Sf656 - BECAUSE OF WHAT IT PROTECTS - MEMBERSHIP HAS MEANING ( Ephesians 4 4-6 )
Sf565
membership has meaning
because of what it protects
Ephesians 4:4-6
Introduction
Membership Requires Proper Preparation
Membership Requires Proper Understanding
Membership Administered Properly Protects Unity
We protect unity by agreeing on what we believe and what we are about
(1 Corinthians 1:10) "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought."
We Believe that a Great Commitment to the Great Commandment and Great Commission will Grow a Great Church.
What Do We Believe….
In essential beliefs - we have unity (Ephesians 4:4-6)
In non-essential beliefs - we have liberty.
(Romans 14:1) "Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters." 22) "So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. …."
In all our beliefs - we show charity.
(1 Corinthians 13:2) "If I .. can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing."
1A. Bible as our sole Authority
(2 Timothy 3:16-17) "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, {17} so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
We believe you must…
Hear it
Read it
Study it
Memorize it
Meditate on it
Apply it!
2A. Autonomy of the Local Church
(Colossians 1:18) "And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy."
Christ is the Head of our Church
No one “runs” West Haven
Our Church Cooperates with other Groups but is not Controlled by other Groups
3A. Priesthood of Every Believer
(1 Peter 2:9) "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, ."
(Revelation 1:5-6) "and from Jesus Christ, who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, {6} and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father…."
Every Member has both Accessibility and Accountability to God
Every Member is a Full time Christian Servant
4A. Tithing
(Leviticus 27:30) ""'A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD."
5A. Immersion
(Romans 6:4) "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
6a. Spirit-Led Living
(John 15:5) ""I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
(Philippians 2:13) "for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose."
(Ephesians 5:18) "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit."
The Only Way to Live the Christian Life is by the Power of God!
7A. Telling Others About Christ
(1 Peter 3:15) "…. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,"
Application
1. Commit to these seven Lifestyle Statements.
2. Commit to learn more about what you believe and why. Possibly by joining the Pastor’s Class.
3. Commit to living your faith and sharing your faith on a daily basis. Enlist someone to be you partner in faith and hold each other accountable in these seven areas.