“If a man vow a vow unto the Lord, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.”
Yesterday we looked at this verse in relation to church membership. Today let's continue that thought.
Because some will hear only what they want when the doctrines on the church are taught they miss the whole point of why Christ called some to be in His Bride and why some are not. Being a faithful church member is more than just being saved, baptized, and joining one of the Lord's churches. It is being faithful to the vow or vows we make when we are accepted into the membership. Vows to God and to the church.
Some people are more faithful to the local social club or civic organization or sports league than to the Lord's church. They faithfully pay dues and attend meetings to these things more than they will ever do to the church in which they are member. But praise God! They are counted on the church roll! And some think that is all they need to be safely counted in the Lord's Bride. But saith the Lord? Look at what the Lord gave Paul to write:
Ephesians 5:26-27
“26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.”
So how is it that Christ is able to present His Bride to Himself? By sanctifying and cleansing it with the washing of water by the word. What word? His Word. By the teaching of His Word. I know some will say “well I can learn from God's Word at home or where ever I am.” But it that the model of the Lord's church given in Holy writ? No. God's Word is clear. You must be a faithful member of one of His true churches to be a part of His Bride. Just being a member is not enough. Being faithful to studying God's Word on your own is not enough.
A faithful member is not only one who is there whenever the church has chosen to meet. But it can also be one who is home bound due to sickness or bad weather or because of work who continues in their vow to the Lord as much as possible. Sometimes it is just staying in contact with another church member so the church knows the situation and can be in prayer for you. Many churches have gone to live broadcast and recordings. Are you watching? If not why not?
The fact of the matter is there is no reason why a church member cannot be faithful to the Lord and His church. If you made a vow to the Lord and His church then what are you doing about that vow? What kind of witness have you been to those who you have made known where you have your membership? If the rest of the membership were like you would the church still be in existence?
This is not just about church membership. As our text verse says: “ If a man vow a vow unto the Lord, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.” Is there some other vow or oath you have made to the Lord? Have you promised tithe, offerings, property, your life, etc to the Lord? Are you living out that vow or are you neglecting that vow? Remember, it is not just the church you may be neglecting but the Lord Himself. With whom did you make the vow? Our Lord takes these things very seriously. As well should we.
Praise ye the Lord!!!
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