How important is the church to me? Spiritual Indicators How important is the church to me?

How important is the church to me? A subject misunderstood by many A neglected topic that places its purity in danger. Tonight we ask some questions to help us consider how important the church here is to me? How important is the church to me?

How important is the church to me? What is the church? Not a building, but relationship Universally, all who are saved Locally, descriptive of a group of the saved who join together in an “ordered, arranged and organized” way to work and worship as the local church. How important is the church to me?

Why should I be involved? Because of what the church is: Ephesians 3:10, 11, a part of God’s eternal purpose Matthew 16:18-19, built by Jesus Acts 20:28, purchased with His own blood Because it IS the body of the saved! How important is the church to me?

Why should I be involved? God expects me to be part of a local church There are many things to be done collectively by the church Much of the NT written to local churches and the saints that make them up – 1 Corinthians 1:2, 10 Colossians 4:15-16 How we conduct ourselves was communicated through letters to churches How important is the church to me?

Why should I be involved? Other than temporary circumstances (cf. 3 John 10, Acts 8:38-39), you do not find those simply choosing to be saints without being part of a local church Consider Paul – Acts 9:19, 25-26; 11:25-26, 13:1 How important is the church to me?

Why should I be involved? Some may hesitate to identify with a local congregation Some don’t know enough about the congregation – this is only valid for so long! Some don’t want to be under the authority of elders, etc. Hebrews 13:17 Why would you NOT want to be built up? Thought: What if every member had that attitude? Have I found a group of God’s people who love Him and truth? Have I joined them? How important is the church to me?

Why should I be involved? The future of the church (THIS church) depends on it! cf. Luke 18:8 Am I concerned enough about this church to ensure its survival when I’m gone? How important is the church to me?

Why should I be involved? For the sake of her purity 1 Timothy 3:15 Cf. 1 Corinthians 5:1-7 Revelation 2:12-17, 18-23 Because I want to grow as a Christian! Am I as involved with the church as I should be? What am I doing to keep her pure? How important is the church to me?

What am I doing as part of this body? Realize this is not a suggestion! Ephesians 4:16 I will be accountable! 2 Corinthians 5:10, Galatians 6:5 How do others see the church in me? Matthew 5:13-16, Titus 2:11-12 Am I making the church attractive? How important is the church to me?

What am I doing as part of this body? Do I attend as often as possible? Hebrews 10:24-25 Why would you NOT want to attend? Do I worship properly? John 4:24, 1 Corinthians 14:15 In worship God is glorified, but we are also edified! How important is the church to me?

What am I doing as part of this body? Do I stand behind my elders? They have proven themselves – 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:7-9 Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:2-3 We are to stand behind them? Hebrews 13:7, 17; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 Do I support my elders? Do I encourage them? Can they depend on me? Do I respect their decisions? How important is the church to me?

How am I supporting this church? Do you see her as worth investing in? What am I doing as part of this body? How am I supporting this church? Do you see her as worth investing in? A spiritual investment – devoting time, resources, talents and energy for her How important is the church to me?

What am I doing as part of this body? Am I investing in her with my material resources? Giving – 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 Where you put your resources will increase your concerns and desire to see her succeed. Am I giving of my time and talents? How important is the church to me?

Am I investing in her Bible classes? A quality of a strong church What am I doing as part of this body? Am I investing in her Bible classes? A quality of a strong church To grow, attend classes! To REALLY grow, invest time and efforts. Cf. Ezra 7:10 How important is the church to me?

What am I doing as part of this body? Am I investing in her Bible classes? Invest in Bible classes by teaching – The greatest growth will come if you seek to teach according to your ability. 2 Timothy 2:2 Consider Hebrews 5:12, “By this time you ought to be teachers” How important is the church to me?

What am I doing as part of this body? Am I investing in her Bible classes? Invest in Bible classes by teaching – You ARE needed! If all who can will teach, others are relieved from being overly burdened. Yes, it is a challenge and a sacrifice, but the rewards are tremendous, including growing as a Christian! How important is the church to me?

Am I investing in my brethren? What am I doing as part of this body? Am I investing in my brethren? They are your greatest source of strength when you are struggling. Do I see my brethren as my family? Am I there for them? Are they there for me? Romans 12:9-13 How important is the church to me?

What if everyone were like me? What would happen to this church? The strength of the Lord’s church tomorrow depends upon how strong we make her today! What if everyone were like me? What would happen to this church?

How important is this church to you?