Why Believing Includes Belonging

CURRENT TEACHING SERIES 40 Days of Love

Why Believing Includes Belonging By Rick Warren — Jul 2, 2015 “In Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” (Romans 12:5 NIV) You are called to belong, not just believe. We are created for community, fashioned for fellowship, and formed for a family, and none of us can fulfill God’s purposes by ourselves. The Bible knows nothing of solitary saints or spiritual hermits isolated from other believers and deprived of fellowship. The Bible says we are put together, joined together, built together, members together, heirs together, fitted together, and held together, and we will be caught up together (1 Corinthians 12:12; Ephesians 2:21-22, 3:6, 4:16; Colossians 2:19; 1 Thessalonians 4:17). You’re not on your own anymore! While your relationship to Christ is personal, God never intended for it to be private. In God’s family you are connected to every other believer, and we will belong to each other for eternity. The Bible says, “In Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others” (Romans 12:5). C. S. Lewis noted that the word “membership” is of Christian origin, but the world has emptied it of its original meaning. Stores offer discounts to members, and advertisers use member names to create mailing lists. In churches, membership is often reduced to simply adding your name to a roll, with no requirements or expectations. To Paul, being a “member” of the Church meant being a vital organ of a living body, an indispensable, interconnected part of the Body of Christ. We need to recover and practice the biblical meaning of membership. The Church is a body, not a building; an organism, not an organization (Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 6:15, 12:12-27). God’s purposes for his Church are identical to his five purposes for you. Worship helps you focus on God; fellowship helps you face life’s problems; discipleship helps fortify your faith; ministry helps find your talents; power helps fulfill your mission. There is nothing else on earth like the Church! PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >> Talk It Over What do you think a church should expect of its members? How are you fulfilling your purpose as a member of the Body of Christ in a local church? Why is it sometimes difficult to choose community over solitude? Our Gift: 40 Days of Love Study Kit Most people want to be closer to God and experience more fulfilling relationships. Jesus gave us the keys to accomplish this when he taught us that of all God's commands only two are most important: Love God with all your heart and love your neighbors as yoursef. This sounds so easy, but we struggle in this area. That's why Pastor Rick developed the 40 Days of Love Study Kit. This unigue tool will equip you to fulfill the two greatest commandments. And, as you learn to live a love powered life you will grow closer to God and others. You'll become more like Jesus! LEARN MORE Complete Audio Series (Purchase) Includes all complete sermons from the Rick Warren 40 Days of Love teaching series. LEARN MORE Series Summary Message 1: Love Matters Most Message 2: ​​Love Is Patient, Love Is Kind Message 3: ​​Love Speaks the Truth Message 4: ​​Love Is Forgiving Message 5: ​​Love Isn't Selfish Message 6: The ​Habits of a Loving Heart PLAY TODAY'S BROADCAST

Pastor Rick Warren

Enjoy today's Devotional? Listen instantly to the full radio message at Daily Hope Radio. Did someone forward this devotional to you? Subscribe to Pastor Rick Warren's Daily Devotional. This devotional is based on the current Daily Hope radio series at rickwarren.org. Rick Warren has helped people live with hope and on purpose for more than 40 years. He’s the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Southern California and author of several books, including "The Purpose Driven Church" and "The Purpose Driven Life," read by more than 100 million people in 137 languages. He created the PEACE Plan (plant churches of reconciliation, equip servant leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, educate the next generation), which is used by churches in 196 countries. His radio teaching and daily devotional, Daily Hope, is offered across America. This devotional © 2015 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission. You can unsubscribe at any time by changing your e-mail preferences. Update your preferences  |  Unsubscribe