Subject: Praise the Lord! |
Bible Note: Tremere: I agree that there is nothing in the Bible which supports the idea that going to church makes you a Christian. That is the wonderful thing with God's way of salvation through Christ is that it is very personal and that we can have a personal relationship with God with joining some organized system. Christian fellowship is important however, and God delights in the praises of his gathered people. In the New Testament the local church of God consisted of born again Christians who met together on a regular basis. In Acts. 2:42 "they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayers. In these early days the church was guided by elders who were to lead by example, to feed the flock of God and to watch for their well being. Christ was the gathering center and the Holy Spirit the divine teacher. Much of oganized religion (and I am not church bashing) is set up by man and does not reflect what God intended. As an individual Christian we are God's seven days per week, 24 hours per day, he wants our life, our all to be lived to his honor and glory. If we gather in a place where God's name and word is honored, as an individual we have the support and fellowship of other believers. In addition, as a group we have the privilege of bringing glory and honor to God when we follow the command of the Lord Jesus by remembering him in the Lord's supper. In Hebrews 10:25 we exhorted "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching" One day the church which is his body will be gathered around his throne and we will sing unto that One who is worthy! Praise his name! Just a few more thoughts Robert |