“So then …stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter.” 2 Thessalonians 2.15

     (CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK)

     Baptist’s have emphasized the local church as the medium through which God works with His people. Although Baptist’s recognize the universal church stretching throughout history, including all who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, Baptist’s focus on the local church which is described in the pages of the New Testament. It is the local, gathered community of believers that is the practical working unit of the universal church. It is these three characteristics that define the Baptist understanding of church.

     First, the church is a local church. It is made up of people that can meet together on a regular basis, to share their lives in an ongoing relationship of trust and commitment. Galatians 6.2 says, “Bear one another’s burdens;” 1 Thessalonians 5.11, “Therefore encourage one another and build up each other;” 1 Peter 4.8. “Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins.” In order to build such dynamic relationships, the church must consist of people who are available to each other, regularly.

     Second, the church is a gathered church. When Baptists speak of a gathered church, they are emphasizing the voluntary nature of the church. The church is a network of relationships that draw people together for the purpose of sharing their lives in Christ. The church is not defined by geographical bounds; instead the church reflects a similar vision, a similar theology, a similar mission that is shared by the members of a church that give them direction in their service to Christ.

     Third, the local church is the practical extension of God’s universal church. If we are to learn the lessons that Jesus intends to “build my church” (Matthew 16.18), then we must have a local spiritual laboratory in which to learn the lessons of a disciple. This practice lab is the local church.

     (TO BE CONTINUED)

     See you Sunday,

  Pastor Dave

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