CHURCH
MEMBERSHIP
Can’t you be a Christian
without having to be a member of a local church?
First Word
·
The Bible does not directly address
the Church with its formal membership, but there are many verses in New
Testament times that imply its existence. – You also cannot find the word Trinity
nor Rapture in the Bible either, but scripture pretty much spells it out for
you.
·
Many professing Christian
who are already in the Invisible Church, Opt out of the Visible Church feeling
membership seems antiquated, unnecessary and perhaps somewhat legalistic with
narrow doctrines, liturgical customs and exclusive traditions. – Besides that,
the visible church has a lot of imperfections, conflicting doctrines and full
of hypocrites.
·
Then there is Christian TV
and the internet where you pick and choose as the spirit moves you. - We live in a fast paced culture of
technology and SOME Churches are updating and tapping into that, with not
much substance, but they are tapping in.
·
I feel a need to lay a little background
before we tackle the complex thoughts that have formed 2,000 years later in our
modern society on whether or not formal church membership has become an
unnecessary formality.
Romans 12:5 – The Church is one body with
individual members
5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. (ESV)
5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. (ESV)
Church Defined
·
The Word CHURCH comes from the Greek
word kurikon which means “Belonging to the Lord”. The New Testament word ekklesia means,
“Called Out”. – Those that were called out belonged to the lord and were known
in the New Testament as an Assembly or Congregation.
·
When one professes Christ
as their Savior, their sins are forgiven and they are automatically added to
the body of Christ; they become a member of the Invisible Church.
·
The Church is the “body of believers”
wherever they choose to meet, which could be in someone’s home as well as a
formal building constructed specifically for that purpose. – The Church is not just
one member, but many. – Scripture admonishes us to stir up one another, to
love and to do good works, and to NOT NEGLECT TO MEET TOGETHER, as some are in the
habit of doing, but to meet and encourage one another.
·
The whole body, joined and
held together
makes the body grow and builds itself up with encouragement and spurs one
another on toward love; this is something you just cannot do alone by yourself.
Acts 19:39 – Congregation of believers known as an
assembly
39 If there is anything further you want to bring up, it must be settled in a legal assembly. (NIV2011)
39 If there is anything further you want to bring up, it must be settled in a legal assembly. (NIV2011)
1 Corinthians 12:14 – The Church is not one member
but many
14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. (ESV)
14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. (ESV)
Acts 19:32 – The church was called an Assembly of
God
32 The assembly was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there. (NIV2011)
32 The assembly was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there. (NIV2011)
1 Corinthians 12:13 – All baptized into one body
of Believers
13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. (ESV)
13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. (ESV)
Acts 2:47 – God added to their number day by day
47praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
47praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
(ESV)
Ephesians 1:22-23 – God called His body of
Believers the Church
22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,
23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,
23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
(ESV)
Ephesians 4:16 – The Whole body joined together encouraging
16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
(ESV)
Hebrews 10:24-25 – Don’t
skip Church and the encouragement
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,
25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (NIV2011)
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,
25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (NIV2011)
The
Church Structured
·
The New Testament reports of many
churches all structured with overseers known as Pastors, Elders
and Deacons and there were qualifications to aspire to this office, so
the structured Church is not a modern invention of man. NYOBS
08.12 - GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT
·
The Body was to highly esteem,
respect, obey and submit in joy to their overseers. – Christ organized Pastors,
Elders, Deacons, Teachers, and Evangelist into a closely bonded Christian
family and that’s the way it is today. – It’s in the
Book -
Colossians 1:18 – Jesus is head of the body, the
Church
18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. (ESV)
18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. (ESV)
Acts 20:28-29 – Overseers to take care of the
Church Body
28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to ALL THE FLOCK, in which the Holy Spirit has made you OVERSEERS, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.
29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; (ESV)
28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to ALL THE FLOCK, in which the Holy Spirit has made you OVERSEERS, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.
29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; (ESV)
Eph 4:11-12 – God gave
gifts of leadership – Pastor - Evangelist
11 It was he who gave some to be apostles,
some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors
and teachers,
12 to prepare God's people for works of service,
so that the body of Christ may be built up NIV
1 Cor 12:28 – Gift of
administration
28 And in the church God has appointed first of
all APOSTLES, second PROPHETS, third TEACHERS, then workers of miracles, also
those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with GIFTS
OF ADMINISTRATION, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.
