The Local Church

 "Thus says the Lord God: indeed, I myself will search for My sheep and seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock on the day he is among his scattered sheep, so will I seek out My sheep and deliver them from all the places where they were scattered on a cloudy and dark day." Ezek.34:11-12

The local church is unique in God's structure. A group of converts with a pastor who ministers to them on a regular basis. A structure within which the local church can grow and thrive. God Himself set it up this way.

" And He himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." Eph.4:11-12

So the church is God's idea from the beginning. It is the means for ministry, for evangelism, for discipleship, and for church planting. 

I want you to see in the text how God is an active part of the local church. He Himself seeks out the scattered sheep. He Himself delivers them. He is the good shepherd who is actively searching and helping and delivering people so that they can be a part of a local church.

Note the idea of being scattered on a dark and cloudy day. Troubles come to life. Clouds obscure the sun. We go through dark periods of life. And that is where God is at work. Even when we cannot see or feel Him, He is there, working to bring us back where we belong. He is among the scattered sheep.

You may have a good pastor or a negligent pastor. But You serve a faithful God. Hallelujah!