THE L0CAL CHURCH NEEDS YOU!

Richard Kirkland

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24,25).

Are you a faithful Christian? Do you expect to go to heaven when you die? Are you a faithful member of the local congregation where you attend? Do you attend the worship services regularly? All of them? Does your faithfulness stir up others to love and good works? Or, does your unfaithfulness tempt others to also forsake the assembling of the saints together?

Just “going to church,” sitting through a service without a genuine spiritual participation and fellowship with other Christians is admittedly insufficient. But to willfully forsake the assembly of the local church is a direct violation of the command of God.

Some Christians want to be “Christians at large.” They never identify with a local congregation and give it their support and encouragement. The “float about” from one place to another without ever becoming anchored anywhere. They never make a significant investment of their time or energy to any one congregation. They do not contribute to the overall strength of the church.

Every Christian needs to recognize that the church exists universally only because it exists locally. Every Christian must be a part of a local congregation and owes that congregation his loyalty and support. He should do his best to attend every service (including Wednesdays) of the local church. His faithful attendance demonstrates his love for the local church and his submission to her elders. His absence should be rare indeed! In fact, the entirety of the Christian’s life should be arranged to accommodate, as much as is possible, the work of God that is being done through the local church.

No Christian can truly be a faithful Christian who does not make a commitment to the local church of which he is a part. You cannot be a faithful Christian, one who expects to go to heaven, if you do not do your best to support the local church. It is the local church that needs your prayers, your encouragement, your service, your godly influence, your presence, your support and your contributions. And you need the local church!