Membership Has Its Privileges - Winona 7-20-08 AM

Membership Has Its Privileges

Hebrews 13:15-19 - Sunday, July 20, AM – FBC Winona

Today beginning a four-part series on the Church

·         This morning – Church Membership

·         Tonight – Purpose of the New Testament Church

·         Next week – looking at spiritual gifts and leadership

·         Begin a study on Wed. nights on “The Kingdom-Focused Church” through summer

Jesus instituted the church in the New Testament

·         Church (Wikipedia) the worldwide body of Christians or a local Christian body of people

·         It is the way Jesus intended believers to teach, preach, fellowship and reach others

·         When you look at scripture-church is the only logical place for this to happen collectively

Hebrews 10:24-25

24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 13:15-19

15Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name. 16And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. 17Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.

18Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. 19I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.

Story of Josh Hamilton

·         1st pick in the nation by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 1999 after a celebrated HS career

·         After a good start to his minor league career – was injured in a car accident in 2001

·         During his recovery, he found he had lots of free time – spent time at a nearby tattoo shop

·         Began using drugs – which combined with injuries saw him out of baseball for 3 years

·         In the fall of 2005, he showed up strung out at his grandmother’s house

·         She took him in and loved him – but also confronted him about abuse – entered rehab

·         Then the best thing happened – he met and committed his life to Jesus Christ

·         He has been sober since October of 2005 and gives testimony of God’s grace

Why has Josh been so successful?

·         Willing to let his life be an example of sin and redemption for all to see and hear

·         Surrounds himself with people who support him and hold him accountable

·         Has a personal “coach”, Johnny Narron, who he lives with – doesn’t even carry more than $10

·         The tattoos are still there – scars of a former life and a reminder of God’s grace

Like Josh Hamilton, believers need a place to belong . . .

·         A place of refuge, teaching, worship, accountability, training

When you pick up our church bulletin, information there helps define us as a church

·         On front – Loving God – Loving Others – Making Disciples

·         On back – information on how to JOIN our church

·         This is an entry point but doesn’t explain the purpose of church membership

Why should I be a member of a local New Testament Church? 3 reasons from church sign

Loving God –

Hebrews 13:15 - Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name.

·         Established - God’s Word says in Hebrews 10 we are to continue meeting together

·         Reference to US (plural), lips (plural) and name (singular)

·         Local church provides a level of intimacy that enables this to be very special (worship)

·         The most logical setting for us to “spur one another on to love and good deeds”

Loving Others –

Hebrews 13:16 - And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased

·         Church - a great organization to unite our efforts to meet needs – for body and unbeliever

·         Scripture compels us to be involved in others’ lives and to live outside of ourselves

·         cannot be effective or growing Christian living within ourselves – contrary to scripture

Making Disciples

Hebrews 13:17 - Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.

·         Jesus gave us the example of how to make disciples – built relationship, brings account.

·         We are also told that we are to do this so that ministry will be a joy, not a burden

·         It is only through the ministry of the local church that a believer can receive the kind of teaching, accountability and encouragement necessary to stand firm in his convictions.

·         Rather than being a binding organization, God has ordained that the church provide the kind of environment where an uncompromising life can thrive.

·         Not a NT Christian who doesn’t connect himself to a local assembly

·         Example – Paul wrote to Timothy and talked about the widows’ list

·         Example-churches writing letters of recommendation for one moving to another area

·         So evidently they kept rolls and lists of people who belonged to their congregations

What do I need to do?

·         If you are not a member of a local New Testament church, we’d like to offer that to you

·         A place to belong, a place of refuge, a family of faith, to teach love and encourage

·         If you are already a member of this or another church family, how committed are you?

·         When the church meets, are you there and involved?

·         Loving God? Loving Others? Making Disciples?

American Express tells us that “Membership Has Its Privileges”.

·         When I was growing up, American Express told us “Don’t Leave Home Without It”.

·         Truth is – Church membership is a Home, a family

·         Don’t leave home, here, without knowing who your church family, your church home, is