdom in a World That Desperately Needs Him

When Christ makes you new, you become a part of God’s global Church. You become God’s hands and feet in the world! The best place for you to serve and grow in your faith is to join a local church near the community where you live.

Look for a church with a strong biblical foundation. Not every place that claims to be a Christian church represents what the Bible teaches. Here are some things you need to look for.

• Does the church affirm the teaching of Scripture? Is Scripture alone its authority for matters of life and faith or does the Bible only have a small influence on what its leaders are teaching?
• Does the church believe in the deity of Jesus, that Jesus is God, and that Jesus’ death in our place on the Cross is the only thing that can save us, making us right with God? That’s important.
• Does the church believe that in order to receive that salvation, a person must repent from sin and put his or her faith in Jesus Christ?
• Do its leaders demonstrate spiritual leadership, maturity in their faith, and the fruit of the Holy Spirit?
• Does the church believe that we are saved by grace, given as a gift in Christ Jesus, not by our own work? Important!
• Will I be able to use my spiritual gifts and thrive in my walk with God?

No two churches are alike. Churches are going to differ in worship style, community efforts, denominational convictions, global missions emphasis, the way they even dress—all kinds of things. Most of these are just matters of preference—it’s up to you to pick what you like after you have ensured that the foundation of the church is biblically strong.

The Church is full of broken people who were made new by Jesus—people like you. It will not always be easy—people will let you down—but it is important to stay planted in a local church. You will flourish and become more like Jesus as you practice forgiving others and making allowances for each other’s faults. God sees the Church just like He sees you—in light of the cross.

He sees you and the whole Church standing before Him like a pure and spotless bride, completely clean because of what Jesus has done. Don’t isolate yourself from the gift God is giving you in the body of Christ. Instead, forgive, dare to try again, and experience joy and transformation when you sink your roots deeply into a local church.

Hebrews 10:25 says:

"...let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near."

We know it can be intimidating to try out a new church where you don’t know anyone. Do you have a friend that you can ask to go with you, or can you attend a church where you already know people? If not, it’s okay! Show up for a Sunday morning service, and consider introducing yourself to someone. Whether you know them or not, if they follow Jesus, they are your brother or sister in Christ.

Will you take the next step in your journey with God and attend a church service this week? Try it out and see what God will do!