Ephesians 3:9-10 Says that ...."God created all things through Jesus Christ: to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be known by the Church to the principalities and powers in heavenly places...
Church is not man's idea, but God's Idea.
As Christians we are to realize that the Church is at the very centre of God's will and purpose, and that God has only had one eternal purpose that He has been working toward for all eternity - The Church.
While God has been working toward one purpose since the beggining of time, it is going to be through the church that His ultimate purpose is going to be realized.
Ephesians 3:8-11
The word "Church" comes from the Greek word "ekkesia", which in it's simplest definition means "The Called out ones."
If you are a Christian, by accepting God's Gift of Salvation "Jesus Christ", then you are part of His Church, and a member of His body, therefore there are some benefits awaiting you in the Local Church, that you can only receive when you become an active member of the Body.
Some of these blessed benefits are:
1. TRUE FELLOWSHIP WITH THE LORD AND OTHER BELIEVERS.
A New Covenant Relationship.
2. FULLFILLMENT THROUGH SERVICE
John 16:24 ... that your joy may be full ...
3. SPIRITUAL WELFARE AND PROTECTION CARE OVER YOUR LIFE AND FAMILY
Psalm 34:7 The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.
4. POWER TO LIVE BY - DISCIPLINE, CORRECTION AND ADJUSTMENT.
Mathew 18:19 Amp. Again I tell you, if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, together make a symphony) about anything and everything - whatever they shall ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in Heaven. Galatians6:1/ 1Thessalonians5:12-14/ Titus2:1-10
5. COMPLETE PROSPERITY - TITHES AND OFFERINGS, WITH THE RESULT THAT GOD OPENS THE WINDOWS OF HEAVEN TO POUR OUT HIS BLESSING
Phillipians 4:19 ...God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
6. A SECURE FUTURE
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
7. RECEIVING LIFE THROUGH THE MINISTRY OF OTHER MEMBERS.
Ephesians 4:16/ James5:14
8. RECEIVING LIFE THROUGH THE COMMUNION TABLE, AND DISCERNING THE BODY.
1 Corinthians 11:17-34
Although an adherent to the local church is cared for by the leadership, one cannot expect to receive ALL the BLESSINGS AND BENEFITS of the Lord's Church when one is not willing to be commited to the RESPONSSIBILITIES of MEMBERSHIP. Commitment to the responssibilities of church membership opens the door to receiving and partaking in ALL THE BLESSINGS of MEMBERSHIP.
| : : Responssibilities for Church Membership. |