Warning

Warning

“When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread.  
“Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 
They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.” 
Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread?  
Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered?  
Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered?  
How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”  
Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
                                                                 Matthew 16:5-12.

“Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” says Jesus.
This is something that we should be careful of today, especially in the wired world.
Today at the touch of a mouse we can connect with thousands of preachers and evangelist the world over. It’s easy to get misled.
There are many people out there saying they know the will of God. That they know God’s formula, usually for getting rich or having a wonderful life.
Some go as far as saying if you’re not in good health then your out of the will of God, you’re sinning. What garbage.
There are many name it claim it preachers out in the world today. Many using the terminology ‘seed faith’. Calling you to sow into the kingdom. A term they use for asking for your support of their ministry.
There are many out there ready to give a formula for being rich or for good health.
It seems today that there is a Christian version of every secular get rich quick scheme.
Preachers both in the media and out of it are saying if you do such and such you’ll have a good life. A life without want.
There are many out there performing what they call miracles that are nothing more than fancy talk and hot air.
All too often in my life as a Christian I’ve seen people ripped off by these preachers.
Christians and especially new converts need to be cautious of ministers, evangelist and churches that are offering feel good doctrine. That are making wild claims.
The old saying “if it looks to good to be true it probably is” is true.
Now don’t get me wrong the majority of churches, pastors and evangelist are honest men and women who love the Lord and are doing what they believe to be is his will. Still caution never hurt.
It can be hard to find the right church for you.
When someone asks me what church to go to I am always cautious.
First and foremost you need a church that believes the Bible is the inerrant word of God. That it and nothing else is the foundation of the church.
Second you need a church that believes that as John records Jesus as saying,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 
John 3:16-18
Thirdly the words of the Apostle Paul,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast.” 
                                                                                                      Ephesians 2:8,9
These are two of the basic beliefs of the church. There are many more but I do not have the space to put them here.
Scripture aside what I also recommend is a church in which the pastor is subject to his church board or a higher authority, such as an associate group from which he is ordained. One that he is answerable to with the authority to correct him.
There are three groups I recommend here in Canada and the United States, The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, and The Assemblies of God in the United States both these groups have a good track record in keeping those associated with them on the strait and narrow.
The other group is the Baptist. Honestly although there are various Baptist groups I’ve found that they are fairly consistent in their doctrine, and in keeping their associates following the word of God.
One more factor you should consider when you’re looking for a church congregation to attend, that is your comfort factor.
How do you like your church services. Pentecostal or Charismatic groups, as can some Baptist groups, be quite lively. While others quite solemn with a distinct structure.
It all comes down to what you like.
Finally I always tell people to pray about where they are to attend and never accept things at face value. If you don’t understand what the pastor or bible teacher is saying ask questions. Honest pastors or bible teachers will always be willing to answer your questions and back that answer with scripture.
Check the scriptures out on your own. See if they are taken in context and line up with the word of God as you know it. If not ask more questions.
If you fail to get a satisfactory answer or the pastors evasive perhaps it’s time to move on. Pray about it. Remember the words of Jesus who said,
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” 
                 Matthew 7:21-23.
Think about it