Acts 6:3 – Elect Deacons good reputation, wisdom,
Spirit filled
3 Therefore, brothers, PICK OUT (Elect) from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. (ESV)
3 Therefore, brothers, PICK OUT (Elect) from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. (ESV)
Acts 14:23 – Elders were appointed in every Church
23 And when they had appointed ELDERS for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. (ESV)
23 And when they had appointed ELDERS for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. (ESV)
1 Timothy 3:1-7 –
Qualifications to be a Pastor or Elder
1 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone
aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.
2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive,
6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive,
6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
(ESV)
1 Timothy 3:8-12 – Qualifications to be a Deacon
1 Timothy 3:8-12 – Qualifications to be a Deacon
8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not
double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.
9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.
11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.
12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. (ESV)
9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.
11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.
12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. (ESV)
1 Peter 5:1-4 – Elders should not be domineering,
but examples
1 So I exhort the ELDERS among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed:
2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;
3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. (ESV)
1 So I exhort the ELDERS among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed:
2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;
3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. (ESV)
1 Peter 1:22 – Be obedient and love one another
22 Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, (ESV)
22 Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, (ESV)
Hebrews 13:17 – Obey and submit to the leadership
17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
(ESV)
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 – Highly esteem &
respect overseers
12 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,
13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. (ESV)
12 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,
13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. (ESV)
Membership
·
The model for Membership in the body of
Christ; the Church, requires salvation first.
·
Jesus laid down His life for the Church
– We are commanded to come out from the un-believing world and be separate. –
The Methodist would teach a Method of living a Godly life by being an
example to the world. You are still IN
the World, but no longer OF it.
·
The Method is being of the same mind,
having the same love, being in full accord doing nothing from
selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility counting others more
significant than ourselves not looking only to our own interests, but also to
the interests of others. – We are salt
and light to the un-believer and an example within the church body.
·
We are
admonished to be in one accord and to be of
the same mindset and of the same love. God does not want us to be divided over
issues concerning His word and the best way to be in one accord is to study the
same book; THE BIBLE.
·
When we
spend time coming together, to share the things that
have been revealed to us through the studying of His word, we allow the
fullness of the spirit of God to come into our lives and we began to see Jesus
for who He is; this knowledge strengthens the whole Church.
·
Membership
means some kind of COMMITMENT; learning, growing,
participating, worship, praise, giving, serving, visitation, prayer, teaching,
parking cars, nursery worker, run audio, take up offering, kitchen worker,
building and grounds, mercy ministry, small groups, and the list goes on and
on; JUST DO SOMETHING.
·
Membership means RELATIONSHIP - We
are commanded to have fellowship and relationships with others; to bear one
another burdens and speak things to others that lift them up in the name of
Jesus. - NYOBS 50.24 - RELATIONSHIP - FELLOWSHIP
·
The body
of the Church is inhabited by God through the Holy Spirit. Although there are many member of this family
of God, we are still just one body or one Church; each member has a special
place of service and a special gift to the body. - So we are to be involved with each other
utilizing our gift whether it be in
hope or in pain.
·
Doing the
will of God makes us members of the same family. It is our faith that binds us together. We only need to believe and receive Jesus
Christ into our hearts to become part of this AWESOME family of believers.
·
Perhaps
you are a Christian and just skip church
altogether; you cannot have Fellowship and Relationship with others by being THE LONE RANGER. – It’s in the Book –
John 10:10-11 – Jesus laid down his life for the body of Believers
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (ESV)
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (ESV)
2 Corinthians 6:14-18 – Come out from the
un-believers
14 Do not be unequally yoked
with unbelievers.
For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has
light with darkness?
15 What accord has Christ with Belial (Satan)? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?
16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you,
18 and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” (ESV)
15 What accord has Christ with Belial (Satan)? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?
16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you,
18 and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” (ESV)
Philippians 2:2-4 – Be humble and of same mind,
love
2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (ESV)
2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (ESV)
1 Corinthians 1:10 – No divisions – Same mind –
Same judgment
10 I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
10 I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
(ESV)
Romans 12:4-5 – We have different functions from
each other
4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function,
5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. (ESV)
4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function,
5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. (ESV)
Ephesians 1:10 – We are all united in all things
in Him
10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. (ESV)
10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. (ESV)
Acts 2:45-47 – We fellowship at Church and in our
own homes.
