Is Christ divided? A house divided cannot stand.
1 Corinthians 1:10 NKJV
Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined in the same mind and in the same judgment.
The problem with finding the right denomination is that denominations by the very nature of what they are, divide the body of Christ into factions. While they may claim to all be unified in the "essentials" and that's all that matters (not biblical), how then can multiple denominations all say something different when it comes to doctrine. According to 2 Timothy 3:16, all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. Thus, if every pastor of every church and the laity of every church were listening to the Holy Spirit, we will be unified in the same mind and judgment regarding doctrine. We can argue that in 66 books, we have our doctrine and gospel.
This site has explicitly and correctly stated that Roman Catholic doctrine is not correct, even heresy. Let's not return to that. When finding a local church to be a part of, look for a church (not denomination) that teaches from the scriptures and doesn't extrapolate an hour on a single scripture, strengthened by the pastor's interpretation of scripture. God's word confirms itself through the mouths of two or three witnesses. Across the bible from OT to NT, the very same things are being said and we can understand it from that context. A local church you decide to join should also not shy away from difficult topics in the bible because they may be disturbing to our flesh. For that very reason, they should be addressed. A local church does need to speak about the grace of God and the victory we have in Him. It also needs to address sin and the consequences of sin, even for those who are in Christ. It should not detract from the responsibility of a believer to study his or her word. Study to shew thyself approved unto God.
A local church has the important responsibility of preparing the laity or parishioners for the narrow road walk of a Christian. Not as a substitute for God but by leading them in the right direction so God may be the one that guides each step and decision they make in life. By the light of Christ in these individuals, not with a lampshade over them, they may draw to them those from whom the ground is prepared by God so they can make a decision to come to Christ. Believers laden down with false doctrines and half truths are simply salt that has lost its flavor, good only to be thrown out. If we look like, sound like, and act like the world, how then can we witness to the world, when there is little difference between us?
As the bible says, in the end times there will be a famine on this earth, not for food but the word of God! Before the coming of the Time of Jacob's Trouble there will be a great falling away with people heaping up teachers to ease their itching ears. Satan's ministers will be in the pulpits of the church, twisting doctrine here and there and turning people to another gospel and thus another Christ. More and more we find that this is coming about with all of the seeker friendly/purpose driven style churches popping up and strange fire being given to woo the laity. For a local church, find one that does not compromise and stands as a beacon of light/truth amid the darkness. One that has the important purpose to prepare the laity for the narrow and difficult walk of a Christian! (Matthew 7:13-14). Find a local church that prepares the laity to rightly divide the truth from error and exercise their discernment to find what is pleasing to the Lord and walk from that which is not.
