benefits of belonging to a local church

Because we reach out and show Christ better as part of a committed, stable community. 1:5) Word and sacrament (Rom. | And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied (Acts 19:6). Call the church office (904-642-2288) to register or use the Communication Card in your Sunday . Knowing those purposes is important for every believer. Jesus Himself was dedicated as an infant in the Lords temple. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them (Matthew 18:19-20). And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. showed that those who attended church have less of a chance of mortality. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? That gift was designed to be used in the local church. Introduction: We conclude our series this morning on the necessity of the local church. 7. Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? (Romans 6:3). When a church hosts an A.A. meeting, even though it has no programmatic oversight, churches still consider this as something the church is facilitating. The people we associate with will either pull us upwards towards positive transformation or pull us downwards towards negative or distracting patterns of thinking and behaving. Nancy Freeborne, DrPH, MPH, PA-C, has more than 30 years of expertise as a community health center director, clinician, university educator, and consultant. Her research focuses on social influences on health. As people get older, it becomes much more difficult to exercise regularly. In the book of Acts, we see that the Holy Spirit was poured out as the church gathered on Sunday to pray in one accord (Acts 2:1-4). The National Baptist Convention, for instance, has endorsed faith-based efforts at exercise, healthy eating, and combating the obesity epidemic. However, upon close examination, these meetings lack some of the key elements that constitute a biblical expression of the local church. Stay mindful and at peace with the ever-changing stream of consciousness. Then they asked him to stay a few days (Acts 10:44-48). We might not have had the Harry Potter series if it were not for the support of a church! This is an astounding promise for the local church. To be baptized is to become part of a particular local body. Then Peter answered, Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Throughout the Scripture, whenever Gods people would gather to worship, God promised a special manifestation of His presence. A purpose is a reason for being. Over the past few decades, researchers have suggested that religious activities promote good health. 4. Being part of a small group that meets weekly to eat, talk, and fellowship gives you the same loyalty and support that you would receive from family. I read somewhere this week that a person can love the church without loving Jesus, but it is virtually impossible to love Jesus and not love the Church. Peter replied, Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. We all need a roof over our heads. While it is certainly true that every believer is a king and priest unto God (1 Peter 2:9), Jesus never intended His church to do away with spiritual authority. There are two sides to church membership, and we cant keep others accountable for their good to a covenant we ourselves havent taken. When a person is mature enough to understand the gospel message, sense the conviction of the Holy Spirit for their sin, and believe for themselves in Jesus Christ, the church is to baptize them in water as soon as possible. It is the faith we offer in prayer that moves the heart of God to work on our behalf (Hebrews 11:6; 2 Corinthians 5:7; James 5:14-15; Mark 11:24). Activate and equip your own response team (s) in a way that gives team leaders login access to their own team dashboard and streamlines their ability to respond. 10:25). Not only are we less inclined to make firm commitments, but our cities and towns are much bigger, and church options more diverse. Committing to a single church honours the church by both giving and receiving. Hebrew 10:24 calls believers to 'consider one another in order to stir up love and good works" and 2 Timothy 3:16-17 emphasises the importance of teaching each other what God has revealed in Scripture so "that the man of God may . Important Truths about Believers Baptism: And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. While all of these things are wonderful tools that can supplement our spiritual development, none of them can replace Gods purpose for the local church. But whether you call it membership, partnership, or something else, the New Testament assumes some form of committed, accountable belonging as a reality for every true follower of Jesus. The ministers of the church conduct special services for the families and friends of those who die, and offer perspective and hope to the living. Often it is your presence in church and participation in worship by faith that sets the environment for the Holy Spirit to move in the service. The local church provides spiritual covering for people of God. You choose your friends because their ideas and style are similar to your own, God puts different people in a congregation so they can learn from each other. Orlando Saer puts it well: "The basic 'unit' of the church is the church itself, not some subdivision of it." Small . He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned (Mark 16:15-16). When we gather to hear a sermon each week, the Holy Spirit works through the gifts in the pastor to inspire our faith. Its true that the New Testament makes no direct argument for our modern concept of membership. Each Christian has a definite place of local belonging. This serves as both a symbol of the transfer of authority and an actual impartation of Gods grace to lead. Jesus is seated in heaven next to His Father in the same body that purchased our redemption (Hebrews 1:3; 12:2). And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. The other commands about how believers are to interact with "one another" essentially detail how that . As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby (1 Peter 2:2). | | It is our living source of communication with our Father. And convince them, rebuking and correcting, warning and urging and encouraging them, being unflagging and inexhaustible in patience and teaching (2 Timothy 4:2 AMP). A covering is not for the purpose of controlling or caging the people in its care. 23:11). Love doesnt say, I love these people and dont need to covenant with them. Rather, it says, I love these people enough to covenant with them.. In the Spirit-filled local church, God often speaks through the pastors message to address hidden problems or prepare the church for future events. Being a part of the Church family helps you feel socially accepted into a community. That would certainly not be for your benefit. (Hebrews 13:17, NLT, Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. In the Bible, the Church is described as a united community that is interdependent. Furthermore, the benefits go both ways, since supporting others also gives us a boost. It is a celebration of our relationship with Jesus and His familythe church. He was stating that Gods invisible kingdom would be unlocked on earth through the ministry of the visible church. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. Sibling rivalries have fractured families since Cain and Abel. Modern science was a result of Christian thinkers seeking to explore the physical world as an act of worship to God. The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? (1 Corinthians 10:16). He is present to minister to the needs of His family, so attending worship services is a selfless way in which your presence helps to create the environment God uses to move in the lives of others. One of the key benefits of being part of a church family is the opportunity for encouragement and teaching. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well (Romans 12:4-6 NLT). The support of friends and family can change an individuals physiology, leading to slightly fewer health risks. Through Baptism We Claim Our Sonship and Inheritance. There are many people today who have received God as their Father, love Jesus, and mistakenly think that they can grow spiritually without having to make any formal connection with the local church. When the church gathers to hear Gods Word, the Holy Spirit speaks through the pastor to equip Gods people to transform their lives. Paul taught that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). The authors of the study emphasized that social support and compassion as given or received in religious communities might have contributed to the positive outcomes. Track the number of kids served and total economic impact . Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:31-32 KJV). Everything God does has a purpose. A more peripheral benefit of church attendance is the way it connects us socially. Jesus was not just giving the keys of Gods kingdom to Peter or the first disciples. All of our resources exist to guide you toward everlasting joy in Jesus Christ. Brothers, if someone is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so you also wont be tempted. In the verses above, we see that they did not just attend services to hear teaching. Paul said, For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lords body (1 Corinthians 11:29). How to Use Music to Reconnect With a Dementia Patient, Cannabis, Depression, and Bipolar Disorder, 35 Years After My Brother's Suicide, I Give Thanks, 3 Reasons Why You Feel Overpowered by Your Partner, Always Wishing You Had a Better Life? Even in the early church, some were falling into the bad habit of not . Because most believers did not have personal copies of the available Scriptures, church meetings involved lots of Bible reading and teaching. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christs body. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership (1 Timothy 4:14). Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17). [Whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether it is welcome or unwelcome, you as preacher of the Word are to show people in what way their lives are wrong.] Together, as a believing community, we receive the forgiveness of sins, deliverance from evil, healing for our body and soul, protection from the enemy, and every other good thing that belongs to us in Christ Jesus. It is also a time of great emotion, as surviving family, friends, and co-workers endeavor to make the difficult adjustments of living their lives without their loved one. 2. Reviewed by Gary Drevitch. The body and blood of Jesus have a physical and spiritual reality. This is especially true if you have recently moved to a new town, or even just a new neighborhood. Much of what Paul told Timothy had to do with His teaching and preaching ministry. Main Other religious entities have encouraged initiatives that combat stress and improve healthy behaviors. You Ground your Discipleship. It places you under spiritual protection of godly leaders. No matter how long one has been a Christian, we never outgrow our need to be fed by our spiritual shepherd(s) by the living Word of God. The first Christians regularly met together to receive the Lords Supper. Because of technology, it is possible to watch church meetings online, listen to great teaching through electronic means, and interact with others on the internet. At Jesus baptism, John prophesied, Behold! If you belong to another church and visit us, I trust that you will benefit from the sermon because God's word is for all his people. And the whole community together serves to put Christ on display better than individual Christians alone. I will give You thanks in the great assembly; I will praise You among many people (Psalm 35:18). As believers lay aside their personal struggles and focus on God through music and song, Gods special presence begins to manifest in the church. " (Ephesians 5:21, NLT) NextSteps Membership Class will be offered August 17, 2014 from 4:30-7:00 p.m. Childcare is provided. I will declare Your name to My brethren; in the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You (Hebrews 2:12). Bernard sensed the Holy Spirit was speaking to me, he asked me to share what I was seeing in my heart with the congregation. Paul wrote Timothy two letters instructing him how to lead the church effectively. The love of God enfolds the believer through the experience, bringing comfort and assurance that they have died to sin and been raised with Jesus to a new life. