By Dr. Kerry Knight, Emerald Beach Church of Christ
“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ…” (I Thessalonians 1:2-3).
If you are looking for a church home, you obviously have your own criteria for finding one that is perfect for you. Maybe you are looking at location, friendliness, and something for the kids. When Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica (modern-day Greece), he complimented several qualities they possessed. Obviously, since the apostle Paul was inspired, the beliefs and practices of that church met with God’s approval. It is imperative when looking for a church home to look carefully at what is being taught. Does it bear the proper name? Is it Christ’s church, not one that is named after another person or doctrine?
Jesus said, “Upon this rock, I will build MY church” (Matthew 16:18). Also make sure it follows New Testament Christianity in word and practice. The right church should be a “working” church that is faith-centered. Since faith comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17), all practices should be authorized by the Bible. And don’t forget that a “working” church is busy bringing others to Christ. The work is to be a “labor of love.” The number one thing that draws people to a church is the friendliness of its members and the sincere expression of the love of Christ. Paul mentioned that the church at Thessalonica had a “patient hope.” The hope of eternal life, which motivates every faithful Christian, must be “patient.” That means we are not to allow other influences (even persecution) to distract us from guarding our faith. When you have a congregation that is joyous and helpful to others who are growing and healing, God smiles down upon it. Someone on said, tongue-in-cheek, that ”when you find the perfect church, the moment you walk in it becomes imperfect.” Let’s not be too hard on others. We’re all a work in progress. When you follow the Bible as your guide, it all comes together.
Emerald Beach Church of Christ is located at 301 Alf Coleman Road.
