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Most of my life, I had been
groomed in the religious act of going to church. I was totally
reared in the atmosphere. After a brief stint of not going to any
church for mostly selfish reasons, I found myself severely lacking
the guidance, fellowship and company of like-minded individuals who
believed in Christ but also enjoyed doing what they
like.
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When I moved
to St. Louis over a decade ago, I knew that my family needed to be
under the covering of a good bible-based church. But, how should I
select a church? Should we visit multiple churches until we find
the one that “feels” right? So, what is the logical path to
consider when determining a church?
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I took the
advice of a trusted neighbor and began attending a local church.
The bible teachings were so illuminated, so clear and they even
enhanced the foundational teachings I’ve carried all of my life.
That in and of itself was extremely exhilarating, so we immediately
joined.
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After being a
“member” for a number of years, and dedicating my life solely to
Christ and the Kingdom, I was offered an opportunity to help work
within one of the core functional ministries at church and was able
to foster some really great relationships.
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But then, the
founder of the church passed away, and a new leader was delegated
to carry-on the legacy of the church. I began contemplating the
search for a new church. But being the analytical person I am, I
had to really think about the expectations the church and I
shared.
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First, I
considered what I had to offer to the church. I’m a business
professional with over 20 years in the information technology
field. I considered my speaking abilities and my extensive
engineering background. I considered my “testimony” of struggling
in my profession and the obstacles encountered.
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God’s Spirit
quickly reminded me, “Judas used this analogy, didn’t he?” So, I
quickly considered what the church had to offer my family. I wasn’t
in the need for family counseling or an outreach ministry, I’m
unable to carry a tune across the room, and I’ve not been “called”
to preach.
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Then, I went
to the Word of God, what we Christians acknowledge as “the Final
Code of Arbitration.” God’s Spirit led me to a familiar scripture
that the founding leader always preached in Galatians 2:20: “I
am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but
Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I
live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself
for me.”
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So for this,
I will remain at my church in faith, in hope and in prayer until
God’s Spirit directs me in another path. When we are faithful in
God’s services, and we let Him work the perfect will in us, He will
show us the purpose and destiny for our lives.