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38 NLT). He wrote about the practices of the first believers: And on the day called Sunday, all who live in cities or in the country gather together to one place and memoirs [letters and gospels] of the apostles or the writings of the prophets [Old Testament Scriptures] are read, as long as time permits. He gives these gifts for use in the local church body. Once there, they may have to stand during prayers, sway slightly during songs, or even raise their . Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full (John 16:24). So, how does God work redemptively between siblings, and how might parents do their part to promote peace. They are referred to as the ministry gifts because Jesus personally chose, called, equipped, and sent them as gifts to minister to the local church. It identifies you as a genuine believer. That means that they have a certain spiritual, emotional, and natural force of influence. Most of us have raised eyebrows at some point about the concept of church membership. Known for his engaging and practical teaching style, he is the senior pastor of Abundant Life Christian Center, a culturally diverse church located in Syracuse, NY. Here are some of the ways joining a group and finding our "tribe" can improve our happiness and emotional resilience. Regardless of how long you have been a Christian or how gifted you may be, a believer should always seek to operate under the safety of a biblical spiritual covering in the local church. The reason some Christians neglect the local church is because they really dont understand its purpose in their lives. Spirit life and power. The notion of belonging to a local church having a dramatic impact on a person's faith is not new. Sometimes death occurs unexpectedly, prematurely, or painfully. The Bible teaches that we should pray both privately and with others. The opinions expressed on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent those of my employer. Through Holy Communion, we become aware of our real supernatural connection with others in the local church. All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lords Supper), and to prayerAnd all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they hadThey worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lords Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity (Acts 2:42, 44, 46 NLT). Some people imagine that their spiritual gifts are the same as their natural talents. | And because we owe all to Christ, we share all with one another: "If one . | Three Ways To Support Your Pastor's Wife . The benefits of attending church go far beyond the peace and comfort shared at a weekly service. Because the church is made up of people from all walks of life, it is important to build quality relationships with different people and open your heart to the diversity of age, race, gender, and social status that make up the body of Christ, the members of the church. Communion is a sacred event that demonstrates our ongoing fellowship and intimate connection with the body of Christ. Lets look at these purposes. Every believer needs to regularly hear the teaching and preaching of Gods Word in order to develop in faith and grow to spiritual maturity. He then explained, That is why many of you are weak and sick and some have even died (1 Corinthians 11:30 NLT). Praise the Lord! Church Requires Physical Movement. Friendships and the Community Many who attend church regularly have d e ep connections to their . The Greek term translated word in this verse is the word rhema which means that which is spoken in the moment. Paul was teaching that we need to be present to hear the inspired message of the preacher (Romans 10:14-15). In this way, Holy Communion enables the believerthrough the local churchto connect to the living benefits of Jesus sacrifice. It gives you the accountability you need to grow. Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands (2 Timothy 1:6). The Holy Spirit anoints the pastor to minister Gods word in such a way that it takes deep root in our hearts and minds. Just like a newborn requires the proper diet in order to grow physically, our spirits need the milk of Gods Word in order to develop into maturity. There is something powerful that happens when Gods people release their faith together in a public gathering. This event marked the moment the Holy Spirit anointed Jesus with power to preach, teach, heal, and perform miracles. Often the pastor will not know why he is being directed to say things in his message. Sometimes when church authorities lay hands on new leaders, God speaks through the gift of prophecy, giving encouragement and guidance to their lives. Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. The local church stands in Jesus place as the visible representation of the invisible God and His eternal kingdom. On Mothers Day, May 13th, 2001, I was a guest at my pastors church, Christian Cultural Center in New York City. Church attendance is not just a "good suggestion"; it is God's will for believers. The research team reported that the church had a relatively organized system for support, with formal ministry groups arranging visitation of the sick and shut-ins. Belonging to a group and feeling identified . Jesus taught the disciples, do this in remembrance of me (Luke 22:19). One of the most counter-cultural things you can do is become an engaged member of a faithful local church. In fact Jesus spent 3 and a half years training ministers for His Church, and Paul clearly understood that a biblical church required human leadership by specially called and gifted ministers (Eph. Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord (Acts 22:16). Carry one anothers burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:12, HCSB), Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Keep your sense of urgency [stand by, be at hand and ready], whether the opportunity seems to be favorable or unfavorable. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. By faithfully attending church and listening carefully to the messages that are preached, you will often discover that God is speaking into your life and preparing you for the challenges that lie just ahead. Hebrews 10:25 (NLT) Also, are there health benefits to be gained by participating in faith-based communities?
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