This week we wrap up our series with an in-depth look at one of the most essential elements of God's training for us. Some people take full advantage of this crucial aspect of Christianity, others despise it, to their own loss.
I am speaking of the church. As believers, we are all part of the universal church, made up of all believers from Pentecost to the Rapture. Most of the time, however, when the Bible uses the Word Church, it refers to the local church. God intends for us to function in locally organized assemblies. We are told not to neglect our meeting together so that we can "consider one another in order to provoke love and good works". We are to encourage, build up, and correct each other, which requires this meeting together, which is to be increasing the closer we get to Christ's return (Hebrews 10:19-25).
The gathering of believers under biblical leadership where God intends key teaching to take place and maturity to happen (Ephesians 4). It is where we meet together to worship our Lord and Savior Jesus with one unified voice. It is where we submit to the training and leadership He has established, and it is the base from which we go out and impact the world for Him. We gather to be remind of what truly matters, where our citizenship lies, and Who we exist for, then we spend the week living that out. I hope you will listen in to hear this and more explained from God's Word!
