In 1Cor 5:5 and 1Tim 2:20, the Holy Spirit gives us language for Christians who absent themselves from the worship and fellowship of the church: "handed over to Satan."
Within the church is the ministry of the elders that God has given us to build us up in Christ (Eph 4:11-16). The church is the method of Christ's caring for us, to protect us from the roaring and devouring lion (1Pet 5:1-11).
Sure, churches are full of sinners. There is no other kind of person to fill them with, this side of glory. But they are also the primary place of sanctification and saving protection of the Savior.
If you hope in and trust Jesus, let alone love Him, you will be an active member of His church. You will neither give into the fancy that you can have your arms open to Christ but not the church; nor, will you easily indulge excuses for being absent from worship or fellowship.
No comments:
Post a Comment