Ecclesiology 101 Part 10
Today we reach the end of our study on how a Biblical church should run. My goal with this study was to help any of our readers who are searching for a Biblical church to have the knowledge to make their decision, as well as to allow our readers to reflect on their church to see if it is following Scripture. As I have stated before, there are many churches out there who claim to be Biblical but are not. Today, I want to review two passages of Scripture to see how a Biblical Christ focused church should not behave.
“3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.”
1 Timothy 6:3-5
First, we see a confirmation regarding who the ultimate authority within the church is. If a church denies anything that scripture states, it is acting conceitedly and lacking in understanding of scripture. The second aspect we see that an unbiblical church possesses is overwhelming strife. This is not to say that church members cannot have disagreements, but this should not be a constant state within the church body. A church that is in a constant state of envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions, and friction are not following the characteristics of Christ nor are they following how we should be handling disagreements in Matthew 18.
“16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.”
2 Timothy 2:16-18
Secondly, we see that a Biblical church should not be focusing on discussions that do not glorify God. When this occurs, the church is focused more on worldly aspects rather than what God is calling for them to do. Churches that practice this often lead to heretical beliefs that set back those who are young in the faith.
When reading these two passages, if you immediately thought of your church, you need to leave. A church that is filled with its members constantly at each others throats or preaching against what scripture says, is not a Biblical Christ focused church. The only answer for the born-again believer is to leave and use the traits that scripture identifies as the standard for a Biblical church. I hope you have found this study beneficial. Regardless if you are searching for a church to call home, or simply reflecting on your current church to see if it meets the standard.
Seek the truth and encourage one another,
Alex