The Importance of Church Membership 7/11/21

1. Church membership is a biblical concept.

 

 

Acts 2:41 (NLT)

Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.

Acts 6:2-3 (NLT)

So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. 3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility.

 

 

2. As Christians, it is important, not only that we believe, but that we belong.

 

 

Romans 12:4-5 (NLT)

Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

Hebrews 10:23-25 (NLT)

 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

 

 

 

3. Membership allows the church to have a clear doctrinal focus.

 

 

Titus 2:1 (ESV)

2 But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NLT)

 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

 

 

 

4. Church membership provides needed accountability.

 

 

Hebrews 13:17 (NLT)

Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NLT)

 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. 11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.