Please give me points with scriptural references on how to know true/false churches.
This is an important question because it is vital that we know the true from the false. Otherwise, we will flounder between the two without any confidence of knowing and following the truth. Let’s consider the words of the Apostle Paul in Acts 17:10-11, “And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and SEARCHED THE SCRIPTURES DAILY, whether those things were so.” To know what is false, we must know what is true. The ONLY way to do that is to have the knowledge of the scriptures. This means that we actually study our Bibles and learn the truth as presented in God’s Word. Too often, we are content to just TAKE SOMEONE’S WORD for what is true. In this portion, Paul had preached the Word and he commended those from Berea for searching the scriptures to make sure what Paul said was in agreement with the Word.
The Lord Jesus said in John 7:17, “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” To properly understand God’s Word, we must approach it with a willingness to obey it. Sometimes that easier said than done. We may have to give up long-held beliefs. We may have to change our lifestyles. We may find ourselves in disagreement with some of our Christian brothers or sisters. However, when we are willing to truly do God’s will, He will open our understanding and allow us to see precious truths. When that happens, we will have more discernment to distinguish between the true and the false.
The Lord asked His disciples in Matthew 22:42, “What think ye of Christ? whose son is he?” This is the most important question. This is the one question that will ultimately divide those seeking the truth from those who are really not interested in the truth. If you should find a Christian group that insists that Christ could have sinned…that is false. If you should find a group that says that Christ is not God manifest in the flesh…that is false. 1 John 4:2-3 tells us, “Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.”
In essence, to be able to discern the true from the false, you must study God’s Word for yourself, be willing to do God’s will, whatever His Word tells you, and you must believe that Jesus is God manifest in the flesh. If you do this, and look to the Lord for His guidance, He will lead you to a group of believers where you can fellowship together in the truths of God’s Word, where you can learn to develop and exercise your gift, and where you can truly operate as a true priest of God. That’s right…all believers are priests! 1 Peter 2:5 says, “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:9 says, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” All believers in the Lord are Holy Priests and Royal Priests. In that, we offer the sacrifice of praise to the Lord and we are active in telling others of His excellent greatness! I encourage you to be on your knees before the Lord. Ask Him to show you the truth, to lead you in the truth, and to reveal to you a proper group of believers who are seeking and following the truth according to God’s Word. (238.4)