WHAT I OWE MY HOME CONGREGATION by Danny Box Scripture teaches that the Christian is under special obligation to his home congregation (Eph. 4:16). What do I owe the local church? 1. I owe it the EXAMPLE OF A GOOD LIFE. I want my home congregation to radiate a wholesome influence in the community so I will be, …an example of the believers, in word, in manner of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity (1 Tim 4:12 ASV). I will…live soberly, righteously and godly (Titus 2:12), and I will let my light shine before men so that God will be glorified (Matt. 5:16). 2. I owe it my FINANCIAL SUPPORT. My home congregation has regular financial obligations. These obligations must be paid, and the only way the church can meet them is through the weekly collection (1 Cor. 16:1,2; 2 Cor. 9:7). Though circumstances may force me to be absent at times, my contribution should still be given each week to the treasurer of my home congregation. 3. I owe my EVANGELISTIC EFFORTS. I must do all that I can to win souls for the Lord. I can do this by preaching and persuading, or by persistent effort, or by inviting and bringing those who are lost to the services. We may not be able to stand and preach, but we can invite and encourage our friends and family to attend and hear the gospel. 4. I owe it my ATTENDANCE AND SUPPORT. The very existence of any congregation depends upon the attendance of its members. For this reason, I must attend ALL the services that I possibly can. I would not have it said that my home congregation perished because I would not attend the Bible classes and evening worship services. I am a part of my home congregation, and I must meet my obligations to the best of my ability to build up the body of Christ here at this place! (Adapted from an article in Glad Tidings by Bro. Frank Cox 2/4/99) Danny Box preaches for the Lord’s church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama POWER is a monthly publication of the Southaven church of Christ. This article may be re-printed and freely distributed. If this article is to be cited in other work please credit the author. The contents of this article may not be altered in any way. For further information contact: POWER P.O. Box 128 Southaven, MS 38671 E-mail: [email protected] URL: powerlectures.org
Posted on: Tue, 29 Oct 2013 06:59:39 +0000
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