Absolutely! The New Testament emphasized the importance the local Church. Paul established local congregations everywhere he preached the gospel. Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us why the local Church is vital.
“And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
It is only in the local Church to which one is committed that there can be the level of intimacy that is required for carefully stimulating fellowbelievers “to love and good deeds.” And it is only in this setting that we can encourage one another. We also need the community of Believers to help inspire and guide us in our faith and in our lives. We need each other!
Paul encouraged Timothy to emphasize public worship that includes three things – hearing the Word, being called to action and obedience and teaching. “Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching” (1 Timothy 4:13). It is only in the context of the local assembly that these things can most effectively take place.
“They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42 In the Church in Jerusalem they learned about God’s Word and how to apply it to their lives. The joined together to serve their community and each other and they observed the Lord’s Supper as Jesus’ commanded. Certainly we could do this alone but we were call made or called to do it alone. God has called us into His body – the Church the local part of a global family. We should gladly serve together in unity and love.
Finally, I want to share that I have learned over the years how deeply and desperately we need the Church. God has placed in us a need for connection and community that cannot be duplicated outside the fellowship of the local Church. This is a matter of soul-care. Spiritually we need each other as we walk with Jesus. I need people to inspire, encourage, and disciple me. I also need accountabilty and even correction to keep me faithful in my relationship with Jesus and with people. This is who we are at First Baptist Church and we invite you to join with us!
First Baptist Church is located at 400 West Foley in Eufaula. FBC Wednesday nights start each Wednesday at 6 p.m. with great ministries for Adults, Students and Children. On Sundays, our Small Group Bible studies begin at 8:45 a.m. and you are invited to worship with us at 10:00 a.m. each Sunday. You can join us in person or online at www.eufaulafbc.org
Know that you are loved! Pastor J. Ingram FBC Eufaula
