…I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
Matthew 16:18

We began last time considering the vital importance of the Church. The following are more reasons why we need to be associated with a local church.

There are actions believers are instructed to take that cannot be done without being in a true local church. One example is found in the following verse:

Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. Hebrews 13:17

The context reveals that “those who rule” are the elders in the local church. If you are not in a legitimate church (one with biblical elders), you cannot do this. The same is true regarding elders in these verses:

Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, "YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE AN OX WHILE IT TREADS OUT THE GRAIN," and, "THE LABORER IS WORTHY OF HIS WAGES." Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear. 1 Timothy 5:17-20

And what about when one is ill? How can one who is not in a church do this?:

Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. James 5:14

Believers need to be members of a local churches that have biblical elders. Why membership? Membership is formal understanding of mutual accountability between the believers and the church (including the leadership). A fellow pastor who many of you know once said to me regarding membership: “How can elders watch over the souls of those who refuse to be accountable as members?” (See Hebrews 13:17 above)

Next time: The truth about house churches…