“For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen,…”

1 Thessalonians 2:14

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What identifies you spiritually?

Is it your friendliness, your common courtesy to your fellow-man? Perhaps it’s your diligence, or seriousness, or strict adherence to the code of conduct of your sect? Is it your vocality, your ability to be loud and propagate what you believe?

Mankind yearns for individuality that will last beyond their years. Physically, emotionally, socially, every aspect of life has its authorities and disciplines. But what about your immortal self? You will live forever with Jesus Christ, or in eternal damnation; have you given any thought to that titanic yet unseen aspect of yourself?

If you have trusted the self-sacrifice of the Saviour, Jesus, for your forever forgiveness- then you have claimed an identity in Christ. But sometimes that tremendous personality shift is lost in how, where, and with whom you worship God.

Common Mindset

I believe the number one form of ID for anyone’s spiritual life is their church. The churches described in 1 Thessalonians are groups of people with a common love and allegiance. Churches that have the same beliefs and practices support other congregations with fellowship and pattern. Is that church a serving church? Then a follower of that chuch will have a servant’s heart. Is it a studious church- that person will be a scholar, a seeker of knowledge. Or is it a traditional church, where the cold draft of routine seeps under the doors? That will be a dry, dull believer.

It is only fair to judge a person by his company. Can two walk together, unless they be agreed? “Evil communications corrupt good manners”, and “he that walketh with wise men shall be wise”. You will join with what you agree with, and likewise you will separate from what you see as unimportant. You will be around what you would rather be around.

Wishful Thinking

Most people that assemble with a congregation like to describe themselves in the positive- that is, what they WANT to be. Relevant, modern, serious, intense, up-to-date, out-of-date, friendly, militant, uncompromising, or seeker-sensitive- from every end of the spectrum the descriptions flow.

A malcontent in a church is not independent of the problems he or she sees in a local assembly. A man may marry up when he picks his bride, but he always drags her down to his level eventually. We want a church that exalts the Saviour, while it elevates the soul to worship Him.

Dangerous Thoughts

Many consider church a hindrance to their spirituality. They want more ‘freedom to worship’. They have sacrificed loyalty for leeway and allegiance for allowance. By parting with their allegiance to Christ through the organism he loved and gave his life for (Ephesians 5:25), they distance themselves from Him.

For example, the United States military trains, equips, and commissions a military. If I go to Ft. Bragg or Ft. Sill with an AR-15 and fatigues, claiming to be doing military work, I am probably going to get shot. I talk big, I wear the clothes, and want to do something, but until I’ve joined up with the right organization, I’m not a help, I am a threat.

So if you want to do God’s work, you can be a rogue element- dangerous to all- or you can sign up for training, discipline, and enlistment in the Lord’s army.

Like a mighty army
Moves the church of God
Brothers, we are treading
Where the saints have trod!
We are not divided,
All one body we,
One in hope and doctrine,
One in charity.

(From "Onward, Christian Soldiers" by Sabine Baring-Gould)

Let’s run through a quick identity check:

• Do I plan for church, or do I plan around it?
• Do I look forward to going, or do I anticipate getting it over with?
• Can I trust my pastor to tell me the truth, or do I am I happy to be entertained?
• Is my church working for eternity, or are we only involved in temporal things?
• If my children took my religion to the extreme, would it be a blessing, or a curse, to others?

Remember, your church is your identity! Why settle for anything less than an identity with Jesus Christ in the fullness of God?

If you live in southeastern Ohio: I invite, no, I urge you: join Bible Baptist Church. You don’t want to miss a service here! I draw closer to God when I’m here, and we unite in fellowship and worship here. I am never lied to here- God’s words in the King James Bible are always honored and respected.

I love my Lord more after each service than I ever did before. This last Sunday was the one of the best Sundays we’ve ever had, and I believe this next Sunday will be even better! Our fellowship doesn’t stop on Sunday morning- we meet Sunday evening for Bible teaching, Wednesdays for prayer, and there is so much more.

What a great church to identify with. Make this great church your very own.

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“Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;”

Ephesians 5:25b

Originally published February 4, 2015. Updated November 10, 2023