Wednesday Rhapsody Of Realities - You Must Belong In A Local Church

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils (1 Timothy 4:1).

Sometimes, you ask some Christians which church they attend and they say, “I don’t belong to any church. I fellowship wherever I want to; wherever the Spirit leads me.” That’s sad. It’s a show of spiritual immaturity and instability to have such a mind-set. Any Christian who says he or she doesn’t believe in being a member of a local church, is in error, and under the spell of Satan.

We’re clearly admonished in the Scriptures not to forsake the gathering of the saints; our church meetings: “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” (Hebrews 10:25). These are the last days, and our opening verse says men shall give heed to “seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.”

Some people think “seducing spirits” are spirits that seduce men and women in lustful desire, but “seducing spirits,” according to the Scriptures, are spirits that try to lure people out of the Gospel; they lure people away from the truth of the Word. These spirits are working in many people today who go about deceiving others, telling them they don’t have to be members of a local church to serve God. Some have even written books inspired by Satan to convince Christians not to belong in any church, or to lure them from the church into another gospel.

Therefore, beware of them; be wise. Even in regions where there’s hostility against the message of the Gospel, Christians still find time and opportunity to meet. The Church is the ground and pillar of truth; it’s the place where you’re taught the truth—God’s Word that puts you over in life.

Personal Bible study and prayer are very healthy and must be embraced by all Christians, but it must not take the place of corporate worship—the assembly of ourselves together. You have to be in the house of God so you can hear the Word, grow spiritually, and participate effectively in the work and ministry of the Church.

PRAYER: Dear Father, I thank you for the opportunity to fellowship with you and with other believers, and the grace to be vitally involved and committed in spiritual activities organized in the local assembly. I’m blessed to partake of that corporate unction that transforms my life, and makes me more effective in the work of the Kingdom, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study: Acts 9:31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

Acts 2:41-47 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all [men], as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Hebrews 10:25 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.

1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 2 Corinthians 6:3-7:1, Proverbs 20-21
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12, Jeremiah 25