Why Participate in Your Local Church
Christians sometimes fail to see the need to be active in a specific local church. God’s word gives many passages that refer to local churches (congregations) in specific localities (Acts 8:1, 13:1; Romans 16:1; 1st Corinthians 1:2; 2nd Corinthians 1:1; 1st Thessalonians 1:1; 2nd Thessalonians 1:1; Colossians 4:16; etc.). The question to consider hen is: How important is church attendance? May we please God just by being a Christian in general, without recognizing any responsibility to attend a particular local church despite God’s command to do so (Ref. Hebrews 10:24-25) and the benefits associated with attendance?
Many Christians without asking if church attendance is required or needful, just feel church attendance is unnecessary. Could it be that they really do not want to know the answer? Let us start examining if church attendance is required or necessary by finding out what exactly is the “Church.” The Bible refers to two types of Church. They are not called by these names but the implication is clear.
1. The Church invisible. Denotes the entire body of redeemed who God has foreseen as becoming redeemed but have not yet believed and all those whom the Father has given to Christ who have gone on before us (cf. 1st Thessalonians 4:17; Hebrews 11:5, 29, 12:1; Revelation 6:9).
2. The Church visible, Universal or Local. Consists of all those throughout the world that profess true faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:23-29; Hebrews 12:23). It is called “visible” because its members are known and its assemblies are public. God has commanded His people to organize themselves into distinct visible ecclesiastical communities, with constitutions, laws, and officers, badges, ordinances, and discipline, for the great purpose of giving visibility to His kingdom. It makes known the Gospel of that Kingdom, and for gathering in all its elect subjects. Each one of these distinct organized communities which is faithful to the great King is an integral part of the universal visible church. A credible profession of the true religion constitutes a person as a member of this church.
There is several meanings throughout the scriptures. For the word “church.” In the Old Testament the word “Church” is not found. Words like “Tabernacle,” “Tent of Meeting,” “Temple,” “House of God,” “House of the Lord,” “House of Prayer,” “Synagogue,” “Courts,” “Zion” even the word “Congregation” and “Assembly” were used for the gathering to a certain place (structure), a visible place where people assembled to worship God and to hear and receive from Him.
In the New Testament the word “Church” (Greek ἐκκλησία - ekklēsia) is found 116 times as “church,” “Churches.” The word “assembly or assembling” - ἐπισυναγωγὴν or ἐπισυναγωγή episunagoge (noun), episunagōgēn (verb). Means the society of Christians. This Greek word (the noun) is used nowhere else in the New Testament, except in 2nd Thessalonians 2:1, where it is rendered “gathering together.” The verb is used in Matthew 23:37, 24:31; Mark 1:33, 13:27; Luke 12:1, 3:34, all rendered “gathered together.” Also used is the Greek word “συνάγω – sunago” (verb), used in Matthew 18:20, 26:3, 57, 28:12, John 20:19, Acts 4:31, 11:26. These two verbs properly means an act of assembling, or a gathering together, and is nowhere used in the New Testament in the sense of an particular assembly, or church. The command, then is, to meet together for the worship of God, and it is directed at Christians as an important duty to obey. It implies that there is blame or fault where this is “neglected.” To summarize the “church” is;
A. an assembly of Christians gathered for worship in a religious meeting
B. a company of Christian, or of those who, hoping for eternal salvation through Jesus Christ, observe their own religious rites, hold their own religious meetings, and manage their own affairs, according to regulations prescribed for the body for order’s sake (A and B are the church visible)
C. the whole body of Christians who are scattered throughout the earth who have not believed as yet.
D. the assembly of faithful Christians already dead and received into heaven (C and D are the church invisible)
One of the biggest excuses so called Christians make is that they are believers but do not go to Church. They would prefer to remain as individual believers belonging only to the invisible Church. My question to those want-a-be invisible Christians (I use the term Christians very loosely) is, where do you see any
indication of that anywhere in God’s word. I dare say you do not! What you do see however is the opposite (Ref. Hebrews 10:24-25). Also, how is it possible to remain part of the invisible church and still be a believer who has accepted Jesus as Lord? By receiving Him as Lord you must do as He commands. That is not possible if you stay invisible, for to obey God’s ordinances is to be visible!
