“And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” – Ephesians 1:22.
A few years ago The Barna Group, a research organization that provides primary information on the state of the church in America, stated that while America is growing in its spirituality, 76 million adults regularly avoid going to church. “One-third of the adult population (34%) has not attended any type of church service or activity, other than a special event such as a funeral or wedding, during the past six months…Six out of ten unchurched people (62%) consider themselves to be Christian.” That last figure means that 47 million Christians do not claim membership in a local church, or if they do they just don’t attend.
The report went on to state that “The fact that 62% of unchurched people claim to be Christian is compounded by the fact that ‘in the eyes of these individuals, absence from church life does not indicate a lack of commitment to the Christian faith. Three out of four unchurched adults who consider themselves to be Christian (77%) contend that they are either absolutely or moderately committed to the Christian faith.” * That begs the question. Can a person truly be a Christian and not be a part of the local church? The answer is mostly “no.” Let me explain.
The word used for “church” in the New Testament is ekklesia. It literally means, “called out ones.” Those who are “called out” of the world to form God’s church on the earth. The word is used in the New Testament 77X and this might surprise you, but the vast majority of the time it refers to a local church. In the few times it is used in a universal sense, it always refers to God’s church worldwide with Jesus Christ as the head.
Now what’s the advantage of belonging to a local church. Why can’t you just go it alone? Just Jesus and you? Well, perhaps you will consider these points? When you belong to a local church:
• You become a participant rather than a spectator.
• You belong to something bigger than yourself.
• You are identified with a local church body that loves Jesus Christ.
• You live out your life as a disciple as you learn about God.
• You commit to others to stand with them in your Christian life.
• You minister to others as God develops your spiritual gifts.
My friends your local church family would love to see you this weekend. Why not make it a point to see them as well?
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
Maranatha!
Pastor Don
* https://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=BarnaUpdate&BarnaUpdateID=185
