How To Identify The True Church?

Have you ever wondered to yourself how to identify the True Church? If your answer is yes, then you’re not alone. There are thousands of groups and fellowships that claim some connection to the True Church. Yahshua the Messiah said the grave would not prevail against His Church. Do you know which proofs, signs, and clues identify the True Church of Savior Yahshua? The Bible, along with certain facts about church history and church fruits (Matthew 7:16-20), contains, proofs, clues, and signs to help answer this very question. If you are willing to be like the Bereans (Acts 17:10-12), you can find out if you have an Elohim-inspired love of the truth and truly believe the Bible. Today, we are going to share with you this very important and very timely biblical topic. You really don’t want to miss out on this true and faithful heavenly message. As always, we ask the guidance of Yahweh’s Holy Spirit to help us teach and preach this to you. May you have the eyes to see and the ears to hear for this Kingdom message of truth.

Yahshua the Messiah said the sign that set apart true Christians was that they were sanctified by the truth: “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth” (John 17:16-19). A real key to distinguish the true Christian church from many of the counterfeits is how committed the church truly is to the word of Elohim. Most who profess Messiah are part of churches that get some or much of their doctrine from pagan and other sources that are in conflict with the word of Elohim. Human-devised religions with false humility are not of real spiritual value (Colossians 2:23). While some prefer to trust their emotions to determine an appropriate church, the word of Elohim sets a different standard—Yahweh’s: “Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear Yahweh and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7). “He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, But he who trusts in Elohim will be prospered. He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But whoever walks wisely will be delivered” (Proverbs 28:25-26).

Yes, it is the truth from the word of Elohim that can make human beings spiritually complete (2 Timothy 3:16-17). “For the word of Elohim is right, and all His work is done in truth” (Psalms 33:4). “For I, Yahweh, love justice…I will direct their work in truth, And will make with them an everlasting covenant” (Isaiah 61:8). Elohim’s work is done in truth, and the church leading that work under Yahshua the Messiah  must be doing it in truth! The ministers of Elohim are commended by “the word of truth” (cf. 2 Corinthians 6:4-7), not for holding to traditions of men that conflict with Scripture (cf. Mark 7:6-8; Matthew 15:3-9). The really faithful Christian church puts the word of Elohim above traditions for doctrine. As did apostle Peter and the other Apostles, leaders of the faithful Christian church must be willing to preach the truth even when it is unpopular with governmental or religious authorities. (Acts 5:27-32). The True Church must continue, and keep the original faith! In church history, the most faithful according to Yahshua’s words would be the remnant of the Philadelphia portion of the Church of Elohim (Revelation 3:7-13). Yet many others believe that they are, or at least are part of, the true Christian church. Those who wish to be part of the most faithful remnant of Philadelphia would want to be with a Church of Elohim which possess true spiritual characteristics such as the following:

• Makes proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom as a witness its top priority (Matthew 24:14; 28:19-20).
• Supports poor brethren (Galatians 2:10), including widows and orphans (James 1:27), particularly in poorer regions like many parts of Africa and Asia.
• Truly practices biblical governance (1 Corinthians 12:28), including what’s in Matthew 18:15-17.
• Has the proclamation, doctrinal, prophetic, and loving fruits Yahshua the Messiah spoke of (John 7:16-20; 13:35; Luke 4:18; 14:13; Matthew 24:14; 28:19-20; Revelation 3:7-13).
• Warns those who think that they are in the Church to not fall away (1 Timothy 4:1).
• Has spiritual gifts, including receiving dreams, in the last days (Acts 2:17-18).
• Understands the historical and current roles of the churches of Revelation 2 and 3).
• Explains and understands biblical prophecy well enough (e.g. Daniel 11:29-45; Matthew 24) to know when to flee (Matthew 24:15-20; Revelation 3:10; 12:14-16) prior to the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21).
• Puts the word of Elohim above traditions of men and hence has not added doctrines that are opposed to the Bible (cf. Matthew 15:3-9).
• Contends earnestly for the original faith (Jude 3), even under threats of persecution (e.g. Acts 5:27-32).
• Has known which books were part of the Bible since the time of the Apostle John (cf. Timothy 3:16; Revelation 1:9-19; 22:18-19).
• Teaches the truth about Yahweh, Yahshua, and the Holy Spirit (Romans 1:20; Colossians 2:9).
• Teaches and keeps the loving Laws of Elohim (1 John 2:4).
• Opposes participation in carnal warfare in this world (John 18:36; Luke 3:14).
• Has been the persecuted, but not the persecutor (John 15:20-21).
• Has not adopted the outward trappings of paganism in terms of ecclesiastical dress or buildings (cf. Deuteronomy 12:29-30).
• Preaches the full Gospel (Matthew 24:14; 28:19-20).
• Is a “little flock” (Luke 12:32; Romans 11:15; cf. Revelation 14:1-9).
• Has the sign of the biblical Sabbath (Exodus 31:13; Hebrews 4:9).
• Teaches against the observation of pagan holidays (1 Corinthians 10:20-22).
• Will not align with the end-time ecumenical Babylon (Revelation 13:4-10; 18:4).
• Understands Yahweh’s plan of salvation through Yahshua the Messiah as pictured through the Holy Days (1 Corinthians 5:7-8; James 1:18).

Only a True Church of Elohim can meet all those criteria. The real Christian church believes the Bible, believes Yahweh, understands Yahweh’s nature and plan, and does the work of Yahweh! This cannot truly be said for the Greco-Roman churches and off-shoots. The Savior of mankind Yahshua warned the Laodiceans that they have a lukewarm work and need to repent or face the consequences (Revelation 3:14-22). On the prophetic side, the reality is that past, present, and future Laodicean churches have a variety of prophetic misunderstandings. Since Laodiceans represent the bulk of the Christians at the time of the end of the age (they represent the seventh church or group of churches in Revelation 1 to 3), there must be reasons that they will not see all of what is happening prophetically and what will truly lead to the start of the Great Tribulation. Now honestly ask yourselves these questions: Will you really believe the criteria of the Bible on how to identify the True Church? Do you know where that Church is today? Are you sure? Are you willing to be a real “doer” Christian and not simply a “hearer”? Could you handle the truth about the true Christian church? Would you be willing to “contend earnestly for the faith once and for all delivered to the saints” or would you prefer a counterfeit? Should you solely rely on your emotions or the word of Yahweh to decide? You have a very big and very important decision to make starting today. We presented you the truth. May you choose truth over the lie. May the Father in heaven bless you, especially those who are obeying His Commandments and doing His will. May your love, hope and faith to Yahweh, our Elohim keep you and protect you from Satan the devil, and his demonic followers, and all their deceitful doctrines. All these things we ask and humbly pray to Yahweh through Yahshua the Messiah our coming Savior, Master and King, Amen. Halleluyah, Shalom!