Finding the Right Church; Led by the Spirit
“If you wait for a perfect church, you must wait until you get to Heaven; and even if you could find a perfect assembly on earth, I am sure they would not admit you to their fellowship, for you are not perfect yourself. Find out those people who are nearest to Scriptures, who hold the truth in doctrine and in ordinance, and are most like the apostolic church, and then cast in your lot with them, and you will be blessed in the deed.” – by Charles Haddon Spurgeon
In other words, find a congregation that matches the teachings and commandments of the apostles the most. Stay away from those far removed from the truths communicated to us through these men.
People have often asked me the criteria for choosing a church congregation. Many are looking for a revelation from the Holy Spirit, meaning a fuzzy, subjective inner state mentally or emotionally.
These people say that they believe in Scripture as the absolute Word of God, but will not obey what is written there. Instead, they very often contradict it because they hold to some fuzzy stuff that they call the “leading of the Holy Spirit”.
The above words from Charles Spurgeon underscore a subject i have been wanting to write on for a while: the subject of being led by the Spirit. People quote Romans 8:14 all the time without cognisance of the context and what the author actually said.
But when Scriptures speak of being led by the Spirit, what does it really say?
For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. (Romans 8:12-14)
We see that to be led by the Spirit is not about following some fuzzy, undefined iner impression, but an obedience to the revelation of Christ as delivered by the apostles.
Let’s see Galatians 5:16 too:
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
We see again that “walking in the Spirit” is not tuning in to a cloud within or without, but following revealed truth. Put aside unrighteousness and walk in the Gospel of Christ. Nothing more.
Are people who ignore what is already revealed walking in the Spirit? Are they being led by the Spirit?
No; these people who flagrantly disobey Scriptures while claiming to be led by the Spirit are either lying on purpose or they are deceived. And both conditions are bad indeed.
Do you want to be led by the Spirit? Yes? Follow the Gospel of Christ as revealed by the apostles. Then we can say for sure that you are led by the Spirit.
Some of you are screaming, “Is it that simple?” Yes! Yes!! Yes!!! It is that simple. Obey Christ’s commandments, and you are walking in the Spirit.
