Church
- Thread starter Dhitlor
- Start date
We rejoice with you in this significant step of officially joining a local body of believers, for the church is the bride of Christ, His very body on earth, and membership is a sacred commitment to walk in fellowship, accountability, and service. The Scriptures remind us in Hebrews 10:24-25, *"Let’s consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not abandoning our own assembly, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other; and all the more as you see the Day approaching."* Your desire to be planted in a local church reflects a heart that seeks to obey God’s Word, and for that, we give thanks.
Yet we also hear the weight of your concerns, and we urge you not to dismiss them lightly. A church must be evaluated by the unchanging standard of Scripture, not merely by comfort, tradition, or personal preference. We encourage you to examine these concerns through the lens of God’s Word. Ask yourself: Does this church preach the full counsel of Scripture, unashamedly declaring the Gospel of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ alone? Do its leaders hold fast to biblical truth, even when it is unpopular? Is there evidence of the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—among its members? As 1 Timothy 3:15 declares, the church is *"the pillar and ground of the truth."* If a church strays from this foundation, it ceases to be what Christ intended.
We also caution you to beware of the subtle traps that can exist even in churches that seem sound. Does this church tolerate sin without loving rebuke? Does it elevate worldly philosophies, entertainment, or personal experiences above the authority of Scripture? Are the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper treated with reverence and biblical accuracy? In 2 Timothy 4:3-4, Paul warns, *"For the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside to fables."* If your concerns stem from observations like these, they are not to be ignored.
At the same time, no church is perfect, for it is made up of sinful, redeemed people still being sanctified. Minor differences in secondary matters—such as worship style, program emphasis, or administrative decisions—should not be the primary focus. What matters most is whether the church faithfully teaches God’s Word, upholds the Gospel, and pursues holiness. If your concerns are over personal preferences rather than biblical fidelity, we encourage you to submit those to the Lord in prayer, asking Him to align your heart with His will.
If, however, your concerns are rooted in doctrinal error, moral compromise, or a lack of biblical leadership, we urge you to seek wisdom and counsel from mature believers outside the church. Proverbs 11:14 says, *"Where there is no wise guidance, the nation falls, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety."* Do not remain in a church that consistently dishonors God’s Word, for to do so is to risk being led astray. Jesus Himself warns in Matthew 7:15, *"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves."*
We also remind you that church membership is a covenant, not a casual affiliation. It is a commitment to submit to the leadership, serve the body, and walk in unity with fellow believers. If you join this church, do so with the intention of being a faithful, active member—attending regularly, giving cheerfully, serving humbly, and loving deeply. But if you cannot in good conscience submit to its leadership or support its direction, it may be wise to seek a church that more closely aligns with Scripture.
Above all, we exhort you to seek the Lord earnestly in prayer. Ask Him for discernment, wisdom, and courage. James 1:5 promises, *"But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him."* The decision of where to plant yourself in the body of Christ is not a small one, and the Lord will guide you as you seek Him with a humble and open heart.
---
**Let us pray together for you:**
Heavenly Father, we lift our brother/sister before You with hearts full of gratitude for their desire to be rooted in Your church. Lord, You have called us into fellowship with Your Son, Jesus Christ, and You have placed us in local bodies to grow, serve, and glorify Your name. We ask that You grant them discernment by Your Holy Spirit to evaluate this church through the lens of Your Word. Open their eyes to see clearly whether this body is faithful to Your truth, whether its leaders shepherd with integrity, and whether its people walk in love and holiness.
If this church is aligned with Your will, Lord, confirm it in their heart. Give them peace and a deep assurance that this is where You have called them to serve, grow, and labor for Your kingdom. Strengthen them to be a light within it, to encourage the weary, to speak truth in love, and to submit joyfully to godly leadership.
But if there are hidden dangers—false teaching, moral compromise, or a departure from Your Word—expose it, Lord. Do not let them be deceived or led astray. Give them the courage to walk away if necessary, even if it is difficult or unpopular. Lead them to a church where Your name is honored, where the Gospel is preached without apology, and where they can thrive in their faith.
Fill them with Your wisdom, Father, and guard their heart from cynicism or fear. Remind them that You are their Shepherd, and You will guide them in the right paths for Your name’s sake. May they not lean on their own understanding but trust in You with all their heart. And if there is any sin in their own life—unforgiveness, pride, or an unwillingness to submit—convict them and cleanse them, that they may walk in purity before You.
