Starting Point Class #4 -GROW

Welcome

(5 min)

Ask:

Book Review: What is a Healthy Church Member?

(15min)

Chapter 5

In the Opening Paragraph The Author brings up the Story Kenny again, a man who walked an aisle after a sermon and prayed a prayer to accept Jesus when he was prompted by the leader.

and Now after 3 years have passed Kenny now says He was never saved and rejects Christianity in His life.

The author basically tells us that the gospel that was presented to this man was a shallow gospel. a gospel without all the facts. A gospel that did not bring true salvation into Kenny’s life.

Question: Do you believe that when we share the gospel we should share the right Gospel? YESIf we are going to share the gospel of Christ then we need to share His entire gospel message-

There are 5 parts that we need to to proclaim when sharing the gospel with the lost.

(1) The holiness and righteousness of the sovereign God who created all things

(2) The sinfulness of man and the judgment due to him for rebelling against God

(3) The need of man for a radical change, for a new heart and perfect righteousness

(4) The fact that only Jesus Christ has provided the righteousness we need and He alone has made the atonement for our sins that satisfies God the Father

(5) True Regeneration through Christ will produce the fruit of Christ in the new believer’s life as they rely solely on Him.

The point is this- TO follow Jesus’s command to share the gospel message we need to make sure that we are sharing His complete gospel message, not just a simplified down version.

The athor then goes on to say that we need to have a biblical understanding of our role in the gosple message>

What do you think our role is in the gospel message?

to be the conduit that carries the message from the source to the recipient.

We are not what people need. all we are is the delivery service. to get the message of the gospel to the people who are in desperate need of its healing power.

Our role in Salvation is to plant the seed of salvation in the hearts of the lost-

that means that we introduce them to the Jesus who has saved us.

and then we fervently water that seed, fully confident that God will give the increase.

God is the one who saves sinners

and we are the ones he has chosen to plant and water that seed of salvation in peoples lives.

Biblical evangelism requires that we faithfully share the good news of J.C.with the people God places in our lives.

This means that we share the message of who God is, Who we are as mankind, what sin is, who Jesus is, and what he has done about sin, what we must do with what Jesus has done, and what a believers life produces because of what Jesus has for him.

Biblical evangelism requires that we share this good news about Jesus with the lost and calling on them to repent and Believe.

Doing the Work of an evangelist

Mark Dever’s 6 things to consider when Sharing the gospel with the lost

1) Tell people with honesty that if they repent and believe they will be saved—but it will be costly.

2) Tell people with urgency that if they repent and believe they will be saved—but they must decide now.

3) Tell people with joy that if they repent and believe the good news they will be saved. However difficult it may be, it is all worth it!

4) Use the Bible.

5) Realize that the lives of the individual Christian and of the church as a whole are a central part of evangelism. Both should give credibility to the gospel we proclaim.

6) Remember to pray.

LOCAL CHURCH IN EVANGELISM

Do you see the church as a place where you can bring the lost to hear the message of the gosple?

What Is a Healthy Church Member? The Local Church in Evangelism

, a church member should recognize the centrality and usefulness of the local church in evangelism. Where we are involved in gospel-preaching churches, then by God’s grace the gospel will be preached in each Lord’s Day gathering

What Is a Healthy Church Member? The Local Church in Evangelism

involving our non-Christian family and friends in our church life is a helpful preview of the life they will be called to live should the Lord bring them to repentance and saving faith

Conclusion: A healthy Church member is someone who has a healthy life of Biblical evangelism.

Questions / Comments

Chapter 6 - A Healthy Church member is a Committed Member

Is Church Membership Biblical?

What Is a Healthy Church Member? Is “Church Membership” a Biblical Idea?

you can’t turn in the Bible to “the Book of Church Membership” or to a chapter conveniently labeled by Bible publishers, “On Becoming a Member.” The biblical data isn’t as obvious as that, yet the idea of membership is nearly everywhere in Scripture.

CHURCH LEADERSHIP

Book Quote: Two classic passages in Scripture outline for the church the qualifications its leaders must have (1 Tim. 3:1–13; Titus 1:5–9). In addition to these qualifications, there are explicit commands for leaders to shepherd the flock and for Christians to submit to their leaders (Heb. 13:17).

Yet if there is no identifiable membership, there is no one for leaders to lead.

Submission to their authority as Hebrews 13:17 requires becomes nonsense if the leaders are not responsible for a group, and that group is not attached to them in some way.

CHURCH DISCIPLINE

In 1 Corinthians 5, the apostle Paul instructs the believers in Corinth to “put out of their fellowship” a man involved in sexual immorality. The Lord Jesus commanded a similar action in Matthew 18:15–17.

Book Quote “Part of the reason the Bible commands the practice of church discipline is so that clear distinctions can be maintained between God’s people, the church, and the surrounding world (1 Cor. 5:9–13). If there is no practical, visible way of determining who belongs to the church and who belongs to the world, this distinction is lost, and “putting out of fellowship” is an impossible feat since there is no real way of being in the fellowship.

KEEPING LISTS AND VOTING

There is slight evidence that the early church kept some lists associated with its membership. For example, lists of widows were kept (1 Tim. 5:9). Also, Christians in the local church voted for some actions. It was the “majority” who voted to remove the man from membership in the church at Corinth (2 Cor. 2:6).

