Articles
CONGREGATIONAL LOYALTY
I wonder if many churches think of the importance of CONGREGATIONAL LOYALTY. A long time ago I had the privilege and pleasure of working with a preacher who preached a lesson on this subject. It always stayed with me, and helped me greatly understand God's plan for the local congregation and how to work and grow together. The Scriptures reveal how God uses the word "church" in two separate ways; the UNIVERSAL CHURCH AND THE LOCAL CHURCH.
When we obey the Gospel of Christ we immediately become part of the UNIVERSAL CHURCH, or the Body of Christ. (Acts 2:47; Matthew 16:18;Colossians 1:18).
However, we find, revealed by the Apostles and New Testament writers there were churches established in many different localities--local churches as we call them. These were the LOCAL CHURCHES, established and functioning in the way God and His Son planned. Organized in a Scriptural way (elders, deacons, members, evangelists) they carried out the worship and work God designed the church to do. In such places as Jerusalem, Philippi, Corinth, and many other places we can read about this taking place., and recorded for our benefit in the New Testament..
So, why is CONGREGATIONAL LOYALTY so important? The word LOYAL means simply to be faithful or keep a pledge to a cause. In the case of our faith or pledge to the Lord's church, it displays how we exercise our faith and commitment to the Lord by doing our part in the work ,function of the local group. In worship and work He has given us to accomplish. By God's standard, when mature, the local church is organized with elders, deacons, and members. Usually there is an established evangelist, or preacher of the Gospel working with the group. Scriptural worship, edification of the members, and support of the Truth, the Gospel of Christ, are all accomplished weekly. Certain parts of worship are designed for the First Day of the Week. (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1,2). At times benevolent aid is sent to other Christians as needed. This fulfills the work the Lord has authorized in the New Testament. All these are done in the LOCAL CHURCH.
So, I think any honest person can learn and follow the plan God has given us for the LOCAL CHURCH. Organized and functioning as He has authorized for it to do, when every member does his part, the church can grow and save as many souls as possible. Please let me direct you to a couple Scriptures that helps to make this point.
"Let us HOLD FAST THE CONFESSION OF OUR HOPE without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us CONSIDER HOW TO STIMULATE ONE ANOTHER TO LOVE AND GOOD DEEDS, NOT FORSAKING OUR OWN ASSEMBLING TOGETHER, as is the habit of some but ENCOURAGEING ONE ANOTHER, and all the more, as you see the day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:23-25)
"But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called, "Today", lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ, if WE HOLD FAST THE BEGINNING OF OUR ASSURANCE FIRM UNTIL THE END. " (Hebrews 3:13-14)
We find there was a pattern of worship when we follow the teaching of the Apostles to the churches in the early church. (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26). Jesus informed His Apostles at the last Passover with them to keep a memorial to remember each week His death until He comes again. (Matthew 26; Mark 14: Lule 22). When we examine the many letters and books given by Inspiration in the New Testament, we are able to worship and work exactly like they did in the First Century churches. I ask every Christian, are you doing your part? Are you there for every worship service you can be, and are you personally talking to folks about the Gospel and the Lord who gave His life for every one of us? Are you trying to get individual Bible classes to teach others?
Only if each of us does his part can the local church grow and function to its potential. WE all have been given talent and ability to use. Are we really using our time and talents for the Lord in the way He has chosen for us? These are things I would like each of us to give a bit of thought to. He is depending on His brothers and sisters today. (Ephesians 3: 9-12) Thanks, and may God be with us.
Ross
