From the Minister

I was sat thinking the other day of all the different Clubs and groups I belong to. Some to do with interest, some work related, some because I feel I should. That got me to thinking about the commitment to those groups and what I contribute.

So what about church? Have you ever asked the question: What is the point of Church membership? Lets face it membership of the church itself has not and never will get anyone into heaven.

But this doesn't mean it's unimportant to be committed to a local church. In fact I am of the firm opinion that every believer should join a local church. Yet I still hear people say things like “But we are not joiners,” or “I’m happy just coming.”

It seems to me that such responses are contrary to the teaching of the New Testament. True, the Bible doesn't command believers to ‘join’ a church, because they are already members of the Church, the body of Christ (Eph. 1:22-23). But the Bible does instruct Christians to be actively involved in a local group of believers. This includes identifying with Christ and His people through baptism, the Lord's Supper, exercising one's spiritual gifts, studying God's Word, fellowshipping, praying together, and being accountable to one other

Each local church is the body of Christ in miniature. So, the church is more than an organization; it is a living organism, manifesting Christ to the world (see 1 Cor. 12:12-31).

Commitment to and active fellowship in a local church is biblical. Christ willingly identified with us by bearing our sin in His own body. Shouldn't we be willing to identify with Him by uniting with a local group of His people?

There is a long tradition of Baptists worshipping here in Ringstead, with our congregation consisting of a mixture of new and old: our ages, our Christian experience, our time within the fellowship, our music. Yet I firmly believe that God has called each one of us here, called us all together to fulfil the purpose of the Kingdom, not just in the past, but also looking to the future, what is it God is asking of us next?

So now is the time, and this is the place to be the people of God. So if you haven’t yet become a member what about it? And if you are a member are you really playing your part? But most of all, what is God asking of us now?

The church, a living body, containing all the parts‑

It lives, it moves, it functions, and touches many hearts;

When each part is committed to do the Saviour’s will?

His members are united, His purpose they fulfil. - Fitzhugh

Rev Rick