It is important to meet with fellow believers for learning, worship, sharing the Gospel, etc.  We read in Hebrews 10:24-25, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: NOT FORSAKING THE ASSEMBLING OF OURSELVES TOGETHER, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”  It is so important that we meet with others so that we might minister to them, and they might minister to us.  In the early church we see the example being set for us to be together.  “And they CONTINUED STEDFASTLY in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:42).

So, who does the Lord want us to gather with?  Today, there are so many denominations and sects, is there guidance for who to gather with?  Is there guidance in finding “a good church”?  Let’s begin by considering 2 Timothy 2:20-22, “But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”  This ‘great house’ is the professing church of God on the earth.  There are those who are truly saved and there are those who only profess to be saved.  In this ‘great house’ there are vessels to honor made of gold and silver.  These are those who seek to be led of the Lord, to learn His truths, and to worship Him “in spirit and truth” (John 4:24).  There are also those who are more liberal and careless about the Lord’s things.  These are the vessels to dishonor made of wood and earth.  Even though they may truly be saved, the Lord exhorts us to purge (get away from) ourselves from such people.  After separating ourselves from that which dishonors the Lord, He wants us to “follow righteousness, faith, charity, and peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” 

Who are those who call upon the Lord out of a pure heart?  A pure heart is not a perfect or sinless heart.  It is a heart that longs to walk in obedience with the Word of God.  It is an undivided heart…one that has no ulterior motive in his walk with the Lord.  He doesn’t try to impress others.  He simply wants to know and follow the Lord in truth.  How can we find a group of people who call upon the Lord with a pure heart?  First of all, we must have a pure heart to recognize others with pure hearts.  So, this discernment begins with ourselves.  When we begin following the Lord with a pure heart, we will more easily identify others with pure hearts.

They will be identified by their desire to please the Lord and their desire to learn and to rightly divide the Word of truth (2 Timothy 2:16). 

They will desire to worship the Lord “in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24). 

They will be quick to bow to the authority of God and His Word.  (Acts 17:10-11).

They will have a true longing for the salvation of the lost.  (2 Timothy 4:5).

They will manifest their love for the Lord in loving one another (John 13:36).

They will give the Lord His rightful place as Lord of His church (Colossians 1:18).

They will gather to the Lord’s name alone to honor Him and to have His presence (Matthew 18:20). 

I suppose the best way to find where the Lord wants you to gather and who He wants you to gather with is by consulting Him.  Pray earnestly and often.  Ask the Lord to lead you to that place where His name is honored, His truths are obeyed, and there is happy fellowship with those who gather together unto Him.  May the Lord lead you to that place where He is honored, obeyed, and worshipped in truth.  (CC)  (613.6)