The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.... Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul (Proverbs 29:15-17).
While growing up, your parents might have taught you certain values to make you a decent and successful person. Some other kids who weren't taught the same probably ended up wild. That's how it works spiritually too; you have to be nurtured in the things of the spirit to become that man or woman God predestined you to be. That's what the local church is for, and that's why it's very important for every Christian to belong to, and function effectively, in a local Church.
In Hebrews 10:25 the Lord expressed displeasure at those who don't take attending church services seriously, and warned others against imitating their ways: "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Some Christians say, "Well, every Sunday I go to whichever church I choose." That's like a child that goes to any house at night-time and asks, "Can I sleep here tonight?" Imagine the kind of life he's going to live! That's the way some people are spiritually. They hop in for Sunday service, and then decide to hop into another church the following Sunday. That's wrong.
Some others don't go to church at all, but rather stay at home to watch one preacher after the other on television. So they say, "I have many pastors; I watch them on TV." A pastor can teach you on TV, but he can't pastor you on TV. There's so much to gain by belonging to a church. There, you'll be strengthened through the Word of God and through the ministration of the Spirit. This won't happen if you hop from one church to another, or merely watch sermons on television. At best, you'll have a lot of information, but you wouldn't have made much spiritual progress; you won't be grounded in the truth, for the Church is the ground and pillar of truth (1 Timothy 3:15).
In the Church, you're taught God's Word, which enables you to deal wisely in the affairs of life, whilst being positioned for limitless possibilities and endless victories.
PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for the opportunity to have my life improved and upgraded through your Word, as I make myself functional in the Church, taking advantage of the organized structure of the local assembly, which you've set for my spiritual growth and edification. I'm strengthened and energized for victory through fellowship with the Spirit, and my brothers and sisters in Christ, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
Hebrews 10:25
Living Bible (TLB)
25 Let us not neglect our church meetings, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near.
Romans 16:1
Living Bible (TLB)
16 1-2 Phoebe, a dear Christian woman from the town of Cenchreae, will be coming to see you soon. She has worked hard in the church there. Receive her as your sister in the Lord, giving her a warm Christian welcome. Help her in every way you can, for she has helped many in their needs, including me.
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Reading Plan : Luke 6:1-16 Deuteronomy 29-30
2 Year Reading Plan : Romans 3:1-12 Psalm 94
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