The Christian and the Local Church

Brenden Ashby
06/19/22 - Sun AM

To Join The Disciples

Brenden Ashby

We read in Acts 9:26 that when Paul came to Jerusalem, he was trying to “associate with the disciples." Paul understood the great need he had as a Christian to be a part of a local congregation of the Lord's people. Yet, many today see no need to be part of a local church. We want to briefly consider the blessings one receives when they are a part of a local congregation of the Lord's people.

The first blessing is that I will have God-appointed shepherds to watch over my soul. The Hebrew writer instructs us that we need to "obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls" (Heb. 13:17). If I am not a part of a local church, I am like a wandering sheep with no shepherd.

Another blessing is that my learning and usefulness are increased. Disciples collectively studied the word of God (Acts 2:42), and they helped each other to better understand the word of God (Acts 18:26).

I also receive accountability. This is an unexpected blessing, but it is a blessing. The first thing Jesus taught about the church was mutual accountability (cf. Matt. 18:15-17). It is a blessing to be a part of a group that cares for me enough to hold me accountable to God's standards.

If I am not a part of a local church, I am depriving myself of God's good blessings. If I am a part of a local church, I should thank God that I have these blessings.