The Local Church
Esther and I believe and teach, that every Christian needs a good local church. We appreciate small group studies, home groups, cells groups, and even house churches, in places where they are needed. However, Scripture is very clear that we are not to forsake the corporate gathering, under God ordained leadership. This is why Hebrews 10:24-25 says "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 13:17 adds; "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." This was so important that Paul wrote in Titus 1:5-9; "For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint (ordain) elders in every city as I directed you, namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. For the overseer must be above reproach as God's steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict."
The application here is very clear. God has those He set apart for the ministry, to bring people to maturity. These ministries are mentioned in Ephesians 4:12-13; "And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ". The thing is, even those men and women must be submitted under biblical authority. The Apostle Paul discovered that truth in a revelation from God. He wrote this in Ephesians 2:1-2 "Then after an interval of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also. It was because of a revelation that I went up; and I submitted to them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but I did so in private to those who were of reputation, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain." Even Paul knew he had to have his ministry checked out, and he was required by God be under the authority of others. That being the case, so must you, your pastor, and your church.
God ordained Pastors to shepherd the local church, with a leadership team of elders. These anointed men and women of God watch over the congregation, teach, preach, pray, and care for the people. They check the doctrine that is being taught, and act as a sounding board for the senior Pastor. Without this check and balance in place, the gathering of the Saints can become a very unstable, and unhealthy place to be. If you are not part of a local church, we encourage you find one today, and begin serving in that congregation.
Feel free to visit our church if you are in our area. The address is: 1680 State Highway 67, Johnstown, NY 12095. Our church website is www.lifecc.org. and our Facebook page is Life Christian Center Church. You can view our live stream broadcast on Facebook every Sunday at about 10am.