Finding a local Church and Staying Committed (2)
As we have begun exploring, when choosing a local church, Spiritual growth should be your topmost priority. The decision should be approached not as a casual choice but as a deliberate step towards strengthening your faith and following God’s plan for your life. The Bible clearly states the function of Ministry gifts which God placed in His Church;
Ephesians 4:11-14;
[11] So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, [12] to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up [13] until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
All of these will happen in and through the Local Church. If you will grow, then your choice of a local church must not be unwholesome. Here are some things that you should set on your priority list when choosing a local church:
1. The Emphasis on Spiritual Growth:
Do you desire to mature in your faith? If your answer is yes, your choice of a local church should be one that places a premium on teaching God’s Word with depth and clarity. Quick fixes and fanfare cannot replace proper teaching of God’s word. It’s essential to find a spiritual family where you’re not just another face in the crowd, but where there is a structure in place to help you grasp the entire counsel of God’s word. The reality is that your greatest need upon salvation is spiritual growth. See Peter in 1 Peter 2:2
Spiritual growth is a function of your understanding of Jesus Christ—His identity, His work on your behalf, and the life you have been called into upon salvation. This is the primary context and boundary of the local church.
2. A culture of loyalty to Sound doctrine and the Written Word:
Paul writes Timothy in his letter and bares out the essence of the scriptures;
2 Timothy 3:16 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness
The scriptures are for teaching. The Bible ought to be a guide manual for every local Church. As such, when you choose, choose a local assembly that is given to the teaching of God’s word and the practice of the same. In teaching, spiritual growth will happen. Much more, in sound teaching, you are able to learn and discern what is true from what is almost true and what is right from that which is almost right.
Paul to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:13 Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
Sound doctrine is the life of the gospel. Jesus warns against falsehood and instructs against it. So did Paul and many of the writers in the epistles. What is taught matters and can have profound impacts on your life and ministry. A sound local Church must teach you the Bible, show you how to study the Bible, encourage you to study the Bible, and ensure you’re studying your Bible. In the words of Shane Pruitt, Avoid Churches that Avoid the Bible and get into Churches that get into the Bible.
Have a Blessed day!
Daily Bible Reading Plan:
Bible Reading – Deuteronomy 17-20
TEACHING OF THE DAY
Love in our Christian meetings (4)