The Importance of Involvement in a Local Church

Composition of the Church

1. What did the early Christians do that we should do also? (Acts 2:41-42, 4:3, 5:41-42, 8:4) List several ways you can apply these to your Christian walk.
2. As God's children, how do we obey the instructions given in Hebrews 10:25?
3. Read I Thessalonians 1:1-10 then list here some qualities God desires in members of any church.
4. In what ways do you demonstrate these qualities?

Ordinances of the Church

1.) What do you believe baptism accomplishes? (Matthew 28:19) Who is eligible for baptism? What was the significance of your baptism?
2.) What is the meaning of the communion service? (I Corinthians 11:23-26)
3.) How do you prepare yourself to observe the Lord's supper?

Purposes of the Church

1.) What should be one of the basic purposes of a church? (II Timothy 4:2) How does the church you attend fulfill these purposes in this verse?
2.) List several of your own reasons for joining a church.
3.) What should the church believe about Christ's birth? (Mathew 1:23 ), Deity (John 1:14 ), Death (I Peter 2:24), Resurrection (I Corinthians 15:3-4), Second Coming (I Thessalonians 4:16-17)?
Where does your church stand on these truths? It may be helpful to obtain a doctrinal statement from your church and research these areas.
4.) What abilities does God give (besides that of serving as a prophet or apostle) to strengthen the church members? (Ephesians 4:11-13)
Which of these roles do you fill? Which would you like to be involved in? Why? How are your preparing yourself for that ministry?

Life Application

1.) If you are not already active in a local church, prayerfully list two or three that you will visit in the next month, with the purpose of attending one regularly.
Before you attend the first service, list the qualities you feel are essential for spiritual growth and fellowship. Ask God to show you which church He is leading you to join.
2.) The following are suggestions for making your church worship more meaningful:

• Bow for silent prayer before the service begins. Pray for yourself, for the minister, for those taking part in the service and for those worshiping, that Christ will be very real to all, and that those who do not know Christ may come to know Him.
• Always take your Bible. Underline portions that are made especially meaningful by the sermons.
• Take notes on the sermon and apply them to your life.
• Can you list some other ways?

3.) If you are part of a local church, ask God to show you ways you can be more used by Him in the church. List the ways of service that He reveals to you.

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