4. Joining a Local Church

Now that you have become a Christian you will have a lot of beliefs and interests in common with other Christians. You will want to get to know them, ask them questions, to be with them. This is because you all have the same Holy Spirit in you. Rom. 8:9. As your relationship with them develops you will find it goes deeper than a friendship or being a club member, it becomes a family {spiritual} where they will care for you, encourage you and build you up. You will enjoy worshiping with them, begin to want to work with them and even serve them. This is a good family atmosphere, you will be fed, find balance and grow up properly. The Local Church plays a vital role in our Christian life. Our active participation will make it more effective. Christians are told to meet together for worship and instruction. Heb. 10:25

What Church should I Join?

That’s a fair question; there are so many different ones.

Some are dry and dull, others are too emotional, and others are just after your money. Our advice is to attach yourself to a Christian Church that:-

1. Believes that salvation is by Christ alone, not by works or a church.

2. Believes that salvation is by God’s grace alone, with no help from us.

3. Believes that scripture is the word of God alone.

4. Keep the two ordinances of the Faith, they are believers baptism and the Lord’s table.

6. Keeps Christ and His word central and God is glorified in the midst.

7. Will care and minister to you and your family.

8. Has the five finger prints of a Church which are (a) Evangelism, (b) Teaching, (c) Fellowship, (d) Breaking of Bread, (e) Prayer. Acts 1:8, 2:42.

 

Why Join a Local Church?

1. The local church belongs to your saviour, he calls it MY CHURCH. Matt.16: 18. He loves her and wants to be where she is, so should we. It’s his special treasure and she will spend eternity with him. Eph. 5:22-27.

2. The local church provides many of our spiritual needs. The Lord’s people will be eager to help you, pray with and for you. James 5: 16; Col.1: 9 God gave teachers and evangelists to build you up and bring you to maturity and stability. Eph. 4:11-16. This will help to strengthen your faith as you grow towards maturity. Rom.10: 17; 1Pet. 2:2.

3. The church is called the body of Christ and we become members of it when we are saved. 1Cor. 12: 13. That means we have a function in the body. Regardless of what part you are, you are needed to make it complete. We are to serve each other, be devoted to one another in brotherly love and give preference to one another in honour. Rom. 12: 4-13; 1Cor. 12:21, 26-27, Eph. 4: 4, 5:23.

4. The church needs your involvement. Belonging to a local assembly of God’s people with a commitment to that body gives you a sense of identity and protection. You have the same enemies to fight against, the world system, the Devil and the flesh or old life style. You are to use your talents and gifts to build up and encourage the brethren. 1 Thess. 5:11, Heb. 3:13. It would be of great encouragement to let the leaders know that you respect them, pray for them and support them. 1Thess.5: 12-13. Giving to God’s work is to care for it and to enhance it. 2 Cor. 9: 6-7, 1Cor. 16:2.

 

Identity is Important.

As you go on in the Christian life you will grow from babyhood through infancy through adolescence and on to maturity, each stage will bring new challenges, new adventures as well as new problems and pressures. This is when we get great benefits from belonging to a local group of Christians. Support for each other and the various ministries of our church through prayer, service and giving will encourage us all and be a positive action in promoting God’s work locally and world wide. We do once again encourage you to attach yourself to a local group of Bible believing Christians.

 

Questions.

True or False?

  1. It is not necessary to go to church. Heb.10: 25
  2. You don’t need order in the church. Acts 1:8; 2:42; 1Cor.13: 40
  3. The only two biblical ordinances are Baptism and the Lords Table.
  4. The church belongs to the Pastor or Bishop. Matt.16: 18
  5. We need to pray for each other in the church. Jas.5: 16
  6. I don’t need anybody to help me in the Christian life. Rom. 12:3- 16; Eph.4: 11-16
  7. I become a member of the church when I am baptized. 1Cor. 12: 13; Eph.2: 4-9.
  8. The church needs me to function within it. 1Thess. 5: 11; Heb.3: 13
  9. I don’t have to respect or appreciative church leadership. 1Thess. 5:12-13 Heb.13: 7,17.
  10. I should support the church with my finance. 2Cor. 9: 6-7; 16: 2.

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