THE CHURCH in the Local Church




Lots of people prepare and plan to attend gatherings such as family reunions, concerts, weddings, and the like. Very rarely do we read negative posts about attending these amazing events.

As a matter of fact, we actually love/like being in those settings that we are especially fond of or those where our awesome friends, families, and other loved ones are. From experience, it can be quite a nice environment, that is, until someone does something really dumb and then the whole thing shuts down because a fight breaks out or "the lights come on" because 'you don't have to go home but.... " (y'all know the rest).

Anyhoo, lately I've been hearing many negative conversations about The Church and our fellowship (at the local church building) where God has set the pattern for Church leadership: the men and women (prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers) who are called and appointed to edify (construct, instruct, build up, or establish) the body (of Christ) = The Church (the people).

Additionally, it is God (whom lots of people "say" they love) who has given us 'pastors according to his heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.' [I wish I could underline "according to his heart"]

So where are the pastors? Where are the people who seek (FIRST) the Kingdom of God and His righteousness? And where do we gather to be "fed with knowledge and understanding?" I mean really?  What BETTER environment is there than the local church?

It is at the local church where there is NO DOUBT about the intent of the fellowship (or assembly).

It is at the local church where many different people have ONE MIND (unity).

It is also at the local church where LOTS of us WANT to gather to learn about the God of the Bible, to fellowship (have fun), and to grow spiritually, to serve and learn to serve .... et cetera et cetera!

Many excuse themselves from this setting because they have lost faith and/or trust in the position held by someone who did not lead nor feed them properly. So now they counsel themselves or receive counsel from the ungodly (who do not follow God's ways). This leads to doubt, compromise, spiritual weakness, and if not dealt with properly and effectively, can lead one away from God altogether.  And it is obvious, that some are just plain ole rebellious and refuse to "follow" anyone; especially God (of the Bible).  No shade or judgement.  Just real truth.  If hell is enlarging itself, that means there are some who have and will reject God's saving grace and delivering power.  ((makes me sad, not surprised))

How can you truly "hear" without a preacher and how can he (or she) preach (the GOSPEL) except he be sent (from God)?
All who call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. But this can't happen where Jesus is not believed. And belief can't happen where the message has not been heard. And there can be no hearing of the message without a preacher (one who proclaims).

So we (I) want to go where the message is proclaimed! That happens to be my local church.
Do I enjoy going other places? ABSOLUTELY.
Do I have fun at those places? ABSOLUTELY.
Do I enjoy going to my church? ABSOLUTELY!
Do I have fun at church OR among others who attend?  ABSOLUTELY.
Are there those who attend who are messy?  flawed? a whole trip? ABSOLUTELY.
I know this because --- I'm in that number.  STRIVING to be better and learning how.... right alongside those who desire the will of God. 

I recognize the necessity for me to fellowship with those who believe (seven "ones") that there IS (indicating ONE)...:
1 - body
1 - Spirit
1 - hope
1 - one Lord
1 - faith
1 - baptism
1 - God and Father of all -- who is over all and through all and in all

Like others who plan to attend their favorite gathering spots, I PLAN to attend my local church.  I prepare to be in the House of God (where His presence is).  I desire to be in a place where there are others who are striving and who are seeking to know Him.

It's INTENTIONAL and I'm proud to say I love the Lord and I won't take it back!

I AM a part of the CHURCH Jesus spoke about - where the gates of hell will NOT prevail... and I am proud to be a part of a local church body!  

God sets the pattern (standard) that those who love Him "choose" to follow and live by!

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