WHAT IS CHURCH MEMBERSHIP? (Acts 9:1-4)* But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (Philippians 3:20) But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ…
Why is church membership important? 1. Membership is how we: Love One Another a. (1 Peter 2:17) …love the brotherhood of believers… b. (Galatians 6:10) So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially those who are of the household of faith. c. (Romans 15:1) We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. d. (Romans 12:13) Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. e. (Romans 12:15) Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. 2. Membership is how we: Encourage One Another a. (1 Thess. 5:11) Encourage one another and build each other up… b. (Hebrews 10:24-25) Consider how to stir up one another to love and good works 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. 3. Membership is how we: Guard One Another a. (Hebrews 12:15) See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; that no one is sexually immoral or unholy . . . b. (1 Corinthians 5:1-6) It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father’s wife. 2 And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you. 3 For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing. 4 When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord. 6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? c. (2 Corinthians 2:5-8) 5 Now if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure—not to put it too severely—to all of you. 6 For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough, 7 so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 8 So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him.
*All scripture quotations ESV