Book Quote: Electing leaders, submitting to them, regulating membership, keeping lists, and voting only make sense if a known, identifiable, and distinct body is recognized. So while the Bible doesn’t provide us with a biblical treatise on membership per se, there is enough evidence in the inspired record to suggest that some form of membership was practiced and was necessary to the church’s operation. Church membership is no less important in our day.

So Although we cannot turn to a specific passage in scripture that says “you must be a member of a good bible preaching local church”, the idea of church membership is nearly everywhere in the New Testament teaching on the church.

The Book gives us 8 descriptions of what a Committed Church member looks like

A COMMITTED CHURCH

He Attends Church regularly

He Seeks Peace with others in the church

He Edifies others

He warns and Admonishes others

He pursues reconciliation

Bears with others

He prepares his heart for Communion and baptisms

Supports the Work of the ministry’

Being a church member has many benefits and none of them are more precious than being part of the Body of Christ- having a church family that builds you up and gives you a place to use your gifts to serve christ in His church.

Questions from Chapter 5 ?

Transition into workbook

Lets go ahead and jump into our membership work book now.

Today we are going to look at what it means to be a growing church member and how our church helps one another grow.

There are many ways we grow as Christians in this church .

We listen to exegetical preaching,

We attend Biblically sound classes

We get involved in Bible studies,

We spend time in God’s Word Personally.

One of the main ways that we as a church grow together is in our small group bible studies.

We call these Growth Groups

What are Growth Groups?

- Our Growth groups are designed for you to grow deeper into God’s Word together with others in the Body of Christ,

· Groups officially meet during the fall, winter and spring and take summers off. · Groups use a curriculum that is based on the sermon and is designed by our pastor. · Groups are based on age/stage or geographic location. They meet in homes throughout our communities. · Each group determines its own childcare and their meeting time. · For more information contact Pastor Jason.

What Do Growth Groups Do?

Growth Groups Grow Together… Through the Word “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. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:16-17) Through Prayer “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” (Acts 2:42) Through Care “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. (Rom. 12:10) “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.” (Rom. 12:16) Through Good Works “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” (Hebrews 10:24)

Church Covenant

When we rewrote our church covenant last year our desire was that every sentence was grounded in Scripture.

A church covenant should not be a document that makes people act the way we prefer them to act, but it should be a commitment of a believer to act the way God has commanded him to act.

A covenant should not add to or subtract from what God says believers lives should look like.

Simply put a church covenant should be a promise that church members make to one another and to Christ that they are committing to following the truths of scripture in their life as a church member.

Today we are going to look at our church covenant paragraph by paragraph so that you know the commitment you are making if you choose to become a member of this church family.

Having been brought by divine Grace to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and having been baptized by immersion on the basis of our faith, by the aid of the Holy Spirit we now joyfully covenant with God and with one another.

Ephesians 2:8–9 ESV

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

We will walk together in brotherly love; this love will be demonstrated by the way we serve one another, care for one another, watch over one another, encourage one another, admonish one another, forgive one another and seek reconciliation with one another whenever it is necessary.

1 Corinthians 13 ESV

1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. 13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV

11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Ephesians 4:30–32 ESV

30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

We will consistently pray for ourselves and for each other, sharing in one another’s joys and bearing one another’s burdens.

Philippians 4:6 ESV

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Ephesians 6:18 ESV

18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

Galatians 6:2 ESV

2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

We will make Christ first in all things both spiritual and temporal; we will be diligent in our personal study of the Word of God, faithfully trusting God and obeying His commands both privately and publicly.

John 3:30 ESV

30 He must increase, but I must decrease.”

2 Timothy 2:15 ESV

15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

Colossians 3:17 ESV

17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 ESV

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

We will seek to live wisely in this world; denying ungodliness and worldly desires, abstaining from addictive behaviors that harm our bodies, our spiritual growth and hinder our testimonies as we pursue holiness in the fear of God.

Titus 2:11–14 ESV

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 ESV

19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

Ephesians 5:18 ESV

18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,

1 Peter 5:8 ESV

8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

1 Corinthians 10:1 ESV

1 For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea,

1 Thessalonians 5:22 ESV

22 Abstain from every form of evil.

Romans 12:1–2 ESV

1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

We will seek to teach our children and all those placed in our care in the wisdom of the Lord; and by our example, in both our words and our actions, seek the salvation of our family, friends and community.

Proverbs 22:6 ESV

6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Ephesians 6:1–4 ESV

1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

2 Timothy 3:15–16 ESV

15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

Matthew 5:16 ESV

16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Ephesians 5:1–2 ESV

1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

We will actively participate in the worship, ordinances, discipline and evangelism of the church. We will also faithfully attend and contribute financially to support its ministries and the spread of the gospel to the World

Hebrews 10:25 ESV

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.

1 Peter 4:10 ESV

10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:

Galatians 6:10 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.

1 Corinthians 16:1–2 ESV

1 Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.

2 Corinthians 9:6–7 ESV

6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

1 Timothy 6:18 ESV

18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,

Matthew 28:19 ESV

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,

We will, when we move from this place, unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant.

Our church covenant is not about being baptist it is about following Gods commands for his church. That is way scripture flows through every word of this covenant.

To covent with a church is saying I am committing to be a member of this body of Christ and to live a life worthy of the gospel of Christ.

Our covenant is what unifies us a s one Body with one Gospel,

Questions about the church covenant.

Homework

Read What is a Healthy Church Member marks 7 & 8.