How important is being a member of a local church to you? Would you put it on your list of things necessary to do to be pleasing to God?
Sadly, many people believe that God is okay with them obeying the gospel plan of salvation and then isolating themselves from other Christians. They don’t view being a member of a local church as urgent and vital.
This thinking does not agree with the teaching of scripture! God’s will is for Christians to join a local church and be active in the work.
The local church is important to God.
- God created the universal church (Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:47; Ephesians 1:23; Colossians 1:18).
- He also created the concept of local churches. The local church is a plurality (group) of saints (Philippians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:1-2).
- The group has agreed to act as one (Acts 4:32).
- The group has agreed to submit to common leadership (Philippians 1:1).
- The group has agreed to pool their resources (1 Corinthians 16:2).
- The group has agreed to pool their talents (Romans 12:4-8).
- Paul established local churches throughout the ancient world and prioritized joining himself to one (Acts 9:26).
- God uses the local church to accomplish evangelism (Philippians 4:15; 1 Thessalonians 1:6-8).
- God uses the local church to accomplish accountability (Matthew 18:15-17; Galatians 6:1).
- God uses the local church as a tool to help Christians go to heaven (Galatians 6:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Hebrews 10:24-25).
The local church is important to you.
- You need what the local church provides for service (Romans 12:4-8).
- You need what the local church provides for accountability (Matthew 18:17).
- You need what the local church provides for shepherding (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Hebrews 13:17; Ephesians 4:11-12).
- You need what the local church provides for relationships (Acts 2:42, 46).
Conclusion:
Are you currently experiencing the blessings of being part of a local church?
