THE LOCAL CHURCH

“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Acts 2:42

THE BIBLE SAYS…

MATTHEW 18:20

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

ROMANS 12:4-5

“For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” 

1 CORINTHIANS 12:26-31

“And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.”

HEBREWS 13:17

“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”

THEREFORE…

WE KNOW THAT THE LOCAL CHURCH IS A FELLOWSHIP OF GENUINE BELIEVERS: These are people who trust Jesus as Savior and Lord, and have been born again.

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13

WE EXPECT THE CHURCH MEMBERS TO BE BAPTIZED: This was the uniform practice in the early church.

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” Matthew 28:19 

WE MEET REGULARLY AND FREQUENTLY: Faithfulness is encouraged.

“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.” Hebrews 10:25

WE GATHER FOR WORSHIP: The church is destined to live to the praise of God’s glory, therefore, we assemble to praise Him.

“And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 2:46-47

WE INCLUDE AN EXHORTATION FROM GOD’S WORD: Our life in Christ is preserved, not by bread alone, but by every word from the mouth of God.

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” 1 Peter 1:23

WE CELEBRATE THE LORD’S SUPPER: We are commanded to do this in remembrance of Christ.

“And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.”  Luke 22:19

WE HAVE DULY APPOINTED LEADERS TO OVERSEE THE FELLOWSHIP: These leaders meet the Biblical qualifications for deacons and elders.

“For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;” Titus 1:7

WE ARE ZEALOUS FOR GOOD DEEDS: These are acts, by which, people’s needs are met. The goal of our fellowship, therefore, is to live so that people can see that God is real; that He is present in our midst; and that He loves them dearly.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16