If there are no sound churches in my area, should I worship with a liberal one?
Question:
I am disabled and would like to attend an anti-church but there are none nearby and I was wondering if it would be okay to take communion at a liberal church instead of missing communion with the Lord?
Answer:
All Christians are required to partake of the communion and to attend services. Most of us search out the nearest congregation with beliefs we judge to be most in keeping with the Bible. Sometimes we don't have a whole lot to choose from.
One brother who had served as an elder in a congregation found himself moving to a region of the country where no sound church existed in the area. He and his wife looked at what was available and picked the congregation that appeared to be the most sound. They decided to work with the group and if they were accepted holding to their conservative beliefs, well and good, but if they were asked to leave they decided that would be an indication from God that it was time to start a sound congregation in the area. They worshiped with the congregation for about a year and even was involved in teaching classes and he was asked to take turns with the preaching. But a very liberal preacher in the area heard that they were there and on a day when the couple happened to be out of town, came and insisted the brethren withdraw from them. One family objected because they had no opportunity to state their side and that family also was withdrawn from. As a result, a new congregation was formed.
In the description of seven churches in Asia, we find the church at Sardis to be in very sad shape, "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead" (Revelation 3:1). Yet even here there were a few righteous people who remain faithful despite the sin around them. "You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy" (Revelation 3:4). Ultimately, what saves a Christian is who they are and not whom they worship with. Of course, there are some places whose worship is so much at odds with what the Lord requires that it isn't possible to worship properly there. Even in places that are closer to the truth, there is always the danger that the Christian might be influenced away from the truth. But still, when little choice is available, you make do with what is available to you.