45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their HOMES, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,
47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their HOMES, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,
47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
(ESV)
Acts 2:1 – We gather together to fellowship in one
place
1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. (ESV)
1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. (ESV)
1 John 1:7 – We have
fellowship with one another
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. (ESV)
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. (ESV)
Romans 15:5-7 – Welcome others – Live in Harmony –
Glorify God
5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,
6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. (ESV)
5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,
6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. (ESV)
Matthew 12:50 – Doing the Will of the father
50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” (ESV)
50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” (ESV)
Acts 2:42 – Devoting yourself to the teachings and
the fellowship
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
(ESV)
Philippians 1:27 – Being of one spirit and one
mind
27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in ONE spirit, with ONE mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, (ESV)
27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in ONE spirit, with ONE mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, (ESV)
Philippians 1:3 – Remembering the body in prayer
3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, (ESV)
3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, (ESV)
Colossians 3:16 - Singing
psalms and hymns and spiritual songs
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (ESV)
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (ESV)
Galatians 6:10 – Doing good to everyone
10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (ESV)
10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (ESV)
Galatians 6:2 – Bearing one another’s burdens
2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (ESV)
2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (ESV)
Philippians 2:1-2 – Encouraging with the same
Love, same Mind
1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,
2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. (ESV)
1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,
2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. (ESV)
Hebrews 10:24-25 – Stirring up love and good works
24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,
25 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. (ESV)
24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,
25 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. (ESV)
Church Discipline
·
Membership includes methods of discipline
for someone who
bears the name Christian. If someone is
guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler,
drunkard, or swindler you are not to associate with them, NOT EVEN TO EAT WITH SUCH A PERSON, purge this person out of
the Church – The Church judges those INSIDE the Church and God judges
those OUTSIDE the Church. – It’s in the Book -
·
The NT Church knew who was IN and a part of
the Church and who was OUT and had no part; they had the authority to create
membership through baptism and authority to dissolve the membership through the
vote.
·
The Rabbinic notion of
binding and loosing was in the “Order of Church Discipline” dealing with a
brother or sister in Christ who had sinned. – It did TWO things;
1)
It provided Church Rules on the methods and actions of
a Spirit filled Godly life.
2)
It provides the authority of Church Discipline; to
excommunicate disobedient members.
·
If he repents; welcome him back
into the Church. – Forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by
excessive sorrow; reaffirm your love for him. NOTE: You can’t put someone out of the church who has never opted
to be in it. - WHAT A CONUNDRUM -
·
The Church has been given the keys to
the Kingdom of Heaven to bind and loose what has already been declared
in heaven. – NYOBS 65.22 – KINGDOM
KEYS; BIND & LOOSE
The Binding or Loosing
is based solely on a person’s acceptance or rejection
of the Gospel as
it reflects Heavens perspective on the matter.
·
Man cannot bind or loose something on earth and
cause it to be bound or loosed in heaven.
In other words, man cannot forgive sins on earth and cause heaven
to forgiven the sins. Scripture bears
out that the Key to opening and closing these doors is held only by Jesus
Christ and we can only STATE, based on scripture, what has already been bound
or loosed in heaven. – God is not obligated
to bind or loose what men decree.
·
IF MAN CAN FORGIVE SINS,
THEN WE DO NOT NEED A SAVIOR. – It’s in the Book -
1 Corinthians 5:1-13 – Church Discipline
1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father’s wife.
2 And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you.
3 … I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing
1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father’s wife.
2 And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you.
3 … I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing
4When you are assembled in the name of the
Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, You are to deliver this
man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved
in the day of the Lord.
11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler — NOT EVEN TO EAT WITH SUCH A ONE.
12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom YOU ARE TO JUDGE?
13 GOD JUDGES those outside. “PURGE THE EVIL PERSON FROM AMONG YOU.” (ESV)
11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler — NOT EVEN TO EAT WITH SUCH A ONE.
12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom YOU ARE TO JUDGE?
