Week 15 - 09/04/2007 - God designed the Church to BE the answer. Some words from Charles Spurgeon.
 Why should we join a church? Because by committing ourselves in that way we will help to fulfill our purpose as a Christian. It seems pretty obvious from these biblical metaphors of building stones and body parts that the Christian life was not meant to be lived alone. As a Christian, we were designed and created by God, not for a life of individuality and self-will, but to play our part in the spiritual building called the church. And as any police officer will tell you, individual bricks that are left lying around, unattached to a building, are more often used for vandalism and burglary, than for their intended purpose.
With that in mind, consider the words of Charles Spurgeon regarding the obligation of every Christian to unite with a church in membership:
"I know there are some who say, 'Well, I have given myself to the Lord, but I do not intend to give myself to any church.'"
"Now, why not?"
"Because I can be a Christian without it."
There is a brick. What is it made for? To help build a house. It is of no use for that brick to tell us that it is just as good a brick while it is kicking about on the ground as it would be in the house. It is a good-for-nothing brick.
Lets answer our purpose, be the living stones built into the foundation.
If we desire to be used by Christ in the building of His body the church, then carefully and prayerfully find, connect and be part of a local body of believers with whom to unite in membership. There, in the committed relationship of a local church, we can be protected from the deceitfulness of sin. There we can be fully obedient to the Law of Christ, enabling and encouraging others to be obedient as well. And there we can "work out your own salvation" in the manner described in the pages of God's Word.
Lets be part of the Church that God said HE would build.
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