In the scripture the word church means the called out local assembly. It's clear that joining the church begins with baptism. Jesus thought so much of baptism, that he himself was baptised. The church did not start in the book of Acts, for many were baptized before that point, there were also groups meeting together and worshipping. What we see in Acts chapter two, at the day of Pentacoast, is a kickstarter to the church. Things happened that day that we won't see again, however, we still take from this chapter the way we worship and practice.

Acts 2:37- Now when they heard this, they were pricked in the heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the Apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

It's first important to realize that these people were already born of the Spirit. If they were not, they would not have been pricked in the heart. When this pricking of the heart occurs in the child of God's life, they need to ask the same question, "what shall we do." Being born again and being convicted by the preaching of the gospel requires a response. Peter would go on and give the answer:

Acts 2:38- Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

So then the answer is to join the church. Repent and be baptized. It is proven that this is the beginning of one's walk with Christ in the church as we read the 47th verse, "...And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved". I would encourage anybody who reads this, if you've been pricked in the heart, it is time to join your local body of believers. I would also encourage you to encourage others to repent and be baptized. There is blessing in obedience and Christ told us to do this. It has been a great blessing to me to be baptized and I am thankful to be a part of the Lord's church.

In Christian Love, Elder Ray Blanchard