13 GOD JUDGES those outside. “PURGE THE EVIL PERSON FROM AMONG YOU.” (ESV)
Matthew 18:16-17 – Will not listen to Church -
excommunicate
16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
17 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. (Not part of the Church anymore)
16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
17 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. (Not part of the Church anymore)
(ESV)
Matthew 16:19- Keys of the
Kingdom – Bind and Loose
19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (ESV)
19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (ESV)
Matthew 18:18 – Bind and Loose on Earth – Same in
Heaven
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.
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.
Resisting Membership
·
Structured Churches today may seem too regimented,
holding you accountable for faithful attendance, your giving, your conduct and
want you involved with further responsibilities and commitments to other facets
of the Church.
·
Folks seem to be OK with
Membership
in Sam’s Club or Costco, and American Express says membership has its privileges,
but Church Membership makes some folks squirm and resist for
various reasons; some with very good reasons and others not so much.
·
Maybe there is just not a
church
in a reasonable driving distance to your home.
·
Some folks are Burned Out with so much involvement which
has kept them out of Sunday school or Church; working in the Kitchen, keeping
the nursery or part of a prayer group that prays during the service. - They just want to go worship, sing praises and
study God’s Word.
·
When Paul hit town, the first thing he did
was seek out the Believers in the new city.
·
Perhaps you are a
Presbyterian
and relocate and find an excellent Baptist Church, but they will not recognize
your Baptism because you were not completely submersed in water, seemingly making
your first commitment to God seem invalid, so you attend, but do not join.
·
Some have deep inflexible
opinions
and cannot tolerate those who do not yield to their way of thinking and they
feel that it’s better for them to just stay home and avoid the conflict.
·
Maybe there is some SIN in
your life
or something in your lifestyle that causes you to reject coming under
the authority of the Church body where you would be held accountable?
·
Some want to be CALLED Christian,
but don’t want the commitment of BEING a Christian.
·
We are accountable for our giving and
service to others, and will be judged according to our deeds. – Our works do
not affect our salvation, only our rewards in Heaven. – You don’t do good works
to be saved, you do good works because you are saved. – NYOBS 07.053 CROWNS
Acts 9:26 – Paul hit town and sought out other
Believers
26 And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. (ESV)
26 And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. (ESV)
Revelation 20:12 – We are judged by what we do for
others
12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is THE BOOK OF LIFE. And the dead were JUDGED by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. (ESV)
12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is THE BOOK OF LIFE. And the dead were JUDGED by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. (ESV)
Member
vs: Non-Member
·
What is the difference between a member
and a non-member who both attend Church and perhaps Sunday school, but neither
are further involved? – Obviously only a member can vote; and to partake of the
Lord’s Supper both must be in good standing at a church somewhere; other than that,
I can’t see any difference.
·
Oddly enough the non-member is invited
to join with members in the relationship and fellowship of Church
functions and Bible Studies groups, plus they get to park in the Guest parking
near the front door and are taken to the front of the line to eat, plus they
spend more time at home with their family and they don’t have to stay late for
business meetings. – WHERE IS THE DOWN SIDE?
·
Then there is the Great
Commission
to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that God has commanded us. – How
do you do that and not be connected to a local body?
·
The Church is not a
non-profit store
where loyal customers come to visit, but a place where they go to meet with
Christ and with others who want to be a part of something bigger than their own
personal experiences. – This is where we learn what the true Gospel looks like
in order to differentiate between one that has been distorted and perverted. – Together
we are sharpened by each other with encouragement, insight and correction.
Matthew 28:19-20 - The
Great Commission
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 teaching them to observe all that I HAVE COMMANDED YOU. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 teaching them to observe all that I HAVE COMMANDED YOU. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
(ESV)
Last
Thoughts
·
There is not any one verse in scripture that
stipulates that you must be a member of a local church, but there are numerous
passages that speak of it. – Local Church membership certainly does not
determine your salvation.
·
There is not any one verse that says that local Church
membership is a prerequisite for partaking of the sacrament of the “Lord’s
Supper”, but scripture sure seems to suggest that this is the case.
·
There are 110 occurrences of the Word “Church” in
the New Testament; 90 of them refer
to the local Church. – So it would seem that the Local Church plays a very
important role.
·
Local Membership in the
Church is essential for three reasons;
1)
Submission to Christ; obeying the teachings of
the leadership.
