The Church Covenant of the Faith Baptist Church is a covenant of true Christian love:
“…we do now, in the presence of God and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.”
–Thus the basic element of church membership is to be bonded to the Body (each other and the whole assembly), allied to each other, jealous for and loyal to the promotion of the church. The fundamental of church membership is to think and do what is expedient for the church, to glorify God by not giving any offense to the church, 1 Corinthians 10:31-32.
“…We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Ghost, to walk together in Christian love…”
–Thus the maintenance of our relationship with the Body in the warmth and care of Christian love, is to supersede all other interests and concerns: “That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.” “And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.” 1 Corinthians 12:25,21 It is just basic understanding to realize that the Lord’s work in and through His Body, is done through promoting each other in Christian love.
“We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love…”
–This is to exclude contempt and arouse concern. Parents watch over their children in selfless love. The emphasis of real love is endearment to the extent that alienation cannot gain control, for if alienation enters in, the caring will cease. Real love is fed more by a personal sense of responsibility than by appealing passion. Church members are debtors to watch over one another in brotherly love.
“…to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and Christian courtesy in speech..”
–The grassroots level of church membership requires the elimination of high-mindedness and conceit. A person must perceive others as being more worthy than themselves. “…in honor preferring one another; Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.” Romans 12:10,16 “…in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” Philippians 2:3
“…to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the rules of our Saviour to secure it without delay”
–Church membership must be cherished to the extent one does not allow resentments, offenses and indifferences of any sort to set in. We must remain committed to the covenant of love. “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17
Only by embracing the covenant of love do we remain. Otherwise, it is like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. BE WISE!
SHARING
