A few weeks ago we touched on the significance of the temple curtain being torn from top to bottom at Christ’s death. It signaled a new beginning, and in Acts 2 we read about God’s new plan, the church. Several years later, the writer of Hebrews reminds believers, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another”(Hebrews 10:24-25a).
Now, many centuries later, the importance of the local church has not diminished. It’s God’s plan for this age: we need it, and the world needs it. As you step out on your own, don’t forget the importance of being part of a church which teaches truth and will encourage you to love people and do right. Checking out churches in an area before accepting a job there can help prevent you from moving to a location which doesn’t have the kind of church you’re looking for.
Research church websites and visit churches. Read their doctrinal statements and consider the preaching and training and genuineness of the pastors. Recall the instruction in Hebrews 13:7: “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” Following and encouraging the pastor are important responsibilities of every church member, so find a church whose pastor you can support.
Some people look for what a church has to offer them, and to an extent that’s a valid consideration. Also include consideration of the opportunities a church has for you to serve, however. The graciousness of a church who opens its doors and hearts to the young person should not be taken for granted or taken advantage of. Following a challenge to the believer to present himself as a living sacrifice in Romans 12:1, Paul goes on to encourage him, “not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think,” but to serve the body of Christ. Romans 12:2-8 continues this encouragement to serve brothers and sisters in Christ. If your career choice gives you wide freedom in location, perhaps consider first finding a small church or a church plant which you could encourage and support; then look for a job in that area.
Paul is so struck with wonder at the gloriousness of God’s plan, the church, that he physically bows in adoration in the closing verses of Ephesians 3: “For this reason I bow my knees before the Father . . . that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen”(3:14-21).
The church is God’s plan for this age. If we appreciate this great plan as it deserves, we also will submit to it, praise God for it, pray for strength of the inner man, join with a local body of believers so we can be rooted and grounded and serving, and recognize that all glory in the church belongs to God, forever.