Denominations, sects, "sub-groups", "cliques" are all basically the same thing - a smaller group (sect, cult, movement, body, branch, persuasion, order, school, etc.) of people, with shared interests or other features in common, who spend time together and do not readily allow others to join them. The only separation that Christ Jesus taught was that His "church" be sanctified, set apart from the world by the Truth, the Word of God; "I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth." (John 17:15-19)
So, what's the "church" vs. religions and denominations? The first time the world "church" is used in scripture, Jesus is talking with His disciples and asks, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” 14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:13-19)
The "church" is the body of believers built on the "rock", the foundation of Christ Jesus, the Son of the living God, who have an eternal assurance, the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And, the church has the commandment from Jesus to teach the "gospel", the truth of who He is to the world regarding what He did for the world, just as Jesus had done from the beginning of His earthly ministry. (numerous scriptures) The Apostle Paul explained the gospel in this way, "Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. 7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. 8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time." (1 Corinthians 15:1-8)
The church continued to grow and grow, And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:47) But as it grew, ...a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. (Acts 8:1) However, this was necessary in order that "... this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations,..." (Matthew 24:14) Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied. (Acts 9:31)
The church never called itself any other name. During the church's persecution, people outside of the church gave them the name "Christian"; ... And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. (Acts 11:26) When the Jewish religious leaders were trying to get Paul persecuted for preaching the gospel, after Paul explained his religious background and conversion to "the Way", as the followers of Christ Jesus were described, Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” (Acts 26:28) Because of the amount of persecution that the church was suffering and the amount of followers that were being martyred, the Apostle Peter instructed them, "Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter." (1 Peter 4:16) These are the only three times the word "Christian" is used in the scripture.
So why is it used now? The same reason that any other religious group uses the name it uses, to create separation from others and to not readily allow others to join them. This was true from the beginning of civilization on the earth outside of the Garden of Eden. It was evident throughout every race and nation of people throughout scripture. That's why, when Christ Jesus started His earthly ministry, He continued to harshly chastise the Jewish religious leaders. His most stern chastisement was towards the Scribes and the Pharisees.
Scribes were a group of Jewish leaders who flourished from the time of the Exile until the destruction of the Jewish state by Titus (70 a.d.). Originally their name was used merely of clerks whose function was to copy royal and sacred manuscripts. Pharisees comes from the Hebrew and Aramaic parush or parushi, which means "one who is separated." It may refer to their separation from Gentiles, sources of ritual impurity or from irreligious Jews. The Pharisees were considered the most expert and accurate expositors of Jewish law. (Bible dictionary definitions)
In Matthew 23, Jesus issues many "woe" warnings to these Jewish religious leaders: Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, 2 saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. 4 For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 5 But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. 6 They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, 7 greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’ 8 But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. 9 Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10 And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. 11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves,nor do you allow those who are entering to go in. 14 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation. 15 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.
16 “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obliged to perform it.’ 17 Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that sanctifies the gold? 18 And, ‘Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is obliged to perform it.’ 19 Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that sanctifies the gift? 20 Therefore he who swears by the altar, swears by it and by all things on it. 21 He who swears by the temple, swears by it and by Him who dwells in it. 22 And he who swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God and by Him who sits on it.
23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. 24 Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel! 25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. 26 Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.
27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. 28 Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. 29 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, 30 and say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.’ 31 “Therefore you are witnesses against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. 32 Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers’ guilt.
33 Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell? 34 Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city, 35 that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.36 Assuredly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation."
Jesus made it very clear what was wrong with religion - the religious leaders and people's self-imposed traditions and beliefs! James explained in his letter to the church, "My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. ... Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist,confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." (James 3:1,13-18) This clearly summarizes what Jesus explained to the Scribes and Pharisees was their problem, and the problem with many religious leaders today.
