Some of our society's best known evangelists have set a path that many would-be followers have unfortunately taken. The advice (after conversion) attend the church of your choice. Select a good church, and as a result millions of sheep have returned to their aimless wanderings as they hire and fire one church after another. This is particularly obvious in our Pentecostal churches.

The true church is where the Spirit-filled have a vision and understanding, the leading of the spirit and the wisdom to keep strictly to God's word.

We are not asked to select a church, on the contrary, "for by one spirit are we all baptised into one body..." and although there is a provision for various groupings of Spirit-filled people, the warnings related to conduct and obedience are clear. Millions today reject adherence to the same word that brought the power of God into their lives. They become outlaws, with no oversight - no counselling - no fellowship and no wisdom. Advice needed is sought from anyone, anywhere, and usually from others marauding around from pillar to post. They have no spiritual home, no wisdom in the multitude of counsellors. "...they heap to themselves teachers having itching ears." (2 Tim. 4v3)

In the Old Testament the Israelites were described as unfed sheep, sick and diseased, scattered and wandering over mountains and hills, a prey to every beast of the field, with no shepherd and no hope.

This was our pre-saved status but God graciously gave us His Word, His Son (the chief shepherd), the experience of the Holy Spirit, thus confirming His word. He gave us pastors (shepherds) who were to operate by His word. We were given safety and sanctuary, salvation and certainty.

Millions today have returned to their wanderings. They only attend churches or gatherings that suit their taste. In the main there is no discipline, and no oversight. They go where they like and when they like. They are quite happy to be adherents to avoid the responsibilities of members.

With many the church has not yet been invented that would suit them. They move in a world contrary to scripture and pull spiritual rank on any who would caution them. They develop a new love which is actually a complete compromise on everything. They are their own teachers and advisers. The Bible tells us that their latter state is worse than the former.

There are certain reasons for moving away from one fellowship and joining another. These are fundamental rejections of scripture - compromise - fanatical practices in worship - tolerance of immorality, etc. If the shepherds allow such, then a move is recommended to a worthy alternative.

The masses still roam from pillar to post, hiring and firing, subject to no-one. They are oblivious to the disastrous example set to ·others, let alone their own backslidden state, A tragic malady in the churches.

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