In fact, we could say Ephesians answers this question: What is the church? 4 good reasons it’s important to be part of a local church: 1) We tend to drift spiritually when not connected relationally. Members of the universal church should seek fellowship and edification in a local church. The universal church is comprised of everyone who belongs to Christ. The New Testament was written to local churches to deal with matters that arose within local churches. According to research, church attendance has remained virtually the same percent of our national population for the past 70 years, however, this still means there are a huge number of American Christians who are not active in a local church - in the tens of millions. A Christian cannot meaningfully read and engage the Bible, specifically the New Testament, without being overwhelmed by the importance and the necessity of the local church! We have seen one another in good days and on bad days.
Why does Jesus say that we are ministering to Him when we minister to other people?
Every Christian should join a church because Scripture requires it. The word of God, ever relevant, speaks directly into this situation and, in our church, we have found it helpful to have printed onto a banner the Message version of Paul’s words in Ephesians 2:19-20 : ” … A church is not required for salvation and spiritual growth, but without it, both become more challenging. Church membership – the importance of belonging One of the greatest privileges of my life is to have been a member of a church and to be in fellowship with the same people over a period of time. So, the first reason why it is to be the norm or the expected rule for Christians to belong to a local church is the New Testament was almost… These groups talk about life and support each other. Active involvement in your local church is imperative to living a life without compromise. Like a branch that grows because of its connection to the tree, we thrive when we stay connected to the church.
What roles of the church does Jesus describe in this parable? If you attend a local church community and get involved in some way (join a small group or bible study where people will know you), then you will feel more connected.
Five Benefits To Belonging To A Local Church 1. Community. What does this imply concerning your involvement in a local church? There are many benefits of belonging to a local church.
This might even be the biggest benefit. In Ephesians 2:19–22, the chief metaphor Paul uses is that of a building—the household of God. It identifies you as a genuine believer. We have seen one another’s children grow up with all the difficulties and joys that brings. This is both an opportunity and a challenge for the local church to respond to. They were local churches.
“ So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow... 2. It is only through the ministry of the local church that a believer can receive the kind of teaching, accountability, and encouragement that is necessary for him to stand firm in his convictions.