[Sonnie]

Congregational issues are plentiful throughout the world. Satan will use any and every opportunity he can to divide the brethren. When Paul wrote Timothy he warned (which is also a warning for us), "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths." (2 Timothy 4:3, 4) There is no doubt this is one reason why Jesus says only a few will find eternal life and to beware of false teachers. (Matthew 7:13-15)


While it is good to worship with a congregation that is worshipping in spirit and in truth (John 4:23, 24), it is also important to remember we do not attend worship for what we get out of it, or for what pleases us. We worship to glorify God... to please Him and to learn how we can help Him further His kingdom while we are here on earth.

As Christians it is a challenge to find a congregation where we can worship in spirit and in truth and at the same time a congregation of saints where everyone is on the same page. Again, Paul urged the Corinthians, "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." (1 Corinthians 1:10)

We also know that we cannot forsake the assembling of the saints because it is willful sin. (Hebrews 10:24-27)

It may be that you cannot find a congregation that preaches and teaches directly from the Bible... that is not full of controversy and evil. This is of course, provided you are not simply being selfish of your own desires and wants. No one is perfect and everyone in every congregation is imperfect, therefore you will never find a completely perfect congregation. However, I would suggest you definitely need to be assembling and worshipping, even if it is in your own home. Prayer, teaching and preaching, the Lord's Supper, singing and giving are all part of the pattern of worship the apostles set forth for us when the church was first established on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2) They came together every Lord's Day, even some in their homes.

Whatever you do, make sure the congregation you attend is at least preaching and teaching the truth. Don't be so concerned with the people as much as the preaching and teaching. Make sure you know the truth... study to show yourself approved unto God and be able to rightly divide the Word so that you can know the truth. Until you find the right congregation, worship at home. "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20)

In the meantime, I will definitely pray for you and your family.