What is important to note here is that a person who claims to be a Christian but refuses to attend any local church is treading on spiritual suicide. For one cannot be a Christian without obedience to the ordinances of God; Just to name a few such ordinances are; let your light shine, be a witness, come out from among them (the world), be ye Holy for I am Holy, not forsaking the gathering of yourselves together, preach the Gospel, make disciples, etc. Their reasons for remaining a part of the invisible church might, in their own minds, be real and logical but they are no more than excuses for disobedience. Here is the catch to this thought process. If one tries to remain a part of the invisible church and still tries to be an obedient Christian it means, you immediately become part of the visible church. Also, as we will discuss later in this teaching you, by avoiding church stop yourself from receiving the benefits of the church and place yourself in a position of weakness, severe danger and heartache.
The assembling or gathering of ourselves for Christian communion in private and public, is a form of our being gathered together to Him at His appearing (Ref. Mathew 18:20). Union is strength; continual assembling together produces and promotes love, and gives good opportunities for “provoking to good works,” by “exhorting one another” (Ref. 1st Thessalonians 5:11; 2nd Timothy 4:2; Hebrews 3:13;). Ignatius says, “When ye frequently, and in numbers meet together, the powers of Satan are overthrown, and his mischief is neutralized by your like-mindedness in the faith.” Here is the hard fact, to neglect assembling together will most likely end in apostasy (Hebrews 10:24-25). Let us pursue the community of God’s people. “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, (25) by 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.” Let me again summarize.
A. Let us consider one another: Discouragement has made them avoid community at the very time they needed it most. Jesus meets us in one another to stir up love and good works.
B. Forsaking fellowship is a sure way to give place to discouragement. This discouragement festers where God’s people are not exhorting one another.
C. Many people go to church if they feel they “need it” at the time. But our motivation for fellowship must be to obey God and to give to others. We can go to church looking to encourage someone who needs to hang in there against a tide of discouragement.
D. So much the more as you see the Day approaching: As the Day of Jesus’ return draws nearer, we should be more committed to the fellowship of God’s people, the assembling of ourselves together.
Now let us take not of the Biblical terms used to describe the Church.
1. The church is called the “House of God.”
A. Ephesians 2:16, 19 - Jesus reconciled Jew and Gentile to God in one body through the cross. Therefore, we are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.
B. 1st Timothy 3:15 - Paul wrote so we may know how to conduct ourselves in the “House of God,” which is the church of the living God (2nd Corinthians 6:18; ; Galatians 6:10; 1st John 3:1, 2).
Why is it important to be in the “House of God?”
a. Children of God are those who are “born again.” 1st Peter 1:22, 23 - When we obey God's word, we purify our souls and are born again. But the new birth makes us children of God, and children of God are members of His family, or the spiritual church. What then does that have to do with the fellowship meetings at the physical building we call the church? God’s command is: “let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, (25) 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). Question how is this command possible if we forsake gathering together?
b. Galatians 3:26, 27 - We are children of God by faith, because we were baptized into Christ. By the Spirit of God (1st Corinthians 12:13). Many people agree that we must be "born again," but they often think church membership does not matter. These folks need to consider the fact that being born again makes us members of the family of God and that the church is the House of God where the family of God meets to receive from God.
2. The church is the Gathering Place for the “Body of Christ” - Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ is head of the church, which is His body (cf. Colossians 1:18, 24).
A. Christ is Head of the body of believers He calls His own (Ephesians 1:22,23; cf. Colossians 1:18)
B. Christ is the Head of no other institution. There is one body (Ephesians 4:4-6), just as there is only one God and Father. Is Christ the Head of an unimportant, non-essential institution? To belittle His command to gather together is to belittle its Head!
Christ is Savior of the body.
a. Ephesians 5:23 - Christ is head of the church, being the Savior of the body.
b. Ephesians 5:25 - He loved the church and gave Himself for it.
The church is the body of Christ, and Christ is the Savior of the body. What does that mean about people who are not in the body (church)?
We do not claim that the church saves us. Christ saves us. But whom does He save? The church! The church is the body of all believers who have been saved by the blood of Jesus. (Acts 2:47; Ephesians 2:16; Colossians. 3:15).
When we understand the terms used to describe the church, we will understand that all believers are in the universal church. However they are also commanded to take part in the local Church, if not for themselves then the aid and edification of others. The church is absolutely essential to maintaining your walk of salvation. Through the edification, comfort, guidance and direction given by its members and leaders.
The church is part of the eternal purpose of God.
a. Ephesians 3:10, 11 - The church plays a major role in the eternal purpose of God, thereby demonstrating God's wisdom. The church is not a last-minute substitute. A beautiful painting reveals the skill of the artist. So the church reveals the wisdom of God as part of His eternal purpose. To say the church is not essential, is to say that the eternal purpose of God is not essential. The church visible is the only way this can be achieved.
All these points show that the church is important because of its relationship to God.
