AVIZANDUM: Why Church Membership

Avizandam In Scots law, this term describes the careful consideration given by the judge before an important decision. Join me each week as we explore various topics from a spiritual perspective and take matters. Avise endum We sometimes hear the platitude, you can be a Christian without going to church. I suppose in one sense that is true. The gospel is believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

and you will be saved. But in another sense the platitude is very misleading. It's similar to say that you can be a husband without living at home with your family. The Church of Jesus Christ, I want us to understand, belongs to Christ. He said, I will build my church.

So the assembly of believers, the church, is not the idea of the denomination or a committee, But rather, the church is ordained by God. Several of the epistles in the New Testament are addressed to churches. Being made in the image of the Triune God, Those saved by the grace of God are not to live isolated lives, but rather are to grow in a community of believers. God gives us marriage. He gives us society and the Church of Jesus Christ.

What is Jesus Christ presently doing in the world? He's building his church. That doesn't refer to a building. or a denomination. The word church in the New Testament most frequently refers.

to a local gathering of believers of Jesus Christ. People of God are gathered out of the world and gathered to the person of our Lord Jesus Christ. Membership in the Biblical sense is not just having your name on a church roll. But is a dynamic relationship with other believers as well as with the Lord.

So Paul writes to the Corinthians. In First Corinthians chapter twelve, verse twenty seven.

Now you are the body of Christ, and individually you are. Members of it. Praise God that He's given us the church. God's new society. Paul writes that Christ loved the church.

Christ purchased the Church with His own blood.

So, the love of Jesus Christ is not just for individuals, it's for his church. And he demonstrates his love for the church. not only in giving his life for her, but also in tenderly caring for the Church. and one glorious day. Our Lord Jesus will return for His Church.

which will be presented to him in splendour. without spot or wrinkle or any such thing.

So I realize it's easy to point out the failures and the shortcomings of any local church.

Some people seem to specialize in this and have great glee by saying. This church or that church has some problems. But Jesus Christ loves us. In the Church He is in our midst. And he's preparing for his church a future Presentation.

In our society, There are all kinds of barriers, prejudices, and elitist attitudes. which prevent us from knowing one another. But the Church of Jesus Christ embraces all those who love Christ. in the church, all human barriers and Prejudices have been demolished by our Lord. And now we understand.

that the Christian life In his church is not all about us as individuals. but rather we are to love one another. Serve one another. bear one another's burdens, forgive one another, show hospitality to one another, and so on. Every authentic follower of Jesus Christ.

Should be a member. of a church. In the church, we invite others to help us in our spiritual life, to pray for us, to encourage us. To admonish us, to help us be all that God intends for us. We submit to the leadership of the Church.

So membership demonstrates a commitment to a local body of believers.

Okay. in the church. We're linking arms and hearts with other believers. in responsible commitment and fellowship. Yeah.

Christ is building his church. and the very gates of hell will not prevail against her. and one of the greatest blessings of the Christian life. is to be a growing member of a church. Which honours Christ.

which worships our great God, which is devoted to the Apostles' teaching. and the fellowship. to the breaking of bread and prayers. as Luke writes in Acts chapter 2 verse 42. Don't despise the church.

Don't ignore the church of Jesus Christ. Because today Christ continues to build his church. Alexander. You're listening to the weekly Avizandam podcast from The Verdict, featuring Pastor John Monroe. John is Senior Pastor at Calvary Church in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Listen to John's daily program, The Verdict, on broadcast radio or major podcast platforms. For more information about the Verdict Ministry, visit us online at calvarychurch.com slash the verdict.