Like many of us we tend to find a church that makes us feel welcome, comfortable and hospitable. But, that isn’t the qualities we should be looking for when joining a church. Jesus and His Apostles taught believers everything they needed to know about following Him. They taught Christians what they should believe, why they should believe it, the Christian conduct, what to expect during their walk, and the Christian mission. Christians are warned to be careful of following false prophets and false teachings throughout the Bible because these will lead you astray. Let’s look at the Church of Thyatira as an example.
The Thyatira Church was located in Asia Minor, known as, modern day Turkey. It’s one of seven churches the Apostles visited, taught at, and sent letters to. The church had some good works because Jesus says in Revelations;
I know your deeds, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your last deeds are more numerous and greater than the first.
Revelation 2:20
Jesus acknowledged their good works, but, He also tells them that He had an issue “against” this church. Why? Because the Church of Thyatira was led astray by false teachings through a false prophet. Look what Jesus says;
But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess [claiming to be inspired], and she teaches and misleads My bond-servants so that they commit [acts of sexual] immorality and eat food sacrificed to idols.
Revelation 2:20
Jesus makes it clear, “HIS CHURCH” is to be faithful, to follow the teachings of the Apostles and to persevere. Its the “true” acts of His Church and it’s why it’s so important to “follow” what the “Bible” teaches.
Because pastors, priests, evangelists, religious leaders, prophets or anyone in the Christian field is flawed, they’re human. You hear or see it all the time, a religious pastor getting caught in a scam whether it deals with immorality, money or even murder. Now, don’t get me wrong there are some wonderful leaders in the world, but, they are getting to be few and far between.
As Christians, church members bare the burden of their church’s doctrines, we bare the burden of ensuring we’re being taught Biblical teachings, we bare the burden to ensure we’re not following a false prophet or practices. You see, it’s not about how a Christian leader makes you feel good, it’s about putting “Jesus” first in your life and following His word, His teachings.
Just remember, a day is coming when Jesus will repay each of us, a reward or punishment, according to our deeds!
Jesus the Righteous Path 