The church is the family of God, the body and part of kingdom of Christ
The church fulfills the purpose of God
The church exists to worship God and preach His message to the world.
Also the church is important because of its relationship to man.
To watchfulness and vigilance
To determination and constancy
To zeal and diligence
To courage and perseverance
But Hebrews 10:25 also gives us a powerful motive
The day is approaching
This day is truly a momentous one
The believer need to continually look for the day approaching. That is, he never should lose sight of that truth
The question then arises “what exactly is the day that is approaching. That day - the time in which God would come and pour out his judgments on the Jewish nation which took place not many years after this writing; or to the day of our death or the second coming of our Lord. The last two are approaching to every human being today. He who wishes to be found ready will carefully use every means of grace, and particularly the communion of saints who steadily meet together in the name of Christ. Those who relinquish this Christian communion are in a backslidden state; those who backslide are in danger of apostasy. To prevent this the apostle speaks the awful words that follow. Also notice the apostles words of encouragement and comfort found in verse 39; “But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.” This simply means; we are not cowards who slink away, and eventually meet destruction; but we are faithful, and have our souls saved alive. He submits that, even though the persecution will be extremely hard and difficult, yet we will escape with their lives.
To those who think that church is not important because of the people in the church. But the reason it is important is because the Father and Son are important and the church sustains an essential relationship with them. To attend church is to exalt God and respect His will, and by doing so we receive all benefits associated with it.
In Acts 2:42–47 the benefits of participation in a local church are immediately apparent. As we have seen participation in the local church is not optional for the child of God. It is imperative and yields eternal benefits. This is multiplied 10 times when Local Churches work together in unison as one unified body or army (Ref. Ephesians 4), with Christ as the head.
Acts 2:42-47 records the first meeting of the first local church. From this passage eight benefits of participation in the local church are immediately apparent:
1. Instruction – “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine”
2. Fellowship – and “fellowship” a partner, sharer in common interest
3. Observance of the ordinances – “breaking of bread” It is generally supposed that the early disciples attached so much significance to the breaking of bread at the ordinary meals, more than our saying grace, that they followed the meal with the Lord’s Supper at first, a combination called “agapai” or love-feasts. There can be no doubt that the Lord’s Supper, at this period was preceded by a common love feast, as was the case when the ordinance was instituted. This led to abuses as in 1st Corinthians 11:20.
4. Corporate prayer – “prayers”
5. Effective outreach – “fear came upon every soul”
A. The more done (miracles, etc.)
B. The more fear (awe) came upon the multitudes
6. A Common cause – “had all things in common” It was not actual communism, but they held all their property ready for use for the common good as it was needed. This situation appears nowhere else except in Jerusalem and was evidently due to special conditions there which did not survive permanently.
7. Mutual assistance – “divided them among all, as anyone had need”
8. Unified worship - They were still worshiping in the temple for no breach had yet come between Christians and Jews. Daily they were breaking bread at home. This refers possibly to the Lord’s Supper after they had a common meal “from house to house?” We know there were local churches in the homes where they had “worship rooms,” a house church. At any rate it means “with singleness of heart.”
In addition to these eight, four other benefits of participation in the local church are found in Scripture:
A. Worship (Acts 20:7)
B. Discipline (Matthew18:15-17; 2nd Corinthians 13:1-10)
C. Pastoral oversight (1st Peter 5:1-3)
D. Help in Obedience to God’s command (Hebrews 10:25)
But there are other benefits as well, although they do not have a specific verse but are evident in all communities that have a healthy church congregation with a vision for their community.
1. Opportunities to Make a Difference - One of the biggest benefits of church membership is its collective resource that provides opportunities to help others and make a difference. Church volunteer opportunities are available at most churches and these opportunities provide the system and structure to serve or support a cause. For example, my church does disaster relief work and provides the structure for Volunteers to get involved in helping other people. These kinds of experiences reinforce the Christian call to love and help other people. When we know we make a difference for a cause it gives us hope for a better world.
2. Personal Development - As Christians we are all on a journey of personal, spiritual and ethical development. Whether we are new Christians or a long time believer, a dynamic church can offer church leadership, discipleship and spiritual development and growth (Ref. 2nd Timothy 3:16-17).
Obedience to God’s commands is the true believer’s ultimate reason for participating in the local church. Even in the New Testament days there were those who found reasons not to participate in local church services. The writer of Hebrews points out that each member of the body has an obligation to the other parts of the body of Christ (Hebrews 10:24). Notice what that verse says we are to provoke one another to love and good works. Provoke (paroxusmos) which is a masculine noun and means to incite, even to the point of irritation if necessary, and to exhort one another to live consistent Christian lives worthy of God. This, when looked at in the context of the benefits of the local church shows why we should not forsake the gathering of ourselves together, especially as you see the day (His coming) approaching.
