The Local church is a Spiritual Thermometer

Through the years we have observed that a person’s relationship to the local church often serves as a spiritual thermometer, showing the spiritual health of a believer. In this age of individualism, it is very easy for believers to feel that all they need is a personal relationship with the Lord to prosper spiritually. Experience and Scripture prove otherwise. Every believer must also be related and committed to a local church.

Why you need to be committed to a Local church

1. The Bible warns against forsaking the fellowship in a local church

In Hebrews 10:25 we read, to “not forsaking our assembling together.” The believers then were in danger of drifting away from their faith in Christ. Among other things, they were told of the danger of quitting the church.

2. There is pastoral care in the local church

In Hebrews 13:17, believers were also told another reason for involvement in the local church was that godly pastors would care for and look after their spiritual condition, giving account unto the Lord for their souls.**

3. Families are strengthened in the local church

Sermons on family relations, youth ministries, children’s ministries, pastoral counseling for troubled families and worshipping together are some of the ways the local church helps strengthen the family.

4. There is a sense of belonging in the local church

People need love, security, friendship, fellowship and help during troubled times and these can all be found in the local church. (Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:2; Acts 2:44-46; 4:32)

5. You cannot exist separated from the local church

Members of the body of Christ are warned in 1 Corinthians 12:21 against saying to other members, “I have no need of you.” God did not intend for His church to have this independent or “maverick” spirit.

*The maverick steer of the Old West was one that roamed the range without anyone’s brand. Some people today are afraid to make any commitment to a local church because they want to be “free” and thus they roam from church to church or stay out of fellowship altogether.

6. You receive nurture, protection, and development from the local church

In a church where the Word of God is preached with conviction you will receive a steady diet of encouragement, exhortation, and consistent instruction, and you are protected from spiritual dangers. (Acts 20:28-29)

7. There is a corporate anointing on the local church

As believers assemble together for worship, a greater anointing occurs than on individual worshipping alone. This corporate anointing creates a spiritual atmosphere that frees people by breaking through the oppression and bondage of the devil and gives greater glory to God as believers enter into the high praises of God.

8. The local church is a missionary base

Finally, the local church provides a base for missionary activity, allowing each member of the Body of Christ to have a part in either going or sending those who are called to go, thus fulfilling the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19-20.

What to look for in a local church

According to Scripture, some of the things you want to look for in selecting a local (home) church are:

A church that is led by a godly pastor, who shows the following Biblical qualities found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9

• The husband of one wife
• Not a new convert
• Self controlled
• Wise
• Has a good reputation
• Hospitable
• Able to teach
• Manages his own household well
• Free from the love of money
• Not self-willed
• Not given to wine
• Not quick tempered

- A church where the Word of God is taught in full, uncompromising ways (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

- A Church that is active in home and foreign missions (Acts 13:1-3; Matthew 28:19-20)

- A church where the gifts of the Spirit are allowed to operate freely, but orderly (1 Corinthians 12:4-11)

- A church where there is freedom in worship to express your praise and adoration to God (Ephesians 5:19; John 4:24)

- A church where your ministry gifts are developed (Ephesians 4:11-12)

- A church full of love (Revelation 2:4)

_{WARNING! We strongly caution you about churches or groups that teach things opposed to the Bible or whose leaders claim to have some sort of “new” or “hidden” revelation that is supposedly better than the Bible. These may appear as ministers of light but are really false prophets and deceivers. (2 Corinthians 11:12-15) These are to be shunned and avoided.}

What God needs from YOU at your local church

The local church is a place where you both give and receive. God intends for the church to be a channel of His blessings to you, but in order for you to be blessed you must get involved and do your part. Listed below are some of the things you are to give back to your home church:

1. Commitment and loyalty (Acts 2:44, 46; 4:32)
2. Submission to those over you in the Lord (Hebrews 13:17)
3. Financial support of the ministries of the church through tithes and offerings (Malachi 3:10; 2 Corinthians 9:7-8)
4. Prayer for the church’s leadership, ministries, fellow members and the lost
5. Missionary support through offerings and prayer
6. Service to the Body of Christ through the ministry gifts that God has given you (Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:11-12)
7. Spiritual preparation before coming together that you may add to the flow of the Spirit and that God may use you to bless others (1 Corinthians 14:26-33, 40)

How to find your place in the Church

Every believer has a unique place of ministry and service to the local church. True fulfillment comes as we find our place and we become a blessing to the Body of Christ. Some never find their place because of pride, insecurity, and preoccupation with other things, laziness, fear, or rebellion. As a result, their usefulness to the Lord is limited and the flow of blessings from the Lord is hindered.

Practical ways to find where God is placing you in the local church:

• Be submitted and obedient to the Lord
• Be willing to work whenever and wherever you are needed
• Be faithful in tasks that may seem small and unnoticed
• Pray for God to show you
• Be a servant, serving in love

• Consider your unique abilities and gifting