by Linzy Slayden
People ask, “Where is God working?” I answer — the place God is working is in the local church. That’s where the action is!
I love the local church. It’s the center of my life and has been since I trusted Christ as Lord and Savior when I was 21 years old. I wasn’t raised in church, but in my early Christian years I became convinced of the importance of my local church.
Today, some folks have lost sight of the importance of the local church. In fact, some have little or no attachment to the church at all, and seem to have no obligation for regular attendance. Their Christianity exists in part if not completely outside the local church.
The idea of believers living independently of the local church is totally foreign to the New Testament. Throughout the New Testament, the assumption is always the same: that the people of God are faithfully gathering together in a local assembly where the Word of God is being disseminated. This unified gathering is the heart of Christianity. Why would anyone who claims to love the Lord want to keep His people at arm’s length?
The widespread lack of commitment to the church shows up in many ways as well — the neglect of baptism and communion, the explosion of para-church ministries, and the forsaking of biblical qualifications for church leadership are just a few examples.
Let me give you five reasons why the local church matters in our world today.
- It’s the place where sound doctrine is formulated. First Timothy 3:15 says that the church is the pillar and ground of the truth; it’s where doctrine is formulated and protected.
- It’s the place where the presence of Christ is lived out. The church family does life together. The church family is in relationship together learning to forbear, love, and care for one another. We rejoice with those that rejoice and weep with those that weep.
- Christ watches the local church. Revelation 2 and 3 speak of seven local churches in specific places with specific people. It is clear that Christ knows each and watches the local church.
- Christ loves the local church. I know some folks who say, “I don’t really love the church.” Well, Jesus does! He gave His life for it.
- It matters because Christ protects the church. Remember in Acts 9 when Saul was on the road to Damascus? In this confrontation with Paul, the Lord Jesus Christ reminds us that He takes it personally when someone attacks, or sows conflict, or walks away from the church. He protects the church because He’s committed to the church.
The recent May Fellowship meeting is a great example of this truth. Every message was centered on building the local church. The meeting was well attended. No one wanted to leave after the evening service, and there were all ages of folks who came for the week. It was a positive meeting to help build the local church.