What if you feel that a particular church is not suitable for you?
Question:
What are the suggestions if one cannot afford monetarily to attend church, or feels that a particular church is not suitable for him? If he does private bible study, is this enough? Does he have to go through the baptism ceremony?
If a Christian continues to study other religions and philosophies, is this against Bible teachings?
Answer:
You are asserting that personal convenience is more important than following God's command: "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:24-25).
God does not suggest selecting a church that is suitable for you. What is important is whether a church is following God. After all, there is only one church and that is the one Jesus founded (Matthew 16:18). "Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe's household, that there are contentions among you. Now I say this, that each of you says, "I am of Paul," or "I am of Apollos," or "I am of Cephas," or "I am of Christ." Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?" (I Corinthians 1:10-13). See: Christians Without Churches?
In asking about baptism, you are saying "Do I have to?" to something God commanded. Why is there a reluctance to obey God? See The Spiritual Significance of Baptism.
In studying other religions, I must ask for what purpose? I study other religions to understand where they are coming from so I might present the gospel to them in a way they will understand. If you are studying other religions because you are unsure that Christianity is right, then you should not be a Christian. "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6). "But Jesus said to him, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God" " (Luke 9:62). See Cafeteria-Style Religion
