I have met a countless amount of Christians who do not belong to a local church. When I ask them why- the answer varies depending on the individual. Some say things like: "I don't gotta go to no church, it's between me and God" or "we are the church- you and me- we are having fellowship right now". It only takes a few seconds of carefully examining these statements to see that these comments are not only illogical but unbiblical. And remember, if you claim to be a Christian, it should be a desire of yours to be biblical. Now, I am sensitive to the fact that there are Christians who do not live within a driving distance of a church that preaches the pure gospel of our Lord. I understand this. At the same time- I have met Christians who will not attend a church unless that church is in total agreement with all of their theological convictions. And lets be honest, it is almost impossible to find a church that is in perfect alignment with your theology. I know folks, theology is important. But there is a great blessing (and command) in belonging to a local church. This is where God has chosen to demonstrate His glory throughout all generations (take that Harold Camping).
"To Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."- Ephesians 3:21
The real reason some do not want to belong to a local church is due to this individualistic, I can do it all by myself, I don't want anyone telling me what to do mentality. And lets be honest, some churches do go up and beyond what the bible demands of its members (this is legalism). But this is not all churches. This idea of maverick Christians floating around is found missing in the New Testament. Remember most Epistles were written to churches, if not churches, they were written to overseers on matters of the church (e.g., Timothy, Titus). Now, there is no command in the scriptures that says "Ye shall attend a church". Certainly not in those words. But it is certainly implied and assumed that believers ought to belong to a visible church.
17Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account.Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.- Hebrews 13:17
7Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.- Hebrews 13:7
Christian, who are your leaders? Do you have them?
God has appointed these in the church (1 Cor 12:28). For building up "the body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-12). Elders were appointed in every church (Acts 14:23). And they are over you (1 Thess 5:12-13). They are to be considered of double honor, those who preach and teach (1 Tim 5:17).
These verses only make sense if you are under a church. Christ has not left us to wander alone under the instruction of a televangelist 300 miles away. He has given us a church which we are called to not forsake (Hebrews 10:25).
Further, how do all the verses in the N.T about church discipline make sense if one does not belong to a church? Jesus set the church as the ultimate authority in matters of dispute between two brothers.
15 If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them,tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.-Matthew 18:15-17
Paul reinforces this idea in 1st Corinthians 5. He is combating sexual immorality in the church in Corinth.
11But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. 12For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? 13God judges those outside. "Purge the evil person from among you."
How can the evil person be purged from among you if there is no visible Church?
Here as some more verses to show that the N.T believers came together as a church: Acts 2:1, Acts 4:31, Acts 11:26, Acts 20:7, Rome 1:15, Rom 16:5, 1 Corinthians 14:23, 1 Cor 11:18, 14:9. And there are plenty others, one just needs to open up his N.T to see them.
So believer, do you belong to a church? Are you under those whom Christ has apointed to watch over your soul? Are you under a church where you and others can be disciplined if there is a need? And if you do belong to a church, are you attending weekly? Do you pray for the brethren? Do you pray for your pastors?
With so many churches around- many may ask themselves- how do we know what is a good church? Well, I believe the Belgic Confession answers this in the twenty-ninth article:
"The true church can be recognized if it has the following marks: The church engages in the pure preaching of the gospel; it makes use of the pure administration of the sacraments as Christ instituted them; it practices church discipline for correcting faults. In short, it governs itself according to the pure Word of God, rejecting all things contrary to it and holding Jesus Christ as the only Head. By these marks one can be assured of recognizing the true church-- and no one ought to be separated from it."
If you are looking for a church- contact me and I will help you find one.
In Christ, Awretchsaved
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