Finding a local Church and Staying Committed (3)
As part of that which you must consider in choosing a local church, we have Prayer and Attention to Evangelism.
Prayer:
Prayer is the key! Christianity without prayer is nothing but Child’s play. When choosing a local Church, ensure prayer is not sidelined. A non-praying Church cannot make you a praying believer. The scriptures are clear on prayer;
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you
Colossians 4:2 – Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
The phrases used for prayer are oftentimes in the present continuous tense. Prayer ought to be a mainstay in the local church. There must be well-known and structured prayer times when you not only pray individually but corporately as a Church. A sound local Church will not only teach you about prayer, it will show you how to pray and then make you pray.
4. Evangelism:
Jesus left the Church with a mandate. All the four gospel accounts made clear Jesus’ intent for us (individually and collectively)
Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
We are to make disciples of the message of the gospel. This is by evangelism.
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Again, the mandate is to reach the world with the gospel. This is what is called ministry. Ministry is to be actively engaged in preaching the gospel of Christ (See 2 Corinthians 5:15-18). The model of the early Church was to preach, get men saved and train them to be ministers of the gospel as well.
This is God’s divine blueprint for the Church. He envisions a church where evangelism isn’t a sideline activity but a passionate, purpose-driven endeavour. The church you choose should reflect the heartbeat of Jesus Christ who is the head of the church, prioritizing the mission to reach the lost (Matthew 28:18; Mark 16:15-20).
Daily Bible Reading Plan:
Bible Reading – Deuteronomy 21-23
TEACHING OF THE DAY
The New Testament Ministry (4)