Many religious leaders start out with good intentions, but Jesus describes what oftentimes eventually happens; “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. 7 And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ 8 For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men..." (Mark 7:6-8) The Apostle Paul reiterated this; Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. ... having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. (Colossians 2:8,13-15)
So should we quit participating in religious forms of worship within denominations or non-denominational churches? Not at all! The Apostle Paul said, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:22-25) For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. (1 Corinthians 14:33)
The key is to do your research and not just follow the "traditions of men" or traditions of our families. The first step is to study about and visit different churches and make sure of the following things before making a decision:
- Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. (Hebrews 13:7) Learn about the leaders within the church, how they conduct themselves not just in church, but also outside of the church. The Apostle Paul gave clear instruction about leadership within the church; If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; 3 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence 5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); 6 not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 8 Likewise deacons must be... (1 Timothy 3:1-8)
- Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 9 Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them. (Hebrews 13:8) Make sure the Truth is being taught, clearly and accurately, as the Apostle Paul instructed Timothy when he became a new leader in the church; Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 17 And their message will spread like cancer. (2 Timothy 2:15-17) Paul also warned the members of the church, For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it! (2 Corinthians 11:2-4)
- Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. (Hebrews 13:17) Most people don't like the words obey and submit, but that is necessary in Christ Jesus church. But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. (1 Corinthians 11:3) And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. (Ephesians 1:22-23)
Christ Jesus relationship to the church is just like a husband to his wife. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. (Ephesians 5:22-29)
Just as a wife should not have a problem obeying and submitting to a husband who love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, a church member should not have a problem obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Just make sure to considering the outcome of their conduct. Be very careful to choose very wisely anyone, whether personal or spiritual, that we put between us and Christ. We know the head of Christ is God, so we have to be very sure the head of every man is Christ before we put ourselves under submission to anyone.
So, the conclusion regarding religion is this - no one religion or denomination is perfect because they're all filled with imperfect people, just like no company, business or any other entity is perfect for the same reason; but, that doesn't stop us from working or joining or participating or becoming a member of the worldly things, and the worldly things are temporary, For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:18)
If we can invest so much time and energy in the worldly things that won't last, we shouldn't stop attending and participating in the church, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24 to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel. 25 See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven,... (Hebrews 12:23-25)
We just have to make sure to do our "due diligence" to find the right church for us - where the whole counsel of God is taught, all the books of the Bible; one that has a leader who is blameless and without reproach; and, where you enjoy the style of worship, regardless of denomination or non-denomination. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
The "church" is the body of believers built on the "rock", the foundation of Christ Jesus, the Son of the living God, who have an eternal assurance, the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And, the church has the commandment from Jesus to teach the "gospel", the truth of who He is to the world regarding what He did for the world, just as Jesus had done from the beginning of His earthly ministry. (numerous scriptures) The Apostle Paul explained the gospel in this way, "Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. 7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. 8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time." (1 Corinthians 15:1-8)
The church continued to grow and grow, And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:47) But as it grew, ...a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. (Acts 8:1) However, this was necessary in order that "... this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations,..." (Matthew 24:14) Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied. (Acts 9:31)
The church never called itself any other name. During the church's persecution, people outside of the church gave them the name "Christian"; ... And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. (Acts 11:26) When the Jewish religious leaders were trying to get Paul persecuted for preaching the gospel, after Paul explained his religious background and conversion to "the Way", as the followers of Christ Jesus were described, Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” (Acts 26:28) Because of the amount of persecution that the church was suffering and the amount of followers that were being martyred, the Apostle Peter instructed them, "Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter." (1 Peter 4:16) These are the only three times the word "Christian" is used in the scripture.
So why is it used now? The same reason that any other religious group uses the name it uses, to create separation from others and to not readily allow others to join them. This was true from the beginning of civilization on the earth outside of the Garden of Eden. It was evident throughout every race and nation of people throughout scripture. That's why, when Christ Jesus started His earthly ministry, He continued to harshly chastise the Jewish religious leaders. His most stern chastisement was towards the Scribes and the Pharisees.
