Participant or Spectator?

Good evening and welcome to the Panhandle, thanks for dropping by. I put together a monthly newsletter for our church and in the newsletter I do a little column where I look briefly at a topic. I thought I would post a few of these now that we are done with the Book of James. I pray you enjoy them and that they give you food for thought or at least something to chew on. 

Tonight I want to look at church membership. I have heard people say, "I don't have to go to church to find God, I can find Him _________ (you fill in the blank). But I am of a firm belief that you need to be in regular fellowship with other Christians. If you are going at it alone it is a lot easier for Satan to ambush you. I also believe you need to be a participant in church not just a spectator.  

Millions of people express joy in their hearts when they find Christ Jesus as Saviour, their sins are forgiven, and there is peace in their souls. As Christians they have obeyed the Lord's command to follow Him in baptism and unite with His church; they have found great happiness in this new relationship.

Many, however, fail to comprehend the significance of being a church member. Sometimes they live for many years without ever seeming to learn the real meaning of membership. This should not be true. Every member should know the seriousness and sacredness of his or her commitment. It is surprising that so many hold membership without realizing their privileges and opportunities or accepting their obligations.

The church of the Lord Jesus Christ is the greatest institution that the world has ever known. Christ established it during His earthly ministry, and He is its Head (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18). He promised that He would be with it through the ages and that the gates of hell should not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18; 28:20). To it He gave the Great Commission and the ordinances, and for it He went to the cross (Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Cornithians11:23-26; Ephesians5:25). He loves the church, and He wants His churches to honor and glorify Him as His representatives on the earth (Ephesians 5:25 3:21; 5:25-27). - (Church Member's Handbook.)

Does this mean the people who make up the church are perfect? No, we make mistakes, our lives can be messy. But we have a Saviour, who wants to help, who wants to be a part of our everyday lives. We also have a church family who does their best to help us through hard, messy times, and celebrate with us when things are good. Why not be an active part of a church family this year?