Do I need to join the Church?
The Church was established, on the rock or foundation of faith in Jesus as our
Savior and the Son of God as Peter proclaimed in Matthew 16:16. This is the Rock
upon which the Church is built. The profession described here is not just a
possible truth but a God revealed understanding in our heart by the Holy Spirit.
(Matthew 16:17)
Without this foundation, a church is not Christ’s church. This is the main
hinge on which the door of salvation turns. Those who do not hold to this
foundation, though they may call themselves Christians, deceive
themselves, because the Church is a sacred union in Christ. The church is
incorporated upon the certainty and assurance of this great truth. Jesus said
the gates of Hell would not prevail against His Church. The good work that Jesus
starts he finishes.
This assures us that the enemies of the Church shall not prevail. As long as
the world exists, Christ will have His Church in it. His truths and ordinances
shall be owned and kept up, in spite of all the opposition of the powers of
darkness. The Builder and Maker of the Church is Christ himself. The
materials and workmanship are His. By the working of His Spirit with the
preaching of His word He adds souls to His Church, and so builds it up with
living stones,
Christ assures us His Church will prevail but just as there are false Christians
there are false churches. Unfortunately, many today seek the Church only to
serve their own interests or needs. They look only for what the Church offers
them rather than seeking to work for God’s kingdom and share the gospel. They
honor God with their lips but their hearts are far from Him.
Also there are churches that don’t take seriously the command to make
disciples and fully teach the scriptures to equip the saints. They water down the
scriptures to conform to the world’s standard. Jesus warned of “spitting"
churches that don’t truly love Him calling them “lukewarm". Christians must be
willing to search for a church that takes Jesus seriously, that teaches and practices
the scriptures, a church dedicated to equipping Christians with a firm foundation
of scriptural understanding. Church membership, attendance, and commitment is
not optional for the true Christian. It is their privilege and joy! Church
membership is the visible means by which we join into the family of God. It is our
home base for learning and ministry. Jesus established His Church for Christians
as the primary vehicle for carrying the gospel to the world. To neglect
participation is to deny Christ and to behave as an unbeliever. Jesus said “ if you’ll
not acknowledge me to men I’ll not acknowledge you to my Father". Christians
absolutely need to join the Church.
We welcome you to come visit with us at Evangel and hear the good news of
Jesus. “ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the
world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:17) Come!
Colby Reeves – member
Worship Sundays 10:15 am - Evangel Church PCA – Thompson Road
evangelchurchpca.org