What it Means to be Part of His Church NT Church 2017-18

When we follow God’s plan of salvation, we are added to His church. When a church teaches a false plan of salvation, how can it be the true church? Today the church is deemphasized by many. It is treated as unimportant, or its purpose is changed to appeal to social needs. We will emphasize what it means to be part of His church.

Added to His church Church is used in 2 senses When we become Christians we are added to His church (universal) Acts 2:47 As long as we remain faithful, we remain in His body.

Joining a local church The same word that describes the church universal, also describes congregations A local congregation has a correlation with the universal church – we seek to only accept into our membership those we believe to be part of the universal church (the body of the saved) This is why the proper plan of salvation is important!

Joining a local church A local church is a group of the saved who join together and organize to do the work God has given us to do collectively. Evangelism, spiritual edification, limited benevolence, and worship. As Christians, we are ALWAYS representative of both the universal body of the saved and the local congregation we are part of.

Joining a local church Does God want me to join a local church? Yes! While there is no direct command, we have approved examples and necessary implications.

Joining a local church Does God want me to join a local church? Consider what the church is: - part of God’s eternal plan and a manifestation of His wisdom – Ephesians 3:10-11 - built by Jesus – Matthew 16:18 - purchased with His blood – Acts 20:28 Clearly, it is important to God!

Joining a local church Does God want me to join a local church? Much of the New Testament was written to congregations (1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Thessalonians, etc.) – through local congregations, God’s word was disseminated

Joining a local church Does God want me to join a local church? There are acts of worship when we come together – 1 Corinthians 11:18-26, Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, etc. We have the completed word with instructions about the church!

Joining a local church Does God want me to join a local church? WHAT if everyone were like me? Would there be a local church where we could assemble and worship God and work? Everyone is called upon to do their share – Ephesians 4:16 When some fail to do their part, her work is hindered.

Joining a local church Does God want me to join a local church? Other than temporary circumstances, you do not find examples of Christians who were not part of a congregation WE do NOT find those who chose to NOT be part of a local congregation, or anyone who declared they didn’t need the church!

Joining a local church Does God want me to join a local church? Consider Paul After converted – Acts 9:19, he was with disciples in Damascus After some time, he sought to JOIN the brethren in Jerusalem – Acts 9:26 Acts 11:25-26, 13:1 – he was part of the church in Antioch!

Joining a local church Does God want me to join a local church? Some are hesitant to join a congregation Some are “investigating” – while this may be valid, how long is it so? Others don’t want to be under the authority of elders or accountable to their brethren. Is this really wise? The godly WANT to be held accountable!

Joining a local church Does God want me to join a local church? If the local church is part of God’s plan (and it is), it ought to be important to us!

To be a member means: You are part of the body of Christ 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Ephesians 1:22-23 – a call for us to function and work together. Ephesians 4:16 – This is how we grow.

To be a member means: You are a worker in God’s vineyard John 15:1-8 – we are branches in Him. In this we are called upon to 1) abide in Him 2) produce fruit – HIS fruit! We need to be productive

To be a member means: You are living stones in the spiritual building (temple) of God 1 Peter 2:4-5 – we are being built up a spiritual house, 9-10 we are a royal priesthood Ephesians 2:20-22 – we are to grow into a holy temple In this we worship God together. Worship brings us together!

To be a member means: You are a citizen in His kingdom Colossians 1:13– conveyed into His kingdom Ephesians 2:19 – fellow citizens and members of the household of God! As citizens, we are subject to our Lord! We answer to Him!

To be a member means: You are a child of His family 1 Timothy 3:15 – we are the house (household) of God, the church of the living God. We must love each other as family – Hebrews 13:1, 1 Peter 3:8 Many benefits to being part of God’s family – access, loving discipline, etc. John 13:34-35

You are called to be holy We are betrothed to Christ 2 Corinthians 11:2, as a chaste virgin! Ephesians 5:25-27 Holiness – 1 Peter 1:13-16, 1 Corinthians 6:11, Ephesians 4:1 Conversely – 2 Timothy 2:19, we depart from iniquity. Our holiness is where the quality of a congregation begins

Are you doing your part in His church?