WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT CHURCH MEMBERSHIP?
Church attendance is essential, not optional
Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near”
We are the Body of Christ
- Ephesians 1:22-23 “the church, which is his body”
- Ekklesia – “called out ones,” “assembly”
- Universal Church – positionally identified
- Local Church – practically identified
What is God’s plan for the church?
- Offense: Reaching the Lost with the Gospel
Matthew 16:18 “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
- Defense: Teaching, Rebuking, & Correcting with Biblical Truth
Matthew 18:17-20 “If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
- United: Working Together for the Glory of God
1 Corinthians 12:21, 26 “The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you. ...If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.”
What are the purposes of the church? (Acts 2:42-47)
- Individual Responsibility – letting the Holy Spirit grow and use me in God’s good work
- Fellowship – developing caring and committed relationships
- Service – sharing towards each other in times of need & reaching outside the church to show Christ’s love in a tangible way
- Worship – ascribing glory to God
- Evangelism - connecting people to Christ by intentionally sharing the Gospel message
- Prayer – speaking with God personally, regularly, and for one another
- Teaching – a great place to ask questions and to learn from others about God’s Word
What are the roles in the church? What is your role?
1 Corinthians 12:20 “As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.”
1 Corinthians 12:27-31 “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.”