Thoughts From One Never Alone

This past weekend I heard a news story on a Christian radio station regarding the ministry efforts of a Florida church. The story related their efforts at providing people in their area with the option of doing church via the internet. Unfortunately, they are not the only group attempting this kind of ‘church.’ When asked about those participating on-line rather than in person, one of the pastors stated, ‘…this will give people the full affect of church.’ Is this true? Are people able to get the ‘full affect’ of church by participating in such a format? Maybe this question itself betrays an error Read the rest of this entry »

The following books have proven to be very helpful in explaining the importance of church membership and its many implications.

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Our corporate experience motivates, informs, and holds accountable our . . .

• Shared identity. We are not saved as individuals to then be left as individuals walking with Jesus one on one. Therefore, we are not free to think of our faith as only a personal or private matter (we are a: flock – Jn. 10:16; temple – Eph. 2:21, 22; household – Eph. 2:19; body – Eph. 1:22-23; church – Matt. 16:18, 1 Tim. 3:15; bride – Rev. 19:7, 21:9; new humanity – Eph. 4:22-24; holy nation – 1 Pet. 2:9; royal priesthood – 1 Pet. 2:9; a chosen people – 1 Pet. 2:9; possession of God – 1 Pet. 2:9).

• Congregational gatherings. In light of what we share and need, we are to gather regularly to stimulate one another to good works to the glory of God (Heb. 10:19-25).

• Evangelistic efforts. Our unity demonstrates that God Read the rest of this entry »