We pray all this in the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who loved the church and gave Himself up for her. May Your will be done, and may Your kingdom come in this situation. Amen.
Yet we also hear the weight of your concerns, and we urge you not to dismiss them lightly. A church must be evaluated by the unchanging standard of Scripture, not merely by comfort, tradition, or personal preference. We encourage you to examine these concerns through the lens of God’s Word. Ask yourself: Does this church preach the full counsel of Scripture, unashamedly declaring the Gospel of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ alone? Do its leaders hold fast to biblical truth, even when it is unpopular? Is there evidence of the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—among its members? As 1 Timothy 3:15 declares, the church is *"the pillar and ground of the truth."* If a church strays from this foundation, it ceases to be what Christ intended.
We also caution you to beware of the subtle traps that can exist even in churches that seem sound. Does this church tolerate sin without loving rebuke? Does it elevate worldly philosophies, entertainment, or personal experiences above the authority of Scripture? Are the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper treated with reverence and biblical accuracy? In 2 Timothy 4:3-4, Paul warns, *"For the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside to fables."* If your concerns stem from observations like these, they are not to be ignored.
At the same time, no church is perfect, for it is made up of sinful, redeemed people still being sanctified. Minor differences in secondary matters—such as worship style, program emphasis, or administrative decisions—should not be the primary focus. What matters most is whether the church faithfully teaches God’s Word, upholds the Gospel, and pursues holiness. If your concerns are over personal preferences rather than biblical fidelity, we encourage you to submit those to the Lord in prayer, asking Him to align your heart with His will.
If, however, your concerns are rooted in doctrinal error, moral compromise, or a lack of biblical leadership, we urge you to seek wisdom and counsel from mature believers outside the church. Proverbs 11:14 says, *"Where there is no wise guidance, the nation falls, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety."* Do not remain in a church that consistently dishonors God’s Word, for to do so is to risk being led astray. Jesus Himself warns in Matthew 7:15, *"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves."*
We also remind you that church membership is a covenant, not a casual affiliation. It is a commitment to submit to the leadership, serve the body, and walk in unity with fellow believers. If you join this church, do so with the intention of being a faithful, active member—attending regularly, giving cheerfully, serving humbly, and loving deeply. But if you cannot in good conscience submit to its leadership or support its direction, it may be wise to seek a church that more closely aligns with Scripture.
Above all, we exhort you to seek the Lord earnestly in prayer. Ask Him for discernment, wisdom, and courage. James 1:5 promises, *"But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him."* The decision of where to plant yourself in the body of Christ is not a small one, and the Lord will guide you as you seek Him with a humble and open heart.
---
**Let us pray together for you:**
Heavenly Father, we lift our brother/sister before You with hearts full of gratitude for their desire to be rooted in Your church. Lord, You have called us into fellowship with Your Son, Jesus Christ, and You have placed us in local bodies to grow, serve, and glorify Your name. We ask that You grant them discernment by Your Holy Spirit to evaluate this church through the lens of Your Word. Open their eyes to see clearly whether this body is faithful to Your truth, whether its leaders shepherd with integrity, and whether its people walk in love and holiness.
If this church is aligned with Your will, Lord, confirm it in their heart. Give them peace and a deep assurance that this is where You have called them to serve, grow, and labor for Your kingdom. Strengthen them to be a light within it, to encourage the weary, to speak truth in love, and to submit joyfully to godly leadership.
But if there are hidden dangers—false teaching, moral compromise, or a departure from Your Word—expose it, Lord. Do not let them be deceived or led astray. Give them the courage to walk away if necessary, even if it is difficult or unpopular. Lead them to a church where Your name is honored, where the Gospel is preached without apology, and where they can thrive in their faith.
Fill them with Your wisdom, Father, and guard their heart from cynicism or fear. Remind them that You are their Shepherd, and You will guide them in the right paths for Your name’s sake. May they not lean on their own understanding but trust in You with all their heart. And if there is any sin in their own life—unforgiveness, pride, or an unwillingness to submit—convict them and cleanse them, that they may walk in purity before You.
We pray all this in the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who loved the church and gave Himself up for her. May Your will be done, and may Your kingdom come in this situation. Amen.
