This is a re-post from the popular bigdadgib.net blog.
Originally posted on November 10th, 2007

Five things to look for this Sunday

I saw a billboard in Orlando today. It said “Denominationally Wounded? Receive First Aid…” and pointed to an Internet address. I went to the address and it is for a church in Orlando. On the website, it says, “Wounded? We all know the pain. It is part of the human experience. And it hurts most when the wounds come from those we trusted the most. Even with the best intentions people, churches and denominations inflict wounds. But don’t give up on God or church. We’[d] like to offer you another chance to connect with God. We are fully committed to creating a safe, nonjudgmental, loving environment where you can experience a healing embrace.”

I am in no way condemning or condoning non-denominational churches. I do not know a thing about the church that placed the billboard ad, but what I do know is what to look for in a church that I would go to.

Therefore, I want you to go to church this Sunday and look for some things. These things should be at your place of worship no matter what the affiliated sign says out front. Let’s go on a scavenger hunt and see if you can find these five things at your church.

A TREASURE MAP

From the time you walk in the front door of the church until the time you depart, did you hear or see a map to salvation? Did you hear the Sunday school teacher talk about the Romans Road? Did you hear the preacher explain God’s plan for salvation? Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. If sinners are not being saved through Jesus Christ, you are in the wrong place.

A SWORD

Look for a Bible. Did you see one? The translation and version are irrelevant if nobody brings one in the first place. Did the preacher use a Bible or just some notes? To preach the Gospel, you must have the Gospel. If your lesson for the day came from Dr. Know-it-all’s book and not the Bible, you are in the wrong place.

A GOLDEN RING

This may be a little harder to find then the first two. While you are at church or Sunday school, look and see if you can find that special ring of love that can only be found in the hearts of Christians. Look for that ring of love that binds the brick and mortar together. Look for that golden band that tells you that this church is a part of the Body of Christ. Look and see if that love is there seven days a week or just on Sundays. If this church is not in the center of God’s will and the golden wedding ring of God’s love is not there, you are in the wrong place.

A CLOCK

Did you see a clock? Did you notice people looking at it? Did you look at your watch more than once or twice? It is wise and orderly to keep things to a schedule, but I found when the Lord starts working in a service, time stands still. People will forget about the football game at 3:00. People forget about the fried chicken they will have for lunch. When God gets things going, we do not want it to stop. If you cannot wait for this thing called church to end, you are in the wrong place.

A MAGNET

When you walk out the door, do you want to turn around and walk back in? Is there something that is drawing you back for the next service? It may be that someone asked you to come back. It could be you really enjoyed the music. Maybe you want to come back because it was easy to find a seat. It does not matter why; you just know you want to return. That is God working in your life. If you are glad you are leaving and you do not want to come back, you are in the wrong place.

The old adage “It does not matter what church you go to. Just go to church” is not true. It does matter. It can save your life.

Tell me about your scavenger hunt this Sunday. Did you see any or all the things I look for? Did you see some other things that are unique to your church and would like to tell me about them?  Tell me.