This is an excerpt from my ‘One-to-One’ reading plan that I signed up for on YOU VERSION. (sign up today…a great discipline)
Through a revelation of the Holy Spirit, Peter confessed the true identity of Jesus, the Son of God. (Matthew 16:16-18) Jesus said this truth would be the foundation stone that His church would be built on. He also described the type of church He would build, a victorious church that would overcome the kingdom of darkness. Jesus and Paul used the word “church” in reference to the people of God. Church never referred to a religious building. Here are four benefits of being part of a local church:
Friendship
Real friends. Everyone needs them. Few find them. The best place to look for a real friend is in the church, the people of God. True friends are those who have our best interests in mind. They stick with us through thick and thin. Real friends never lead us away from God. Instead, they provoke us to godliness. (Proverbs 17:17; Proverbs 18:24)
Fellowship
If a piece of burning coal is removed from the fire, it will cool off. If it’s put back in the middle of a pile of red-hot coals, it will burn again. The same is true of Christians. If a Christian is removed from fellowship with other red-hot Christians, he or she will cool off spiritually. If a Christian stays in fellowship, he or she will stay on fire for God. (Acts 2:42, 44-46; 2 Corinthians 6:14)
Worship
God is looking for sincere worshipers. Worship is simply the expression of our love, devotion, and commitment to God. (John 4:23–24)
Discipleship
The last command Jesus gave His followers before He ascended to heaven was to go and make disciples, to baptize these disciples, and to teach them how to obey God’s Word. Therefore, we should first be disciples or followers of Jesus, then we should teach others to follow Him. (Matthew 28:19–20; 2 Timothy 2:2)
Personal Application
Are you being discipled, either one-to-one or in a small group setting?
Are you making disciples?
Who are you teaching to obey God’s Word?
Are you an active member of a local church?
Who are three Christians you can call for help in case of a spiritual emergency?
via Reading Plan – Bible – YouVersion.com.
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