2)
Accountability and Discipline; protecting the
reputation of the Church in the eyes of the unbelieving world.
3)
Spiritual Nurture through the Sacraments;
Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
·
When we are first saved, baptized or not, we
immediately become part of the Invisible body of Christ; the
Church.
·
When we have membership in a local Church we
become part of the Visible body of Christ; the Church. - The invisible
body together with the visible body give us
1)
Identification with Jesus Christ,
2)
Purification from our Sins and
3)
Incorporation into the Covenant Community; the Church.
·
We express our faith through our
1)
Statement of Faith; uniting around the message of the Gospel we
believe.
2)
Baptism expressing death to our old life and the Resurrection to a
new life in Christ.
3)
Church Covenant; living the lifestyle, principals and priorities
of the Church Covenant.
·
Church Membership is SIGN LANGUAGE to the body of;
1)
The church’s endorsement of your salvation.
2)
Your regular responsibility that involves other people’s lives for the
purpose of the Gospel.
3)
Your individual commitment of love and to provide discipleship
for others.
·
As sheep we are not free
to roam
as perpetual visitors. - Church Hopping
between sheep folds is an un-biblical and irregular Christian lifestyle as
sheep fall into pits and holes. – We are charged with;
1)
Increasing the “application” of Bible concepts,
2)
Increasing the “principals” of spiritual growth and
3)
Increasing our “character” that
reflects the Holiness of God. – You can only do that inside the “ARK” of the
Church; nothing survived outside of Noah’s Ark. – You cannot contribute to the
growth of the body if you have no proper function in it.
·
God said you will know the
Believer
by their fruit; their Godly character and actions. - Take a look around you. Your fruits should be making a difference in
someone else’s life. NYOBS 08.12 - GIFTS OF THE
SPIRIT
·
The Spiritual Drifter who refuses to join a visible
local congregation and submit to God’s authority, disqualifies himself from
participating in the sacraments. - Participation in the signs and seals of the
sacraments requires Biblical Church membership.
·
We are to spur one another
on
toward love and good deeds, not SKIPPING Church as some are in the habit of
doing, but encouraging one another. -
It’s in the Book
–
Matthew 7:16-20 - You will recognize them by their fruits
16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?
17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.
18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit.
19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?
17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.
18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit.
19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
(ESV)
Acts 2:42 – Devoted to teachings, fellowship,
prayer and meals
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, (common meal) and to the prayers.
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, (common meal) and to the prayers.
(HCSB)
Hebrews 10:24-25 – DON’T SKIP CHURCH
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,
25 NOT GIVING UP MEETING TOGETHER, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (NIV2011)
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,
25 NOT GIVING UP MEETING TOGETHER, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (NIV2011)
In the multitude of counselors,
there is wisdom.
Proverbs 11:14
I am grateful to those that went before me
providing concepts, ideas, historical
information, and scripture verses. Because of them I can stand on their
shoulders
and see further that I otherwise ever could
have.
A Commentary; Critical,
Experimental and Practical - Eerdmans
Antiquity of the Jews – Flavius
Josephus Matthias
Apocrypha – Goodspeed
Baker Commentary on the
Bible – Elwell
Bible Almanac; The – Packer-Tenney-White
Bible Commentary – F.B. Meyer
Bible Dictionary – Harper and Row
Bible Dictionary – Nelson’s
Dake’s Annotated Bible – Dake
English Standard Version
Bible – ESV
Expositor’s Bible
Commentary – Frank E. Gaebelein
Illustrated Bible
Dictionary; The – Tyndale
Interlinear Greek-English
New Testament - Baker
King James Version Bible –
KJV
Matthew Henry’s Commentary - Zondervan
Mysteries of the Bible – Readers Digest
Nave’s Topical Bible - Zondervan
New International
Dictionary of the Bible; The – Douglas -
Tenney
New International Version
Bible (2011) – NIV
NOTE: The “new” NIV has been corrupted and made gender
neutral. AVOID IT.
Thru the Bible – J. Vernon
McGee
Vincent’s Word Studies of
the New Testament – Mac Donald
Who’s Who in the Bible – Paul D. Gardner
Wycliffe Bible Commentary;
The – Pfeiffer & Harrison
Wikipedia –
Zondervan Pictorial
Encyclopedia of the Bible; The – Tenney
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