Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary

The Importance of the Church / Dr. Jim Tillotson

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Description

Dr. Jim Tillotson emphasizes the importance of being passionate about serving God and His people, particularly through active participation in the local church. He stresses that a genuine love for the church is essential, as is the need to serve one another, and to hold fast to the confession of hope as the return of Christ draws near.

Scripture Texts

Main Points or Ideas

  1. Go to Church out of Love, not Duty

    • The motivation for attending church should be a deep love for God’s people, not merely fulfilling an obligation.
    • Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to not forsake assembling but to provoke one another to love and good works.

  2. Passion for God’s People

    • We are to have a care for one another in the body of Christ, especially within the church.
    • 1 John 3:16 teaches us to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters in Christ.
    • There should be no one in the church who suffers alone; the church is called to support one another.

  3. Serving God and the Local Church

    • Our role in the local church is not to sit idly but to serve actively in whatever capacity God has called us.
    • Hebrews 10:24-25 urges believers to encourage one another in their faith, not just attend church but to be a part of the work.

  4. The Local Church is God’s Design for Ministry

    • The local church is where we are to serve and work for God's glory. It is not optional for a believer.
    • 1 Corinthians 12 reminds us that we are all members of the body of Christ, and each has a unique role to play.

  5. Avoid division and support your pastor

    • The church should be unified, and there should be no schism in the body.
    • Disunity harms the church’s mission, and we should work together for the good of God’s kingdom. The church must focus on fulfilling God’s work, rather than focusing on personal preferences or conflicts.

Conclusion
The church is not a place for passive attendance but a body where each member plays a crucial role. As believers, we must have a passion for God’s people, a willingness to serve, and a deep love for the local church. Serving in the church is an expression of our love for God, and we must be intentional in making the church a place where people thrive, serve, and grow in their faith.