1. What NT evidence do we have that God places a high value on local churches?

2. Are local church distinctives or differences, good or bad?

3. What do we mean when we say, CBC is a non-denominational, Bible Church?

4. What are the advantages of being part of a Fellowship of churches?

5. Is local Church involvement optional for the growing Christian?

6. Why attend CBC

7. Why do some people seem to flourish in a local church and others don’t?

8. Why become a church member?

9. How important is it that CBC be a “safe place” to grow in Christ?

10. A Quote Note

1. What NT evidence do we have that God places a high value on local churches?

The word “Church” is mentioned over 100 times in the NT, with most referring to local churches, (Acts 15:41,He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches). Also many of Paul’s letters are addressed to specific churches such as … to the churches in Galatia, (Galatians 1:2).  Back to Top

2. Are local church distinctives or differences, good or bad?

Some churches are doctrinal in emphasis, some are more relational, and some are social or even political in orientation. Our Lord is a God of creative diversity. Just as God delights in creating different trees with different leaves and people with predetermined distinguishing characteristics, so God gives each local church a special defining personality to reflect His unchanging Word and character. CBC is a teaching ministry with a relevant worship style that is organized around discipleship teams that we call “Focus Groups.”  Back to Top

3. What do we mean when we say, CBC is a non-denominational, Bible Church?

Some churches choose not be connected to other like-minded churches. We were founded as a Berean church in 1964 and have been an active participant ever since. To clarify our mutual relationship as interconnected churches, the Board of Directors of the Berean Fellowship of Churches passed a resolution saying we are a “fellowship and not a denomination.” Though we are varied in many ways we share a common name, hold a common constitution, and embrace a common objective in starting churches. Though we are varied in our backgrounds, styles and sub-cultures we believe that this enriches us as a fellowship and as a local church. By "Bible" church we mean that we hold the Word of God in highest regard and make it central to all our decisions as a church. We want to reflect the spirit of the church in the New Testament from which we take our name, Berean.

Acts 17:11, Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.)  Back to Top

4. What are the advantages of being part of a Fellowship of churches?

There are many advantages such as being able to come together to help start churches nationally and internationally. We can help struggling churches and pastors. We can find encouragement and wisdom at our National Convention, Annual Pastor’s Retreat, and Monthly District Meeting. Also we can jointly participate in the exciting ministry for all ages at Maranatha Bible Camp. Another advantage is when local churches find themselves in difficult times the Fellowship can assist in conflict resolution.  Back to Top

5. Is local Church involvement optional for the growing Christian?

The following verses from the Bible should help you to answer that question yourself.

Acts 2:42, They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Acts 20:7, On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight.

Hebrews 10:25, Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.  Back to Top

6. Why attend CBC?

Maybe you came to CBC because of a personal invitation, read a newspaper ad, came across our website, attended one of our special ministries such as MOPS (Mothers-of-preschoolers), liked our worship style, was ministered to in a meaningful way when the Word of God was preached, or simply drove by and saw all the cars and just dropped in. No matter which door you came in we desire that each one at CBC come to a spiritual understanding that they are here to worship God and serve others.

Ephesians 5:17, Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is

Colossians 1:9, For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding Back to Top

7. Why do some people seem to flourish in a local church and others don’t?

Some won’t get involved and others get over involved. It is important for you to know who you are and what God has called you to do and not be a people pleaser but at the same time be a servant. Some will assume that CBC wants to be just like a favorite church that they have just moved from. However trying to make a church like your favorite church, is like trying to make your wife like your mother. You might be sincere and well intention but it just doesn’t work. Just as a fish needs to be in the right place to flourish, some are made to swim in ponds, others rivers and still others the ocean, we hope that you will find a place to get spiritual direction so that you can swim where God wants you to swim.

Ecclesiastes 7:16, Do not be over righteous, neither be over wise- why destroy yourself?

James 4:13-15, Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."

Ps 92:12-13, The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God.  Back to Top

8. Why become a church member?

First, we recognize that formal church membership is not a Biblical requirement for participation in our worship services. It is a practical matter that the Lord has allowed churches freedom in developing according to their community and cultural needs. It is an accepted means to show your commitment to the local church as well as to publicly show that you desire to be under the spiritual leadership of this local church and its spiritual leaders. A cultural illustration that many understand is that of marriage. Some Christians seem to want to choose a “common law” type monogamist marriage commitment rather than go through the “hassle” of a culturally acceptable wedding. Practically, church membership links you with this local church in a special way and publicly shows your relationship to us, just as a wedding ring, shows one's commitment to their spouse.

Acts 2:44-47, “All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved”  Back to Top

9. How important is it that CBC be a “safe place” to grow in Christ?

When politics and personality run a church, it is not a safe place. When law rules rather than when grace flows it is not a safe place. When sin is not dealt with it is not a safe place. A safe place is where the Bible is taught and practiced and Christ is exalted not only in doctrine but also in practice. (CBC is a non-denominational Bible church that through teams, courageously builds a safe place for children, youth and adults, who can come to faith and develop in Christ, because every ministry models faith, grace, trust, and mutual submission, and intentionally affirms each person’s gifts and strengths.)

Proverbs 16:28, A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.

1 Corinthians 10:24, Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.

Galatians 5:24, Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.

James 3:17-18, But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

Romans 15:5-6, May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Back to Top

10. A Quote Note

“When we come to the New Testament, we discover that ekkleesia is used of the community of God's people some 109 times (out of 114 occurrences of the term)... First, predominantly ekkleesia (both in the singular and plural) applies to a local assembly of those who profess faith in and allegiance to Christ. Second, ekkleesia designates the universal church (Acts 8:3; 9:31; 1 Cor 12:28; 15:9; especially in the later Pauline letters, Eph 1:22-23; Col 1:18). Third, the ekkleesia is God's congregation.” (1 Cor 1:2; 2 Cor 1:1; etc.). (Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology)

 

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