SIX REASONS TO BE A MEMBER OF A LOCAL CHURCH
Every Christian should be a member an active member of a Bible-teaching local church. Here are a few of the reasons why you should be a committed member of a solid, Bible-teaching local church.
You follow the pattern set forth in the New Testament. Although the word “membership” is itself not used, the principle is present in the New Testament. For example, most of our NT books are letters that were written to specific groups of people who had chosen to identify themselves with Christ and each other. The word “church” is almost always used to refer to a specific group of people who in some ways had committed themselves to serving the Lord and one another in the same ministry location. Numbers were know (Acts 1:15, 2:41, 4:4), rolls were kept (1 Tim. 5:9), servants (deacons) were selected (Acts 6:2-5), discipline was practiced (1 Cor. 5:12-13), worship was corporate (1 Cor. 14:23), and shepherds knew for whom they were responsible (Heb.13:17). If you are a part of the body of Christ by virtue of repentant faith in Jesus Christ then you should make that association visibly known through church membership.
You have a greater opportunity to use your spiritual gifts. At the moment of your conversion the Holy Spirit came to live inside you (1 Cor. 6:19). When He did this, He brought along spiritual gift(s) that He sovereignly chose for you to possess for the blessing of the church (1 Cor. 12:7, 11). As we use our gifts, we are being good stewards of the manifold grace of God (1 Pet. 4:10). Spiritual gifts are given for the edifying (building up) of the body of Christ, which is visibly seen in the local church. Unity in doctrine, purity of life, and submissive accountability to one another and leaders are necessary for a healthy Christian life. The process of becoming a member also gives the existing leadership the opportunity to discern one’s agreement in doctrine, ministry purpose, and goals; thus enabling them to know where best you may serve.
You become a more committed part of a spiritual family. Joining a local church demonstrates a certain level of commitment. It shows you want to become more than a bystander, that you want to be involved in ministry.
I will share the other three points next week. God bless you and Ahava.
Bro. Mike
Comments