"You are called to belong, not just believe.
The church is a body, not a building: an organism, not an organization.
Almost every time the word church is used in the Bible it refers to a local, visible congregation.
We are created for community, fashioned for fellowship, and formed for a family, and none of us can fulfill God's purposes by ourselves.
In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
Biblical fellowship is being as committed to each other as we are to Jesus Christ. God expects us to give our lives for each other.
we need more than the Bible to grow; we need other believers. We grow faster and stronger by learning from each other and being accountable to each other.
The church is God's instrument on earth. He works through us in the world.
Encourage each other daily. If you know people who have wandered off from God's truth, don't write them off. Go after them. Get them back.
The church will meet your five deepest needs;
-A purpose to live for.
-People to live with
-Principles to live by.
-A profession to live out.
-A power to live on.
The Christian life is more than just a commitment to Christ; it includes a commitment to other Christians." PDL Chapter 17
Very interesting.....this chapter spells out really clearly that church is a group of Christians, not a building and that we are called to belong. I always thought that I belonged to a church, but prior to Grace, I had only attended church. I didn't belong to the church and the church didn't belong to me. I like the idea of having a responsibility. To belong, to be an active part and to be responsible for the other members is a huge and wonderful life's purpose. The statement above, about the five things that church provides, is the most concise description that I have ever read. Wow, great chapter!
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