Those who have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ as their savior belong to the body of Christ as we read in Romans 12:5, “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”  As such, we are “members one of another.”  It is natural that we long for the fellowship of fellow believers.  As Christians, we feel the need to be with those of “like precious faith.” (2 Peter 1:1).  We are exhorted 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.”  The Lord desires that we assemble together often for mutual fellowship, edification, and worship. 

I appreciate your desire to be with fellow believers and the caution you are exercising about who you should gather with as you are seeking the Lord’s guidance in finding the proper place for you to be.  Truthfully, you do not need a sign from the Lord…you need to know the Word of God and seek out those who follow the truth of God’s Word.  You need to know what the Bible teaches so you can recognize others who are also following the Bible’s teachings.

We are asked in Amos 3:3, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”  To fellowship together with fellow believers, we must find agreement in what is being taught.  To gather with some who teach and follow beliefs that conflict with what you hold to be true would only bring struggle and disagreement.  It would not give you the true fellowship that you desire and need.  If our fellowship is not based on the truth of God’s Word, it is not true fellowship.  It is simply friendship.

As you look out for those you can truly fellowship with, there are a few non-negotiable doctrines that must be agreed upon for you to be in agreement with them and the Word of God.  You need to find those that believe that:

• The Lord Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God, who died, was buried, and rose again to save sinners.  (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
• Only faith in the Lord Jesus Christ can save someone.  Works, or keeping the Law, can never save anyone or keep anyone saved. (Ephesians 2:8-9).
• The salvation the Lord gives us through faith in the Lord Jesus is eternal and will never cease.  He gives us ‘eternal life’, or life that never ends. (John 3:15-16; John 10:27-28).
• The moment someone puts his/her faith in the Lord Jesus; they receive and are sealed with the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 1:13; Ephesians 4:30).
• After one accepts Christ as his/her savior, they should be baptized in water to identify with the Lord Jesus in His death, burial, and resurrection. (Romans 6:3-6).

I have listed only a few of the essentials of the Christian faith.  There are many other traditions and doctrines that should be considered and compared to the Word of God to make sure they are following the truth of the scriptures. 

Of course, you should pray for the Lord’s guidance, asking Him to lead you to those who walk in the truth of God’s Word.  Remember that as believers on the Lord Jesus, we “walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7).  While we should find love and acceptance by the Christian groups we might experience (and that is important), it is the learning of and adherence to the Word of God that we should long for.  Perhaps it may take a while to find this place the Lord wants you, however, we are exhorted in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”  (CC)  (737.2)