Okay, now we are on to the REASONS given in the Bible for a person to join themselves to a local congregation.  I am still using Dr. Whitney’s work and summarizing what he explains more fully.  Here are his “Top Nine”:

#9  PROVES YOU ARE NOT ‘CHICKEN’

In Mark 8:38, Jesus said clearly that he would not identify with anyone at the Judgment who was ashamed to be identified with him on this earth. Joining a church and choosing an association with God’s people is one of the clearest, most visible ways a person can be publicly identified with Christ.  Simply put - we join a local church out of obedience to Christ.

#8  MAKES YOU ACCOUNTABLE AND PROTECTED

In Matthew 18:15-17 and Galatians 6:1-4, a pattern for accountability and support within the body of Christ is established.  We live out the “one another’s” of the New Testament in the context of a defined community of faith where are responsible to and for one another.  None of us can live for Christ separate from the other believers.  There are times when we need to be encouraged or even rescued and times when we need to help with the rescue effort of another.

#7  STRENGTHENS YOUR ABILITY TO WITNESS

It is clear that our shared responsibility is to reach the lost for Christ.  We call that “witnessing” and it is a team sport!  While the Lord may bring a person into the life of one member of the body, it is all our responsibility to love them and introduce them to Jesus.  He said, by this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.  On Christian loving and caring for someone is comforting, while a group of people reaching out to and loving someone is downright powerful.

#6  ABLE TO USE YOUR GIFTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL
In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul describes each member as uniquely empowered by the Holy Spirit so they can serve the rest and meet a specific need within the whole body of Christ. Working as “one” not only serves the needs of the many but it makes the work of the whole more effective.  When you join yourself to a local body, you offer something to them that no one else is able to provide.

#5  MAKES THE BODY OF CHRIST VISIBLE
As the church goes from the spiritual and theoretical to the visible and tangible she then stands as proof of God and His work in the world.  Now you are the body of Christ and each one of you is a part of it (1 Corinthians 12:27).  Many people are cynical and skeptical about people who claim faith ... living your faith publicly and as part of a local church is a visible witness to others.

#4  BRINGS BALANCE TO YOUR OWN LIFE

You are able to participate in something bigger than yourself.  As you participate with the whole body, then you are on the receiving end of ministry that you could not secure for yourself. Ephesians 4:11-16 describes some of the different roles played by people within the local church.  As each part does its work and blesses the whole then together we experience the benefit of a more fully orbed spiritual life … with some teaching, praying, encouraging, giving, going, cooking, caring, etc.  We ate only the body when we stand and live together.

#3  PROVES YOUR COMMITMENT

Ephesians 4:6 says, from him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.  The reality is that many people choose to behave as spiritual hitchhikers rather than engage the responsibility of personal auto ownership.  Think about it, hitchhikers don’t have to worry about a car payment, insurance, traffic laws, renewing their license, none of that stuff.  It is simply a “free ride.”  Unfortunately, many people approach their faith in the same way.  And I can see why!  No commitment, no responsibility … just show up and receive.  However, mature faith looks at what it can give and not what it can receive.  The scripture is replete with verse that call God’s children to love, care and provide for one another.

#2  HELPS NEW BELIEVERS GET STARTED

As pastor, I am unapologetic about challenging every new Christian to publicly confess their faith in Christ, be scripturally baptized, and join a local church where they are connected to a small Bible study group and find a place of ministry to the rest of the church.  This is God’s prescription and it is what is best for EVERY Christian.  So, when you … as a committed follower of Christ … join yourself in membership, you are providing an example and model for those younger in the faith.  As we examined in the Sermon two Sunday’s ago, Hebrews 10:24-25 says: And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities, not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching.(AMP)

#1  ENCOURAGES OTHER CHRISTIANS

On this same idea of encouraging other people, your choice to join encourages the faithful who are already committed to that fellowship.  Yesterday, a young woman came forward at the end of the worship service to tell everyone she had received Christ and to ask for baptism and church membership.  My wife Rachel had the privilege of praying with her to receive Christ earlier in the week but there was a “posse” of friends who came to the front with her on Sunday because they had been praying for her, encouraging her and were so excited that she had made that decision.  Our choices have a ripple affect, like a stone thrown into a pond.  What we say and do impacts many other people.  When we join a local church, it is an encouragement and a blessing to others.

I hope this blog helps and encourages you.  God bless you, have a great week.

Pastor Paul