What Is Your Idea Of A Church?         Sometimes our understanding of certain things is colored by what we've been taught in the past or by a perception which has been shaped by culture. When people think of "church," they may be thinking of a building or a denomination or even an association or club of some kind. But none of these are what the Bible means by the term "church." A Bible Definition The term "church" itself does not necessarily have a religious connotation. It is used in Acts 19, for example, to describe; an assembly in a city - a "town meeting." But Jesus Christ invested the term with rich spiritual meaning when He said, "I will build My church and the gates of Hades will not overpower it" (Matthew 16:18). Jesus was saying that He would build a group of people to call His own. We learn that He purchased this group of people with His own blood (Acts 20:28), which tells us that it is a very important group of people. Local or Universal? The Bible doesn't use the word's "local" and "universal" to describe the church. However, these concepts are clearly implied by the various uses of the Greek term (Ekklesia). Sometimes, the church is described in "universal terms" as a world-wide body of believers, not bound by geography, or even by time. All believers, dead or alive, on earth or in heaven, are included in the universal church. Jesus used the word this way when He said He would build His church (Mt 16:18). It is also referred to in this manner in Ephesians 1:22-23 and Colossians 1:18. Jesus adds us to the universal body of believers at our baptism (Acts 2:41-47). Membership is decided by God. Therefore, we do not "join" the church nor does any other person control our fellowship in it. Only God can put us in and only God can take us out of the "universal" church. The universal church has no organization, no work and cannot be divided by man. There is only one church, when thought of in this sense (see Eph 4:4, remembering that the "body" means church according to Eph 1:22-23). The Bible also shows uses of "church" in a local sense. Local churches are made up of individuals who have chosen to congregate in a certain location (see Romans 1:; I Corinthians 1:1; II Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:2; Ephesians 1:1; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:1, etc.). It is possible for one to be a member of a local church without ever having been added to the church by Christ. Such a person is not saved by virtue of his membership in that local church. He must make certain he has followed  God's plan of salvation and been added to the universal church of Christ. How Do I Choose a Church? After we are added to the church, we should seek a local church with which we can work and worship. We need to look for one which follows the New Testament pattern. Many churches are not doing so, therefore, we must be very careful in our search. An improper affiliation may cause us to lose our soul. We hope the following will help. There are certain marks which characterize all local churches which are following the New Testament pattern. They fall into two broad categories. The first of these relates to the practice of the church. It should teach and do only those things authorized by the New Testament. Avoid any church that engages in practices which are foreign  to the New Testament teaching. Christ has made provisions for the church and the church is charged with obeying Christ (see Gal 1:6-8 and 2 John 9, about the seriousness of perverting doctrine). Leadership which "does its own thing" is not leading Christ's church. Ask, "Is Christ the head of this church?" Also, one should look at the vitality of the church. In Revelation 3:1-6, the church at Sardis was criticized by Jesus because, "You have a name that you are alive, but you are dead." Similarly, the church at Laodecia was told that because they were "lukewarm" Christ would spew them out of His mouth (Revelation 3:14-22). These churches looked good on the outside, but were rotting away on the inside. On the other hand, the church at Philadelphia was commended even though they had just a "little power." The point is, do not be fooled by what looks like success in religion. "For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God" (Luke 16:15). Look for a local church where God's word is taught and practiced and where the love of Christ runs deep and true. Then help the church be even better. If you have any questions, ask any Christian at the church at Folsom - he or she should be able to answer them. If you would like a personal study or a free correspondence course, call (916) 608-4866. -David Posey