Rebuilding the Foundations
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I use this newsletter to send Bible studies as much as once per week, sometimes less, but never more. See back issues.
Someone asked me which Christian denominations are biblically sound. I wrote the following answer.
My books, and those I have published for others, consistently maintain 4-star and better ratings despite the occasional 1- and 2-star ratings from people angry about my kicking over sacred cows.
I don't think "denomination" is biblically sound.
I believe that, biblically, the church is all the Christians in my town. It would be awesome if we had one bishop in our town who met with all the elders of each local congregation to serve and shepherd and teach the Christians of our town in both homes and meeting houses. That, of course, is not happening anywhere.
Therefore, I recommend that you find a church, and other Christians on a personal level, who do what the Bible says:
Consider one another to provoke to love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together, but exhorting, and so much the more as you see The Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25).
On a personal basis, the Bible says the same thing: "Exhort one another day by day, while it is called 'today,' lest any of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin" (Hebrews 3:13).
On the last day, we will be judged by our works, not by our Christian denomination, nor by our theology. We will be judged by what we do, not what we say, nor where we go on Sunday. This is said so often I can't list all the places, but here are some: Matthew 7:21; 25:31-46; John 5:28-29; Rom. 2:5-8; 2 Cor. 5:10; 1 Pet. 1:17.
Thus, what you and I need is not a Christian denomination. We need ...
With that in mind, you have to pursue individual Christians every bit as much as finding a Sunday morning place to meet. Many people nowadays meet in homes so that they can do these things.
Don't be deceived, though. This will not be easy. We have a war to fight. We do not put on spiritual armor for no reason. There are principalities and powers and spiritual wickedness in heavenly places that do not want you to continue to the end (Eph. 6:10-18). As Justin Martyr wrote, "The evil demons subdue all those who do not make a strong opposing effort for their own salvation" (First Apology, ch. 14).
You may be surprised how powerfully the devil and his demons resist your attempts to follow the biblical pattern for our assemblies and our life. Be prepared for surprising opposition, and battle that opposition in your spiritual armor, especially praying always, which is an often neglected part of our armor (Eph. 6:18).
Finally, our effort to build one another up must be based in walking by the Spirit, hearing or reading the Scriptures, receiving God's grace, trusting Jesus, and helping one another in love.
I have left out any discussion of Christian leaders. Here are some guidelines.
I pray that what I have written here can help set a path for you among the confusing myriads of Christian denominations and churches.