Heidelberg Cateshism 54 says:
Q. What do you believe concerning the “Holy Catholic Church”?
A. That, out of the whole human race, from the beginning to the end of the world, the Son of God, by His Spirit and Word, gathers, defends and preserves for Himself to everlasting life a chosen communion in the unity of the true faith; and that I am and forever shall remain a living member of the same.
Trinity Presbyterian Church encourages every member to join and participate in a local church. Below are Eight Reasons for being a living member of a local Church:
Christ’s intimate care– He gave his life for her and now gathers, defends, preserves and brings her to be one, caring for her and instructing her. We bind ourselves to a local church because Christ intimately binds himself to her and writes letters to each local church directed toward their particular need, Rev 1:13, 20; 2-3. If Christ loves the church, so ought we love and care for the church.
The Apostle’s Practice– they served the Lord from within the church, even when they saw shortcomings…seeing the shortcomings in their beloved church caused her to bind even tighter to them. Paul’s letters are generated due to problems in the local churches as a result him binding himself to her welfare.
Early Christian Example-The Holy Spirit came upon the church and they continued steadfastly in the apostle’s teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer: Acts 2:42-46.
The Focus of the NT Epistles-The local church is the manifestation of the body of Christ. Almost all the NT letters are written to local churches. Even the pastoral epistles, written to church leaders, teach the centrality of the local church to life.
The Imperative of Hebrews 10:25-Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves one to another. As the day approaches, don’t forsake the gathering and worshipping together. The ordinary church is the ordinary way God cares for his people. Don’t leave the church unless the church leaves the truth and you have attempted to correct the church through the appropriate channels.
The Church’s Benefits– the community, the oversight, and the fellowship are things upon which we can lean. We, collectively, can become a resting place for others in need. Individually, none of us are Christ, but together we are the body of Christ! What a blessing to be part of it and to benefit from the working of the other members.
God’s Providence– God who governs all his creatures and all their actions leads us to certain churches and we should love those churches. Bear with and submit to its authority.
Family Commitment– The church is the household of God. If you are part of a home and make a commitment as part of the household then you will actually have a much better path forward than if you had no family. Other household members will be able to help walk alongside you and better love the Lord Jesus Christ.
The above reasons were adapted from a lesson first taught by Dr. Joel Beeke.
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