Why Church Membership?

Why Church Membership? - 1 John 2:19 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us. -notice “Us” -me are designed by God to belong, everybody is welcome with all their flaws and weakness, no favoritism, everybody is important -I don’t care what people think, I’m fine on my own? -parable of the Soils -does not depend on church programs -Church membership, Is a biblical concept -you always have someone who says that is not in the bible -the word bible is not in the bible -to the church of God in Corinth Hebrews 13:17 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. -submission is not agreeing with everything -leaders are accountable to God Matthew 18:15-20 15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 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. 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.” 1 John 2:28 28 And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. Hebrews 10:24-25   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. 1 John 2:29 29 If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him. Acts 20:28 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. -I like you but I don’t like your wife?