We are members of God’s church.
We are not simply on a list, or attend a certain number of church services per month or year, it means that you serve as a vital part of the functioning of that body.
On Sunday, when pastor Dave mentioned how formal churches like the one we attend only came about later at the time of constantine, shows that I at least have a slightly distorted view of what the church really is. It’s the community of followers of Christ who serve the Lord together and support each other in a loving family. Not just the big building where we can go.
God expects us to be part of a church, a community of believers. He designed it so that it would operate that way. If I am not part of one then I am not doing it the way God wanted because we were designed for fellowship.
- A church family shows you are a genuine believer – Others can identify that we belong to something.
- A church family moves you out of self-centered isolation – You have to be part of the church, not operate alone.
- A church family helps you develop spiritual muscle – You cannot learn about love and community by simply being a loner, the church is the place to learn more about God.
- The body of Christ needs you – They need you because God made you with special talents and gifts that were designed to be used in the Church.
- You will share in Christ’s mission in the world – As God’s chosen vehicle to spread the word into the world, the church is vital for spreading the word of God to those who do not know.
- A church family will keep you from backsliding – Accountability, although not often liked in this modern world, keeps us in check, keeps us from falling into those temptations that are everywhere around us. It keeps us on track with God.
I think the 5 purposes of the church are good to mention here. Worship helps you focus on God, fellowship helps you to face life’s problems, discipleship helps fortify your faith, ministry helps find your talents, evangelism helps fulfill your mission.
So, does your level of involvement in the church show your love and commitment to God’s family?
I’ll leave that to you.