Being A Member Of The Church
Hebrews 10:23–25 (NLT) — (23) Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. (24) Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. (25) And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
I) Membership Is About Belonging
Romans 12:5 (NLT) — (5) so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.
Hebrews 10:23–25 (NLT) — (23) Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. (24) Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. (25) And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
II) Membership Is About Sharing Ministry Goals
Ephesians 4:16 (NLT) — (16) He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
III) Membership Is About Accepting Responsibility.
Galatians 6:1–2 (NLT) — (1) Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. (2) Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:10 (NLT) — (10) Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.
IV) Membership Is About Being Accountable
Matthew 18:15–20 (NLT) — (15) “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. (16) But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. (17) If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector. (18) “I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven. (19) “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. (20) For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”