SF903 - Let the Church Be The Church - 7 of 10 A Biblical Understanding of Church Membership (Hebrews 10 19-25)
Hebrews 10:19-25
Introduction
A New Testament Church
Ø Has a Biblical Theology; Has a Biblical Understanding of Worship; Will Preach the Word; Has a Biblical Understanding of the Gospel; Has a Biblical Understanding of Conversion; Has a Biblical Understanding of Evangelism; Has a Biblical Understanding of Church Membership; Has a Biblical Understanding of Church Discipline; Has a Biblical Understanding of Church Leadership; Has a Biblical Understanding of Church Growth
We are a society afraid to commit; the Christian faith is built and grounded on commitments.
In the Scriptures, these commitments are called covenants! (Hebrews 8:7-13)
The scriptures are filled with Covenants
Noah (Genesis 6:18-ff; 9:9-17)
Abraham (Genesis 15:18)
Moses (Exodus 24:8)
David (2 Chronicles 21:7)
Jesus
Matthew 26:28 “for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.”
All of our relationships are based on covenants.
Can a person who is "commitment-averse" be a Christian at the same time? Can someone be a Christian without a commitment?
Three questions: What is a church? What does it mean to be a member of a church? Why should you join a church?
1A. What Is A Church?
1B. A church is a fellowship.
Acts 2:42 “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship…”
The top priority in a fellowship is harmony and unity.
Ephesians 4:3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
2B. A church is a family.
1 Peter 3:8 “To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit”
Therefore, we are to operate based on relationships, not rules.
We need to recognize that there are different levels of maturity in God’s family.
3B. A church is a body.
1 Corinthians 12:27 Now you are Christ's body, and individually members of it.
4B. A church is a flock.
John 10:14 “I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me”
2A. What Does It Mean To Be A Member Of A Church?
1B. Church members express their new life in Christ:
By repenting of their sins and placing their faith in Christ
By publicly confessing their faith through the act of believer’s baptism
By affirming in writing the Church Covenant and Statement of Faith
2B. C M protect the unity of their church
By acting in love toward other members
By refusing to gossip
By following the leaders as they follow Christ
3B. C M share in the responsibilities of their church
By praying for its growth
By inviting the unchurched to attend
By warmly welcoming those who visit
By giving regularly
4B. C M serve the ministry of their church
By discovering their gifts and talents
By being equipped to serve by their pastors and elders
By developing a servant’s heart
5B. C M support the testimony of their church
By attending faithfully
By living a godly life
By being a Christian example in their home and community
3A. Why Should You Join A Church?
1B. A Biblical Reason: Christ is committed to the church
Ephesians 5:25 “...Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her”
2B. A Cultural Reason: It is an antidote to our society
It flies in the face of our consumer mentality and church hopping.
3B. A Practical Reason: It defines who can be counted on
Ephesians 2:19 “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household”
4B. A Personal Reason: It demonstrates our faith and produces spiritual growth
John 14:21 “He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me…”
5B. A Theological Reason: It glorifies God
1 Peter 2:12 “Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.”
Application
How a person can become a member at GRACE…
By repenting of your sins and placing your faith in Christ
By publicly confessing your faith through the act of believer’s baptism
By affirming in writing the Church Covenant and Statement of Faith