Friday, May 21, 2004
40 Days of Purpose Day 17
A Place to Belong
From “The Purpose Driven Life:” “You are called to belong, not just believe.” I’ve been hearing a phrase, from scripture in my head for a long time, “It is not good for man to be alone.” It is usual that that scripture is used in the context of marrying and not remaining single. To me, it also means that man should not go through life without God and without family. And when our purpose is that we were made for fellowship, then we realize that God formed us for relationships, and family. We were never meant to be alone.
No one is described in the Bible as being solo for the work of God. There was no isolation from other believers, no one deprived of fellowship. There are a number of scriptures that describe our relationship with other believers as ‘togethers:’ put, joined, built, fitted, members, heirs, held and ‘will we be caught up.’ You are not alone and on your own anymore.
We’ve often heard messages from our churches describing the ‘body of believers’ that couldn’t function if one part was missing. The analogy is, of course, the church that works in service together. We were created to be part of the whole that is our local church.
Did you know that in all of the New Testament, that the books assume membership in a local congregation? All of Jesus’ life story, all of the apostles and Paul’s ministry revolve around the community of believers, the local church. And the Bible says to ’love your spiritual family. So, what if you are not in a local church now? Five quick points as to why you should be.
It is your choice: being a church attender or a church member, the difference is the commitment you give it. Attenders are spectators from the sidelines, says Rick, members get involved with the ministry. Attenders want the benefits without the work; members reap the rewards of doing what God expects them to do.
If you are not a member of a church family, find one soon. God’s second purpose is for you to be in fellowship with other believers. And commit yourself to a purpose-driven life to know how to live your reason for creation.
Next time: Experiencing life together.
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From “The Purpose Driven Life:” “You are called to belong, not just believe.” I’ve been hearing a phrase, from scripture in my head for a long time, “It is not good for man to be alone.” It is usual that that scripture is used in the context of marrying and not remaining single. To me, it also means that man should not go through life without God and without family. And when our purpose is that we were made for fellowship, then we realize that God formed us for relationships, and family. We were never meant to be alone.
No one is described in the Bible as being solo for the work of God. There was no isolation from other believers, no one deprived of fellowship. There are a number of scriptures that describe our relationship with other believers as ‘togethers:’ put, joined, built, fitted, members, heirs, held and ‘will we be caught up.’ You are not alone and on your own anymore.
We’ve often heard messages from our churches describing the ‘body of believers’ that couldn’t function if one part was missing. The analogy is, of course, the church that works in service together. We were created to be part of the whole that is our local church.
Did you know that in all of the New Testament, that the books assume membership in a local congregation? All of Jesus’ life story, all of the apostles and Paul’s ministry revolve around the community of believers, the local church. And the Bible says to ’love your spiritual family. So, what if you are not in a local church now? Five quick points as to why you should be.
- A church family identifies you as a genuine believer. The Bible says that you can’t claim to be a follower of Christ if you are not participating in a church home. And your membership in a church identifies you with the body of believers.
- A church family moves you out of self-centered isolation. The church is where you learn to grow, to see examples of others who are living the selfless life, to get along with others and work with them, side by side. It is a place to see how God shows you that you are important to Him to be working with the rest of His family. And it is a place to be committed to each other as much as you are committed to Jesus Christ.
- A church family helps you develop spiritual muscle. Rick Warren says, “You will never grow to maturity just by attending worship services and being a passive spectator. Only participation in the full life of a local church builds spiritual muscle.” It is through the combined worship, prayer and service to each other that His plan for your life is fulfilled.
- The Body of Christ needs you! God formed you for a purpose, that of relationships with other believers, and in that, the local church provides the place to form those relationships. And in that church family, God wants you to participate in the work of the church; that work is your ‘ministry.’ The church is where God will help you discover what your talents for the work of the ministry are; in other words, your ‘spiritual gifts.’ You can’t see what those are or use them by yourself unless you are using them for the benefit of God’s family.
- A church family keeps you from backsliding. Although our lives are changed by His grace when we become saved, it is still possible to succumb to temptations. God knows this, and He planned for us to be accountable to others, so that our lives are kept on the spiritual and moral track. “Mind your business” is not a Christian phrase. We are commanded to be involved in other believer’s lives. As Rick says, “if you know someone who is wavering, it is your responsibility to go after them and bring them back into fellowship.”
It is your choice: being a church attender or a church member, the difference is the commitment you give it. Attenders are spectators from the sidelines, says Rick, members get involved with the ministry. Attenders want the benefits without the work; members reap the rewards of doing what God expects them to do.
If you are not a member of a church family, find one soon. God’s second purpose is for you to be in fellowship with other believers. And commit yourself to a purpose-driven life to know how to live your reason for creation.
Next time: Experiencing life together.
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