Get Involved!

Often times we think that there isn't a need for us in the local body in terms of service or giftedness. However scripture teaches us something very different. Whether you are the member of a body of twenty or twenty thousand God commands us to faithfully be involved in church life.

1 Timothy 3:14-15 reads, "Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth." It is evident from this passage in scripture that God has given us instructions or rather guidelines or commands in regards to how our local churches should be running.

If you are not a member of the family of God I am going to ask you to stop reading here. The following is only for the believer and the disciple. If you desire a personal relationship with Him I pray that you would search His truth and His word, repent and put your faith in Him!

The truth of God is to be upheld by the gathering of the body of Christ. We must work together to show the truth of the living God! You are commanded to be involved and to serve the body of Christ throughout scripture. Church needs to be the priority of your life rather than part of it! So often we think that it is just another added activity to add to our hectic schedules, we need to change our hearts, attitudes and mindsets and realize the privilege it is to "get" to go to church. All of your activities should therefore come secondary to participation in church.

Today at Grace Community, Rick Holland gave seven expressions of involvement in the local church. Lets take a brief look at these:

1. BAPTISM (Acts 2:38, Matthew 28:19-20)
*Proclaiming your faith
*Must have happened post conversion
*Full immersion

2. CHURCH MEMBERSHIP (Hebrews 13)
*Attaching your faith

3. HOLINESS (1 Peter 1)
*Demonstrating your faith
*Must pursue this with your whole heart

4. ATTENDANCE (Hebrews 10)
*Committing your faith

5. EVANGELISM (Matthew 28)
*Sharing your faith the good news
*Should happen all the time
*Don't use biblical truth to do unbiblical things

6.. PERSEVERANCE
*Continuing on in your faith
*Continuing on with endurance

7. SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES
*Growing in your faith (bible reading, prayer etc.)

Spend time with the Lord and ask Him to show you how He can use you in His household with the gifts He has graciously given you and then get involved!!!