[Acts 2:41-43 KJV] “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”.
The church is a family, and as you know; you don’t check in and check out of a family; you are born into it and continue with the family all your life. Many of us are stranded in life because we joke with the church of God. We come in and go out and take the things of God in the church for granted. This is a sin of sacrilege. Many people die early and many become terminally ill because they play games with the church.
I wish to exhort you to understand that the church is the house of God, and He will defend His house to the letter. As you come in, join the family and don’t try to mess with God.
When you join the church, you share in some benefits;
- You enjoy the fatness and roots of the church. [Romans 11:17 KJV] “And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;”
- You receive shepherdorial care. Your pastor prays with and guides you.
- You partake of the spiritual heritage of the church. Even when the Gibeonites lied to Joshua, they still enjoyed the blessing of Israel (See Joshua 9 and 10)
- You receive the sharpening and reinforcement of the brethren.
Just like in any good family, every member has some kind of role they play to help the home. If you belong to this family of believers, then you must support us with your;
1. Attendance:
Hebrews 10:25 teaches us not to forsake the assembling together of ourselves. We ought to gather more often even as we see the last day approaching.
2. Obedience:
We must be subject to our pastors, and continue loyally in the doctrine of the church. We must obey and follow the doctrine and report those who try to destroy the church with their attitudes. We must warn the unruly!
3. Prayer:
You will be better prepared to withstand in an evil day when you watch and pray with all prayers and supplication for all the saints and for your pastor (See Eph 6:10-18).
4. Offerings and tithes:
Your offerings and tithes are a reflection of your love for the pastor and the kingdom. When you give, the heavens open and pour you a blessing. Heaven does not just pour blessings but defends your increase.
5. Reverence:
The church that walks in the fear of the Lord experiences miracles. That church literally experiences God. May the Lord rebuke and smite anyone who tries to disrespect our grace. If we allow people to come in to the church and misbehave, we will be cheating ourselves. It will rob us of blessings.
Be blessed, I love you!
Noah Simpe Bediako