We often speak of the early church, and appeal to it, and to the history of it; in these verses we have the history of the truly original church, of the first days of it, the days of its greatest innocence. As we look at the early church and the way it operated let us see what we learn.
1. Acts 2:42 - They kept close to holy ordinances, and abounded in all instances of piety and devotion and as a result Christianity functioned in the power of it. It was a place where the soul had communion with God in all the ways God has appointed and promised to meet us.
A. They were diligent and constant in their attendance upon the preaching of the word. They continued in the apostles' doctrine, and never disowned nor deserted it; or, as it may be read, they continued constant to the apostles' teaching or instruction, They were discipled and they were willing to be taught. Note, those who named Christ as savior made a priority of hearing His word; for by doing so we give honor to Him, and build ourselves up in our most holy faith.
B. They continued in their communion with other saints. They continued in fellowship (Acts 2:42), and continued daily with one accord in the temple, (Acts 2:46). They not only had a mutual affection to each other, but a great deal of things in common with each other. When they withdrew from the world, they did not turn hermits, but were very intimate with one another, and took every to meet; wherever you saw one disciple, you would see more, like birds of a feather, if you will. See how these Christians love one another. They were concerned for one another, sympathized with one another, and heartily espoused one another's interests. They had fellowship with one another in religious worship. They met in the temple and house to house: joint-fellowship with God is the best fellowship we can have with one another (1st John 1:3).
They were daily in the temple, not only on the days of the Sabbaths and solemn feasts, but on other days. Worshiping God is to be our daily work and where there is opportunity, the more often it is done publicly the better. " Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
They were all in one accord; not only meaning no discord or strife, but a great deal of holy love among them; and they heartily joined in their public services. Though they met with the Jews in the courts of the temple, yet the Christians kept together by themselves, and were unanimous in their separate devotions. There was no scriptural indication that the believers started any disputes with the Jews or any Gentile unbeliever.
C. They frequently joined in the ordinance of the Lord's Supper. They continued in the breaking of bread, (Ref. Acts 2:46)in celebrating that memorial of their Master's death, as those that were not ashamed to own their relation to, and their dependence upon, Christ and him crucified. They could not forget the death of Christ, yet they kept up this memorial of it, and made it their constant practice, because it was an institution of Christ, to be transmitted to the succeeding ages of the church. They broke bread from house to house; they did not think fit to celebrate the Lord’s Supper in the temple, for that was peculiar to the Christian institutes, and therefore they administered that ordinance in private houses, choosing such houses of the converted Christians as were convenient, to which the neighbors resorted; and they went from one to another of these little synagogues or domestic chapels, houses that had churches in them, and there celebrated the Eucharist with those that usually met there to worship God.
D. They continued in prayer and praise (Ref. Acts 2:42, 47). After the Spirit was poured out, as well as before, while they were waiting for Him, they continued instant in prayer; for prayer will never be superseded till it comes to be swallowed up in everlasting praise. Breaking of bread (Acts 2:46) comes in between the work and prayer, for it has reference to both, and is a help to both. The Lord's Supper is a sermon to the eye, and a confirmation of God's word to us; and it is an encouragement to our prayers, and a solemn expression of the ascent of our souls to God.
E. They abounded in thanksgiving; they were continually praising God, (Acts 2:47). This should have a part in every prayer. Those that have received the gift of the Holy Ghost will be much in praise.
2. They were loving one another, and very kind; their charity was as well-known as their piety, and their joining together in holy ordinances knit their hearts together.
A. They had frequent meetings for fellowship (Acts 2:44): All that believed were together; not all those thousands in one place (this was impracticable); but, as Dr. Lightfoot explains, they kept together in several companies or congregations, according as their languages, nations, or other associations, brought them and kept them together. And thus joining together, because it was apart from those that believed not, and because it was in the same profession and practice of the duties of religion, they are said to be associated together, and in doing so they expressed and increased their mutual love.
B. They had all things in common; they ate together, that those who had much might have the less, and so be kept from the temptations of abundance; and they who had little might have the more, and so be kept from the temptations of want and poverty. Or, there was such a concern for one another, and such a readiness to help one another as there was occasion, which it might be said, they had all things common, according to the law of friendship; one wanted not what another had; for he might have it for the asking.
