How to Choose your Church
Taken from Concordia Tracts CPH
Only Two Religions
    Many people are confused by the great variety of churches. They are asking," How can I tell which church to join?"    It may help you to know that there are really only two religions in the world.  One teaches that we must save ourselves by our own good characters and works.  The other, that God saves is by an act of mercy in Christ,  Who as our Substitute suffered and died for our sins.  That should make your choice easier.  Choose a church which teaches you to trust in Jesus for salvation.  You can't save yourself  by your own bootstraps.  The Bible says, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done but but according to His mercy He saved us....through Jesus Christ our Savior." Titus 3:5-6 (KJ)

LOOK FOR THE GOSPEL
    In choosing a church you ought to notice whether or not the Bible, and particularly the Gospel, the good news of salvation in Christ, is prominent in the preaching, in Bible class, in Sunday school lessons, and in the church's program.  You will have to take the time to find out and compare the church's teaching with Bible truth.

TO BE SPECIFIC
    1. Does this church believe that the whole Bible is God's revelation to man?  All Scripture is given by inspiration of God." 2 Tim 3:16 (KJ)
    2. Does this church believe in the Triune God, Father,Son and Holy Spirit? "Make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."  Matt. 28:19 (RSV)
    3. Does this church believe that Jesus Christ is the only Son of God and the only Savior of the world? "The Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world." 1 John 4:14 (KJ)
    4. Does this church believe that Christ died for the sins of the whole world? "Christ died for our sins." 1 Cor. 15:3 (KJ) "...for the sins of the whole world." 1 John 2:2 (KJ)
    5. Does this church believe everyone is saved by the grace of God through faith in Christ's atonement? "By grace you have been saved though faith." Eph. 2:8 (RSV)
    6. Does this church believe that Baptism washes away all sins? "Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins."  Acts 22:16 (RSV)
    7. Does this church believe the words Jesus spoke when He instituted the Lord's supper?  "This is my body... This is my blood, which is shed for the remission of your sins."  Matt. 26:26-28 (KJ)

A FEW DON'TS
    1 Don't select a church merely because it happens to be the nearest one or because it has the most imposing buildings.
    2 Don't suppose that all churches are alike, that all are equally good and lead to the same place.
    3. Don't neglect the truth of God, the eternal truth by which you will be judged, the truth by which your children are to be guided through life and death.

OUR INVITATION
    The Lutheran Church does not claim to be the only saving church but it does endeavor to preserve and to pass on the truth as it is found in the Bible.  It teaches, not the opinions of men, but the revelation of God by believing only what seems reasonable.
    Our church in invites you to worship with us in serving God and man. Our pastor will be glad to discuss your problems and needs with you.  "Come with us, and we will do you good," Numbers 10:29 (RSV)

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