Scribes were a group of Jewish leaders who flourished from the time of the Exile until the destruction of the Jewish state by Titus (70 a.d.). Originally their name was used merely of clerks whose function was to copy royal and sacred manuscripts. Pharisees comes from the Hebrew and Aramaic parush or parushi, which means "one who is separated." It may refer to their separation from Gentiles, sources of ritual impurity or from irreligious Jews. The Pharisees were considered the most expert and accurate expositors of Jewish law. (Bible dictionary definitions)
In Matthew 23, Jesus issues many "woe" warnings to these Jewish religious leaders: Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, 2 saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. 4 For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 5 But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. 6 They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, 7 greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’ 8 But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. 9 Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10 And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. 11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves,nor do you allow those who are entering to go in. 14 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation. 15 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.
16 “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obliged to perform it.’ 17 Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that sanctifies the gold? 18 And, ‘Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is obliged to perform it.’ 19 Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that sanctifies the gift? 20 Therefore he who swears by the altar, swears by it and by all things on it. 21 He who swears by the temple, swears by it and by Him who dwells in it. 22 And he who swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God and by Him who sits on it.
23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. 24 Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel! 25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. 26 Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.
27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. 28 Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. 29 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, 30 and say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.’ 31 “Therefore you are witnesses against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. 32 Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers’ guilt.
33 Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell? 34 Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city, 35 that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.36 Assuredly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation."
Jesus made it very clear what was wrong with religion - the religious leaders and people's self-imposed traditions and beliefs! James explained in his letter to the church, "My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. ... Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist,confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." (James 3:1,13-18) This clearly summarizes what Jesus explained to the Scribes and Pharisees was their problem, and the problem with many religious leaders today.
Many religious leaders start out with good intentions, but Jesus describes what oftentimes eventually happens; “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. 7 And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ 8 For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men..." (Mark 7:6-8) The Apostle Paul reiterated this; Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. ... having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. (Colossians 2:8,13-15)
So should we quit participating in religious forms of worship within denominations or non-denominational churches? Not at all! The Apostle Paul said, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:22-25) For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. (1 Corinthians 14:33)
The key is to do your research and not just follow the "traditions of men" or traditions of our families. The first step is to study about and visit different churches and make sure of the following things before making a decision:
- Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. (Hebrews 13:7) Learn about the leaders within the church, how they conduct themselves not just in church, but also outside of the church. The Apostle Paul gave clear instruction about leadership within the church; If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; 3 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence 5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); 6 not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 8 Likewise deacons must be... (1 Timothy 3:1-8)
- Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 9 Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them. (Hebrews 13:8) Make sure the Truth is being taught, clearly and accurately, as the Apostle Paul instructed Timothy when he became a new leader in the church; Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 17 And their message will spread like cancer. (2 Timothy 2:15-17) Paul also warned the members of the church, For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it! (2 Corinthians 11:2-4)
- Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. (Hebrews 13:17) Most people don't like the words obey and submit, but that is necessary in Christ Jesus church. But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. (1 Corinthians 11:3) And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. (Ephesians 1:22-23)
Christ Jesus relationship to the church is just like a husband to his wife. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. (Ephesians 5:22-29)
Just as a wife should not have a problem obeying and submitting to a husband who love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, a church member should not have a problem obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Just make sure to considering the outcome of their conduct. Be very careful to choose very wisely anyone, whether personal or spiritual, that we put between us and Christ. We know the head of Christ is God, so we have to be very sure the head of every man is Christ before we put ourselves under submission to anyone.
So, the conclusion regarding religion is this - no one religion or denomination is perfect because they're all filled with imperfect people, just like no company, business or any other entity is perfect for the same reason; but, that doesn't stop us from working or joining or participating or becoming a member of the worldly things, and the worldly things are temporary, For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:18)
If we can invest so much time and energy in the worldly things that won't last, we shouldn't stop attending and participating in the church, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24 to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel. 25 See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven,... (Hebrews 12:23-25)
We just have to make sure to do our "due diligence" to find the right church for us - where the whole counsel of God is taught, all the books of the Bible; one that has a leader who is blameless and without reproach; and, where you enjoy the style of worship, regardless of denomination or non-denomination. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
