COMMITTING TO THE LOCAL CHURCH

The word “church” is taken from the Greek word “ekklesia” which means “that which is called out” and is sometimes interpreted as “assembly”.

“The church (LRC) is not a building, not a religious institution, nor an ethnic group, but it is a company (TRIBE) of the committed, the covenant community where we are brothers and sisters in fellowship with Christ. The church is people- the redeemed people of God.  It is God’s primary program in the earth, the visible expression of the rule of Christ.

The church (LRC) is a group of people “called out” of the spiritual darkness of sin to be a separated people for God.

There is spiritual protection under the covering of the local church. When one leaves the covering of the local church, he/she is exposing himself to attacks of the devil.  The Bible warns us against not being committed to a local church. 

Heb 10:23-25 “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised; And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 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.”  (KJV)

Prov 18:1 “A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; he rages against all wise judgment.”  (NKJ)

Prov 18:1 “Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.” (KJV)

• You receive pastoral care through the local church.  Hebrew 13:17 says that godly pastors care for and look after your spiritual condition, giving an account unto the Lord for your soul.
• I Peter 5:1-4 tells us that there is to be one Chief Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ.  It is the privilege of the Pastor to serve the Lord as an Under Shepherd to the flock.  
• People need love, security, friendship, fellowship and help during troubled times.  Family is strengthened. There is a sense of belonging in a local church. These blessing can be found in the local church (Tribe). (Rom. 12:13, Heb. 13:2, Acts 2:44-46; 4:32)
• You are accurately taught the Word of God.
• You are a part of God’s team.  There is a corporate anointing on the local church.
• You are able to develop and find your place of service/ministry in the Body of Christ.