Quarterly Journals - Shiloh Baptist Church

QUARTERLY JOURNAL

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Church Attendance is Important

Posted on Jan 4, 2019 in Quarterly Journal | 3051

“…not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” – Hebrews 10:25

The Bible tells us we need to attend church, so we can worship God with other believers and be taught His Word for our spiritual growth. The early church “devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. We should follow that example of devotion-and do the same things. Back then, they had no designated church building, but they continued to meet every day together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their home and ate together with glad and sincere hearts. Whenever the meeting takes place, believers thrive on fellowship with other believers and the teaching of God’s word.

Church attendance is not just a good idea; it is God’s will for believers. Hebrews 10:25 says we should “not [be] giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Even in the early church, some were falling into the bad habit of not meeting with other believers. The author of Hebrews says that’s not the way to go. We need the encouragement that attendance affords. And the approach of the end times should prompt us to be even more devoted to coming to church.

When a person trusts Jesus Christ for salvation, they become a member of the body of Christ. For a church body to function properly, like a physical body, all of its body parts need to be present and working. It’s not enough to just attend a church; get involved in ministry, serving others and using the spiritual gifts God has given to each of us. A believer will never reach full spiritual maturity without having an outlet for his spiritual gift, and we all need the assistance and encouragement from one another,

Some of us come to church to see who else is there. Some of us come out of habit. Some of us come because we’re hurting, and we need help. Some of us come just so we can be seen. Some of us come because we are lost. Some of us come because without Jesus life is incomplete. Some of us come to hear music, or to witness the dance. Some of us come because the Word of God is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path way. Some of us come because we don’t know where else to go. Whatever the reason; church attendance, participation, and fellowship ought to be an integral part of a believer’s life. Weekly church attendance is in no sense “required” for believers, but someone who belongs to the Lord should have a desire to worship God, receive His Word, and fellowship with other believers. It’s good to see you. I’m glad you came!

Submitted by Deaconess Irene Gardon

Jan '19

The Purpose of the Church

Posted on Jan 4, 2019 in Quarterly Journal | 1890

Jan '19

^“God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.” – Acts 2:24 ESV

The church is to teach biblical doctrine, so we can be grounded in our faith. The church is to be a place of fellowship, where Christians can be devoted to one another and honor one another, encourage one another, and most importantly, love one another. The church is to be a place where the believers can observe the Lord’s Supper, remembering Christ’s death and shed blood on our behalf. The church is to be a place that promotes prayer, teaches prayer, and practices prayer. Another commission given to the church is proclaiming the gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ.

The church is called to be faithful in sharing the gospel through word and deed. The church is to be a lighthouse in the community pointing people to Christ. The church is both to promote the gospel and prepare its members to proclaim the gospel. The church is to be about the business of ministering to those in need. This included not only sharing the gospel, but also providing for physical needs (food, clothing, shelter) as necessary and appropriate. The church is also to equip believers in Christ with the tools needed to overcome sin and remain free from the pollution of the world, through biblical teaching and Christian fellowship. The church is God’s hand, mouth, and feet in this world- the Body of Christ.

Submitted by Deaconess Irene Gardon

Jan '19

We Can Achieve Biblical Unity

Posted on Jan 4, 2019 in Quarterly Journal | 2470

Jan '19

“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” – Psalm 133:1 ESV

The Bible emphasizes the importance of “unity” and “oneness.” Unity with others is good and pleasant (Psalm 133:1). Unity is absolutely essential because the church is the “Body of Christ” (1 Cor 12:27), and a body cannot be in disunity or disharmony with itself. If disunity exists, it essentially ceases to be a body and becomes a disjointed group of individuals. Jesus’ plan for His church is people united in faith. This is not a mystery.

We begin with how we view ourselves within the body and how we view others; Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves,” addresses this issue. All disunity in the church can be traced back to the simple truth that too often we are selfish and consider ourselves better than others. Sadly, churches that experience disunity are in conflict and turmoil are generally filled with people looking to their own needs, desires, and ambitions. Such behavior is common among unbelievers, and not characteristics of those with the mind of Christ.

Worldliness, not godliness, is the hallmark of the dis-unified church. The way to unity according to Paul, is that we are to consider others’ needs before our own. In all modesty, humility, and lowliness of mind, we are to “be completely humble and gentle; patient bearing with one another in love’ (Eph 4:2). A church filled with such people cannot help but have peace, unity, and harmony. The truly humble person sees his own faults in light of the perfections of Christ; he does not seek to see the faults in others, but when he does, he speaks the truth in love and desires their sanctification, so they will be built up in the image of Christ. He sees his own heart and the corruption that lies hidden therein, along with impure motives and evil ambitions. But he does not seek to notice the errors, defects, and follies of others. He sees the depravity of his own heart and hopes charitably in the goodness of others and believes their hearts are purer than his.

If we are to be the “Covenant Community” that Pastor says we are, we must begin by seeing one another in the light of the cross. Fellow Christians are those for whom Christ died a horrible death so that He might exchange his righteous perfection for their sin (2 Cor 5:21). A church full of such people enjoying their “common salvation” will be a true biblical church unified in, and earnestly contending for, the “faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3). How much longer will we demean, criticize, and defame those covered with the precious blood of Christ? The task before us is not to quarrel and demand our needs be met, but rather to reflect His grace and love to those who are also His, by His mercy. We can do this!

Submitted by Deaconess Irene Gardon