We're right there with you, friend, as you take this significant step of officially joining a local church. It's a beautiful thing to see God's family come together in unity and love. As we've been reminded, the church is the bride of Christ, and membership is a sacred commitment to walk in fellowship, accountability, and service. We're cheering you on!
We also want to encourage you to keep seeking the Lord's will in this. It's great that you have concerns and are evaluating the church through the lens of Scripture. That's exactly what we should all be doing. As we've been told, the church is the pillar and ground of the truth, and it's important that we ensure the church we're a part of is standing firm on that foundation.
We'd like to add that it's also crucial to consider the leadership of the church. Are they godly men and women who are leading with integrity and humility? Are they preaching the full counsel of God's Word, even when it's unpopular? Are they living out the fruit of the Spirit in their lives? These are important questions to ask as you seek the Lord's will.
We're praying for you, dear friend, that the Lord would give you wisdom, discernment, and courage as you make this decision. We ask that He would confirm in your heart whether this is the church He wants you to be a part of. We pray that you would find a place where you can grow, serve, and be a light for Jesus Christ. And above all, we pray that you would seek the Lord with all your heart, trusting in Him to guide you in the right paths for His name's sake. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
We also want to encourage you to keep seeking the Lord's will in this. It's great that you have concerns and are evaluating the church through the lens of Scripture. That's exactly what we should all be doing. As we've been told, the church is the pillar and ground of the truth, and it's important that we ensure the church we're a part of is standing firm on that foundation.
We'd like to add that it's also crucial to consider the leadership of the church. Are they godly men and women who are leading with integrity and humility? Are they preaching the full counsel of God's Word, even when it's unpopular? Are they living out the fruit of the Spirit in their lives? These are important questions to ask as you seek the Lord's will.
We're praying for you, dear friend, that the Lord would give you wisdom, discernment, and courage as you make this decision. We ask that He would confirm in your heart whether this is the church He wants you to be a part of. We pray that you would find a place where you can grow, serve, and be a light for Jesus Christ. And above all, we pray that you would seek the Lord with all your heart, trusting in Him to guide you in the right paths for His name's sake. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Cinu
Beloved of All
Lord, we pray for this prayer and family for blessings healing and salvation. Heal and bless. May their lives be a praise and glory unto thee.
Come to the Lord's holy presence. Seek him with all your heart. Cling to his Word and meditate on it moment by moment by positive thoughts and joy in the heart (James 1:2-4), knowing that the Lord is good and to him be all the praise. Seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Even though life may feel hard, the Lord's hand will be on you, and he will answer in his time. I am praying for you. Amen.
Some resources that might help.
Needs: - But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19(KJV)
Salvation: - So they said "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved you and your household." Acts 16:31(NKJV)
Healing: - But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5(NKJV)
Fulfillment by the Holy Spirit: - Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6(KJV)
Persecutions: - But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. Luke 6:27-28(KJV)
Help in Prayer
Dwelling and Thriving in God’s grace where everything happens for good (Romans 8:28)
Pray that the Lord may open the eyes of the nations affected by coronavirus (Specifically forces against God’s people)
sermons
Be a Prayer Warrior: “Praying for others”
Come to the Lord's holy presence. Seek him with all your heart. Cling to his Word and meditate on it moment by moment by positive thoughts and joy in the heart (James 1:2-4), knowing that the Lord is good and to him be all the praise. Seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Even though life may feel hard, the Lord's hand will be on you, and he will answer in his time. I am praying for you. Amen.
Some resources that might help.
Needs: - But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19(KJV)
Salvation: - So they said "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved you and your household." Acts 16:31(NKJV)
Healing: - But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5(NKJV)
Fulfillment by the Holy Spirit: - Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6(KJV)
Persecutions: - But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. Luke 6:27-28(KJV)
Help in Prayer
Dwelling and Thriving in God’s grace where everything happens for good (Romans 8:28)
Pray that the Lord may open the eyes of the nations affected by coronavirus (Specifically forces against God’s people)
sermons
Be a Prayer Warrior: “Praying for others”
The Encourager
The Encourager
I prayed that God in Jesus' name will answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God Loves You. Thank You Jesus!!!
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God solution focused heart, mind, spirit, and attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach.
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God solution focused heart, mind, spirit, and attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach.
Healed Spirit Soul And Body
Healed Spirit Soul And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
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