A new year comes with many “resolutions.” Most of those include either stopping a bad habit or beginning a good one. As we look forward to another year, a familiar verse stands out. Hebrews 10:25 says, “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.” With the passing of every year, we get closer and closer to the Lord’s return, and in the meantime, God has a plan for His Church. We are living in a day where church attendance has become non-important and believers feel that they can worship God from anywhere, but this should not be the case.
The Church in Scripture is a called-out assembly of born again believers – those who are followers of Christ. So when we think about the Church, there are a few things we need to make clear: The Church is made up of people and is not a place. We don’t go to Church; we ARE the Church. The Church is not an “it.” The Church is a “she,” a bride. It’s not, “Where do you go to church? It’s, “Where do you go for church service?” It’s not, “I’m going to the church.” It’s, “I’m going to the church building.” My friends, we don’t gather AT church; we gather AS the Church. Be committed to a local assembly of believers, whether it be Grace Bible or another group of called-out ones.
The Church ought to be a BODY with unity. The Bible uses the analogy of the body as the Church (I Cor. 12:12-27). A strong body is one where every member is doing its part. So is the Church.
The Church also ought to be a FAMILY with charity. A strong family is one where there is concern for one another, caring for one another, and love for one another (I Thess. 4:9). We have been adopted into God’s family, and following our Heavenly Father’s example, we ought to love each other. Charity is love in action!
Lastly, the Church ought to be a BRIDE with purity. We are called to righteousness and holiness. Christ desires to present us as a glorious and beautiful Church (Ephesians 5:27). While we want to avoid legalism and Phariseeism, there is nothing wrong and everything right with godly living.
Therefore, with that understanding in mind, may I challenge you to BE the Church Christ has called you to be this year? Be a vital member of a local assembly. Remember, you are an important part of the BODY, the FAMILY, and the BRIDE!