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The Christian's Duty To The Local
Church
The Church of Christ is an institution from God. It was established at the command
of Christ, and it was purchased with the blood of Christ. This body wears the
name of Christ. The fact that it is a spiritual organization makes it a sacred
possession of God.
As Christians, we are blessed to be added to the church that He died for. This
happens when we obey the gospel message of belief, repentance, confession, and
baptism. As soon as we do this, we are saved from our sins and are added to
the body of Christ. We are baptized into one body (1 Corinthians 12:13). As
we begin our new life, we should cherish what God has done for us. We must realize
that along with the privilege of membership in this body, responsibilities are
placed upon each of us.
As we build upon our new relationship with God and Christ, we need to build
relationships with God's people in our local area. We must learn to love the
church and the members of the church. In truth, the members are the church in
a local sense. We are all members of the body of Christ throughout the world
who obey Christ and His teachings (Matthew 7:21-23). We must love this church
so much that we would be willing to sacrifice for it.
Anyone who does not recognize the importance of the church will not treat it
as sacred and special. We are commanded to keep the church pure. Such purity
comes from application of the truth of God's word. Such truth must always be
of supreme importance in the church. Otherwise it becomes nothing more than
a social club.
In order to understand my duty to the church, I must study God's word to learn
all about His church. I must know why it exists and how it came into existence.
I must realize that the purpose of the church is to help people get to heaven.
This is done through evangelism and edifying those who are saved. Encouragement
is a large part of edification. Bible study helps us also.
Along with the love I should hold towards the church, I must also try to be
a worker in the church. While there are physical matters that need tending to,
there is much in the work of the church that all members should participate
in. Promoting the church is one thing you can do. Tell others about the church.
Tell them how much you love your brethren, and how much they love you. Tell
how the worship service lifts your soul so as to feel the presence of God in
your life.
We should feel that there is no task too lowly that we cannot do something.
Greeting visitors makes them feel welcome. They just might see how much love
can be offered to them by God's people, and thusly see the great love of God
towards them.
As a member, we should know that we are expected to help the church grow and
fulfill the work of the church. Evangelism is a work of the church. If we do
not do it, there are people who do go preach. These people need financial support.
If we have a church building, there are utilities to be paid, advertising, lawn
maintenance that needs money to do these things. I must support financially
the local church as I have the ability and the purpose in my heart to give.
I must defend the church against error, false teaching, those who rebuke her,
and those who choose not to serve God His way. And I will not desert her myself.
So much more could be said, so think about this.
By Carey Scott.
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