Pastor Chris,
I am looking for A PLACE WHERE I CAN RESEARCH THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF NON DENOMINATIONAL CHURCHES. ( ASSEMBLY OF GOD. FULL GOSPEL.. WHAT THE DIFFERENCE IS IN ALL OF THESE? AND WHICH ONE OF THEM ARE THE CLOSEST TO RELIGION… WHICH I WANT TO KEEP MYSELF AND FAMILY FAR AWAY FROM.. WHICH ONES ARE GOING TO BE THE CLOSEST TO BEING OPEN TO THE SPIRIT AND IT MEMBERS WORKING AS A BODY AND WITHOUT THE FEELING THAT THEY ARE THE ONLY CHURCH THAT IS RIGHT.. RECOGNIZING IT’S MEMBERS GIFTS AND DEVELOPING THEIR GIFTS IN THE SPIRIT . CHURCHES WHICH DO NOT HINDER THE SPIRIT .. FAR FROM A RELIGIOUS SPIRIT.
~ Cherie
ANSWER
Cherie,
As I read your email I see that you are already on the right track. Here are some additional thoughts for you to consider when looking for a church home:
Do they accept the Bible as authoritative for all matters of faith and daily living? Joshua 1:8
Do they preach Christ as the only way to God? John 14:6
Do they preach salvation by grace through faith in Christ? Ephesians 2:8-9
Do they seek to share Christ with others both here and around the world? Acts 1:8
Are they a loving fellowship? (love God and love others – Mark 12:30-31)
Do they worship in spirit and truth? John 4:24
Beyond these basics, you can only know a church by actively involving yourself in the life of that congregation. God will give you discernment as you seek His will in this matter. A good book on the subject is Church Membership: How the World Knows Who Represents Jesus by Jonathan Leeman.
~ Pastor Chris