belonging

what does it mean to "belong" to a church?

"… in Christ we who are many, form one body and each member belongs to all the others."  Romans 12:5

a message from the Rector…

Dear Friends,

You know there are plenty of confusing ideas on what it means to be a Christian and there are plenty of changing ideas on what church is for.

I hope to clarify what it means to belong to:
• Jesus Christ and to
• A local church like St Thomas'.

Sadly there are people who belong to the local church, but not to Christ, others who belong to Christ but not to a local church - and of course there are those who belong to neither. This church seeks what God Himself seeks – membership of both.

TO BELONG TO JESUS CHRIST

How does it happen?
The wonder of the Christian gospel is that Jesus Christ has done the hard work of arranging salvation and our part is only to "believe". The famous verse John 3:16, "God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life". His action calls for our belief.

Or take another example: When people came to Jesus wanting to work their way into God's favour, Jesus replied "believe in the One He has sent" (John 6:29).

Why do we need to believe?
The background to this is simply that since God is perfect and allows no sin (thought, word or deed) to go unpunished, we are all in a hopeless position. To assume that all will be well because "God is love" is to forget that God is also Judge. To meet God as we are is to meet the One "who lives in unapproachable light" (1 Timothy 6:16).

But the perfect Judge has made a way for us to be ready to meet Him, without fault and with great joy" (Jude 24). His own Son has lived the life we are meant to have lived, has died to pay our due punishment and has risen to prove that death is beaten. We are to put our confidence in Him. We are to "call" on Him in prayer - to be saved (Romans 10:13). We need him.

You will notice that believers in the Bible are not just "knowers" however. It would be a great mistake to think that because you can understand the gospel (or even explain it) you have "eternal life". There are many people who we believe in but don't belong to.

Real belief means we belong to Christ!
True 'believing' in the Bible means that you also belong to Jesus Christ. It's a commitment not just an awareness. Noah believed into the ark and Christians believe into Christ. We are not detached but attached like branches in a vine (John 15:5) and when we are joined to Him, a new eternal life enters our hearts.

Nor is this a private affair as if we could live just a 'vertical' Christian life. The Bible describes Christians as part of Christ's church body, sheep in His flock, branches in His vine, stones in His temple and children in His family, etc. That is why we need to know what it means…

TO BELONG TO A LOCAL CHURCH

Healthy Christianity is in relationship with Him and His people. We need the local church to learn the dimensions of His love (see Ephesians 4:11ff) and to serve Him properly. How can we keep His "new commandment" if we keep away? (John 13:34). How can the Body function if we are not dependable? How can we receive if we are not gathering? Consumer Christianity is not real Christianity. Corporate Christianity is real Christianity.

You will know that we are in a consumer society. Sociologists tell us that the rising generation is an "options" generation. The idea that we are 'soldiers' who obey and keep going when things are tough is hard to remember when other options are round every corner.

The 'dependable soldier' who makes sacrifices is giving way to the shopper who makes choices. We are all under siege with decisions!

At St Thomas' we feel the loss of fellowship in a number of ways. Our suburb is not a village or community and people come from around about. The Pacific Highway beside us is a six-lane street with people rushing – North Sydney is a busy area with little time for deep relationships. Against this tide, God is still building His church.

WHAT DOES MEMBERSHIP MEAN?

Membership "in Christ" is by true believing. Membership in the Anglican Church is by baptism or regular attendance. Membership at St Thomas' is a decision that you should make with these priorities in mind:
 

WHAT DOES MEMBERSHIP OFFER?

The deepest reward for Christian faithfulness will not come from any human hand. It is God Himself who rewards His people for their sacrifices with blessings such as peace, joy, insight and assurance that are more valuable than anything people can give. But two obvious benefits of membership are truth and love.

Truth from God's Word being explained and applied will put light on your path and wisdom in your priorities. There is no silver or gold to match this treasure (Psalm 19:10). We are enriched by God's Word.

Love from God and His people is the crying need of the heart whether we realise it or not. Someone who will stick with you (no matter what you have done, are like or will do) is of infinite value. God's love is strengthened in God's church. Of course you will find better entertainment at the movies or a sports event, but for truth and love you need God's local church.

So you should not be without God's truth at St Thomas' and no-one need be without His love – your access to these is as real as your willingness.

WHAT NOW?

The doors of this church are open to everyone. We are not about to create two groups of people. But in a day when the direction of the world is to self and superficiality we are reminding you of Christ's own words to forget self and give Him your priority.

We are looking to go against the flow of the day with its "church-hopping" and "what's in it for me?" We're asking you to decide whether this local church will have your commitment – knowing that a community of members is a powerful weapon in the hands of a great God.

Our aim as a church is to see members know Christ (aiming for maturity), serve Christ (active in ministry) and proclaim Christ (committed to mission).

May the Lord bless you in our fellowship.

Yours warmly,
Simon Manchester