Donald Whitney's Spiritual Disciplines Within the Church is a good little book. In the first chapter, he gives 12 Biblical reasons for going to church:
1. Going to church is a Biblical requirement for all Christians.
2. Going to church helps prevent backsliding and apostasy.
3. Going to church brings spiritual fellowship and encouragement.
4. Going to church expresses obedience to the greatest commandment.
5. Going to church follows Jesus' example.
6. Going to church is a testimony of support for God's work in the world.
7. Going to church enables you to hear in person the preaching of God's Word.
8. Going to church allows you to take the Lord's Supper.
9. Going to church enables you to experience spiritual blessings from God.
10. Going to church helps prevent an unbalanced Christian life.
11. Going to church is one indication of eternal life.
12. Not going to church is one indication of NOT being in God's family.
So, why do you go to church?
9 comments:
I go to church ultimately because I can't help myself. I love the church. And, the only reason I love the church, is because the Savior of the Church first loved me.
A side-note: I would like to change all the "going to church" statements to "joining a church." Any of these statements are only fully realized as the privilege of church membership is exercised. God is most glorified when we join, and not just go. But, I love the list. Thanks for posting these, Justin.
Here is a question- what if the Church does not have "membership", Would actively involved and committed be a decent substitute?
Chase, I have never heard of a church that does not have membership. I would not want to be actively involved in a church that does not practice Biblical church membership.
Mark, chapter 3 of the same book deals with joining the church. Both Donald Whitney and I would agree with you.
Questions...
Could you describe Biblical Church membership?
Is the Church you are now attending practicing Biblical Church membership?
What does it mean to be a Church member in America today?
If one is actively involved in a CHurch, under the authority of the Church's elders, but is not called a "member" is this a bad thing?
Chase, I must refer you to all things Mark Dever. In most of his books and booklets, he lays out the case for church membership being practiced in the New Testament. Some of his works include: Nine Marks of a Healthy Church (book and booklet), The Deliberate Church, and A Display of God's Glory. I believe you can download the booklets from 9marks.org.
One quick argument for church membership would be Hebrews 13:17. How can these elders keep watch over souls they don't even know are under their care?
In your last question, I would ask: Why is this person not a member?
Dutch, great made-up example. I would counsel Chad to obey the Lord and profess his faith by being baptized by immersion. Then, there will be no hindrances to becoming a member of this healthy church.
Justin, I think Dever's stuff is fine, but I don't know if I can see a Biblical requirement, especially as we know it in IAmerica. THe Hebrews passage is a decent argument, but I know of Churches that have elders who do keep watch over people who are not "members". THank you for not using the Ephesians and is it in America?Romans passages that speak of the universal Church. Now to the 2 latter questions...Does your Church practice Biblical membership adn what
Chase, I don't have time right now to lay out a complete argument for church membership. I would point to the Heb. 13:17 passage and to other passages like the church discipline passages. Think about this: How can church discipline mean anything if there is no membership? You can't kick someone out who is not already "in".
Now, I don't believe you must have a list of church members. However, you do have to have some form of committment from people. There has to be a point where people say, "I'm with you." Otherwise, how can an elder know who he has responsibility for?
Sad to say: My church does not presently practice Biblical church membership. We have membership but do not hold those members accountable in any way. Our front door is wide open and our back door is sealed shut.
Look to Dever's church (and many others) for how to practice Biblical church membership in America today.
I think we're on the same page, but semantically different. Not necesarily the same wording, but the same concept. That a Church knows who is there and Elders do have charge and care over them. Neither of us wants a sign the card and you're in type deal. I heard a great argument for membership over dinner this evening. I may email you later in the week. I am in meetings with guys this week that are a blessing. I appreciate the dialogue.
I have read this do you desoise church. Hebrews 8:1,2 the true chirch is in heaven which since i have believed in the risen savior, Jesus Christ, I have been made a cirtizen of heaven that God pitched not man. I am a member of Gods' church through his one and only son, which are one, making me one with him also and all others that believe in the death, burial, and most importantly the
ressurrection. Where salvation is a
gift,so no one may boast about what they do. Works are a by product bringing others into belief of the truth about our one and only savior Jesus Christ.
Thank you for your time in this matter. Oh I do think it is good to go to a building for fellowship or a home to meet and grow in grace
Reading the bible for the soul purpose of knowing God personally, then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free for it will be God teaching you, not your fellow members, then we will share this truth that sets you free indeed, I am at Godquill@hotmail.com. If any one wants to reply. Ilook forward to good fellowship. thank you
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