C. They were very cheerful, and very generous in the use of what they had. Besides the religion that was in their sacred feasts (their breaking bread from house to house) a great deal of it appeared in their common meals; they did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart. They brought the comforts of God's table along with them to share, which brought two blessings upon the entire church:
It made them very pleasant, and enlarged their hearts with holy joy; they did eat their bread with joy, and drank their wine with a merry heart, as knowing that God now accepted their works. None have such cause to be cheerful as good Christians have.
It enlarged their hearts in charity. They did eat their meat with singleness of heart, they did not eat their morsels alone, but bade the poor welcome to their table, not grudgingly, but with love abounding. Note, it becomes Christians to be open-hearted and open-handed, and in every good work to sow plentifully, as those on whom God hath sown plentifully.
D. They raised a fund for charity (Acts 2:45): They sold their possessions and goods; some sold their lands and houses, others their stocks and the furniture of their houses, and extended the money to their brethren, as every man had need. This was to destroy, not property, but selfishness. Herein, probably, they had an eye to the command which Christ gave to the rich man, as a test of his sincerity, Sell that thou hast, and give to the poor (Ref. Matthew 19:21; Luke 18:22). Not that this was intended for an example to be a constant binding rule, as if all Christians in all places and ages were bound to sell their estates, and give away the money to charity.
They were under no obligation of a divine command to do this, as appears by what Peter said to Ananias (Acts 5:4): Was it not in thine own power? But it was a very commendable instance of them being elevated above the world, followed by their contempt of it, their assurance of another world, their love to their brethren, their compassion to the poor, and their great zeal for the encouraging of Christianity, and the nursing of it in its infancy. The apostles left all to follow Christ, and were to give themselves wholly to the word and prayer, and something must be done for their maintenance; so that this extraordinary liberality was like that of Israel in the wilderness towards the building of the tabernacle, which needed to be restrained, Exodus 36:5-6. Our rule is, to give according as God has blessed us; yet, in such an extraordinary case as this, those are to be praised who give beyond their power, 2nd Corinthians 8:3.
E. God gave them tokens of His presence (Acts 2:43): Many wonders and signs were done by the apostles of indifferent sorts, which confirmed their doctrine, and undeniably proved that it was from God. Those that could work miracles could have maintained themselves and the poor that were among them miraculously, as Christ fed thousands with a little food; but it was as much for the glory of God that it should be done by a miracle of grace (inclining people to sell their estates, to do it) as if it had been done by a miracle in nature.
F. But the Lord's giving them power to work miracles was not all He did for them; he added to the church daily (verse 47). The word in their mouths did wonders (verse 43), and God blessed their endeavors for the increase of the number of believers. Note, it is God's work to add souls to the church; and it is a great comfort both to ministers and Christians to see it. By the preaching of the Gospel people were influenced and converted by it; those that were without, the standers by, the spectators.
They feared them, and had a respect for them (Acts 2:43): Fear came upon every soul, that is, upon those who saw the wonders and signs done by the apostles. The common people stood in awe of them, as Herod feared John. Though they had nothing of external pomp to command external respect, as the scribes' long robes gained them the greetings in the market-places, yet they had abundance of spiritual gifts that were truly honorable, which influenced men with an inward reverence for them.
They favored them (verse 47). Though we have reason to think there were those that despised them and hated them (as the Pharisees and chief priests did), yet far the greater part of the common people had a kindness for them - they had favor with all the people. Serving God with real piety and charity will command respect; will recommend religion to those that are without. Some read it, they had charity to all the people; they did not confine their charity to those of their own community, but it was all-embracing and extensive; and this recommended them very much.
They came to them. Some or other were daily coming in, though not so many as the first day; and they were such as were being saved. (verse 47). It is clear, from this expression, that those who became members of the church were those who continued to verify that they were sincere Christians. It is implied also, that those who are to be saved will join themselves to the church of God. This is everywhere required; and it constitutes one evidence of piety by giving themselves at once to the service of the Lord Jesus. Two remarks may be made on the last verse of this chapter;
1) that the effect of a consistent Christian life will be to command the respect of the world
2) that the effect will be continually to increase the number of those who shall be saved.
In this case they were daily added to it; the church was constantly increasing; and the same result may be expected in all cases where there is similar zeal, self-denial, consistency, and prayer.
In closing let me put forth two question.
1. If our churches are not producing this type of actions and results should not we consider changing our ways to conform with what we see in the church of Acts 2?
2. Can you now see the importance, benefits and blessings for a sincere Christian to attend and participate in a local church?
In His love and service
Your Brother in Christ
Rev. Mario A. Bruni D.D.
Numbers 6:24-26
