What it means to be a Christian

What it means to be a Christian In this study we will notice: What is a Christian? Becoming a Christian What hinders me from becoming a Christian? Growing as a Christian What hinders me from growing? The Christian and the body of Christ The Christian and others Am I done yet? What it means to be a Christian?

The Body of Christ & the Christian

The church, the body of Christ What is the church? Not a building, but relationship Universally, all who are saved Locally, descriptive of a group of the saved who join together in an “ordered, arranged and organized” way work and worship as the local church. The body of Christ & the Christian

The church, the body of Christ What is the church? As we join together we become a body of His people – Ephesians 1:22-23, 4:15, 5:23, Colossians 1:18 The body of Christ & the Christian

The church, the body of Christ A body is a unified entity in which every part functions with other parts 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 Romans 12:4-5 As Christians we are part of His body! We have a function! The body of Christ & the Christian

The church, the body of Christ Why should I be involved? Because of what the church is: Ephesians 3:10, 11, a part of God’s eternal purpose Matthew 16:18-19, built by Jesus Acts 20:28, purchased with His own blood The body of Christ & the Christian

The church, the body of Christ Why should I be involved? God wants me to be part of a local church Much of the NT written to local churches There are many things to be done collectively by the church Many of these letters addressed to churches and the saints that make them up – 1 Corinthians 1:2, 10 Colossians 4:15-16 The body of Christ & the Christian

The church, the body of Christ Why should I be involved? Other than temporary circumstances, you do not find those simply choosing to be saints without being part of a local church Consider Paul – Acts 9:19, 25-26; 11:25-26, 13:1 The body of Christ & the Christian

The church, the body of Christ Why should I be involved? Some may hesitate to identify with a local congregation Some don’t know enough about the congregation – this is only valid for so long! Some don’t want to be under the authority of elders. Hebrews 13:17 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 Why would you NOT want to be built up? The body of Christ & the Christian

The church, the body of Christ Why should I be involved? As part of the body, I must do my part! Ephesians 4:16, 11-12 1 Corinthians 12:25-27 cf. Hebrews 10:24-25 I will be accountable for this – 2 Corinthians 5:10, cf. Galatians 6:5 The body of Christ & the Christian

The church, the body of Christ Why should I be involved? The future of the church depends on it! cf. Luke 18:8 For the sake of her purity 1 Timothy 3:15 Cf. 1 Corinthians 5:1-7 Revelation 2:12-17, 18-23 The body of Christ & the Christian

The church, the body of Christ Why should I be involved? Because I want to grow as a Christian! To choose to neglect the church in one’s life does so at a spiritual loss. You miss the strength she can provide and a family that cares for your soul The body of Christ & the Christian

Growing within the body of Christ Realize this is not a suggestion! Realize you can do something! You can let your light shine – Matthew 5:13-16, Titus 2:11-12 You can attend as often as possible You can worship properly – John 4:24, 1 Corinthians 14:15 The body of Christ & the Christian

Growing within the body of Christ Realize you can do something! You can give You can build up your brethren You can study and pray – as you grow personally, you grow within the congregation! Cf. Hebrews 5:12-14, 1 Peter 3:15 The body of Christ & the Christian

Growing within the body of Christ How important is the church to me? Our mindset helps determine this. You MUST see this spiritual body as important. Something worth investing in. A spiritual investment – devoting time, resources, talents and energy for her The body of Christ & the Christian

Growing within the body of Christ How important is the church to me? Invest with your material things – 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 Where you put your resources will increase your concerns and desire to see her succeed. The body of Christ & the Christian

Growing within the body of Christ How important is the church to me? Invest in Bible classes – A quality of a strong church To grow, attend classes! To REALLY grow, invest time and efforts. Cf. Ezra 7:10 The body of Christ & the Christian

Growing within the body of Christ How important is the church to me? Invest in Bible classes by teaching – The greatest growth will come if you seek to teach according to your ability. 2 Timothy 2:2 Consider Hebrews 5:12, “By this time you ought to be teachers” The body of Christ & the Christian

Growing within the body of Christ How important is the church to me? Invest in Bible classes by teaching – You ARE needed! If all who can will teach, others are relieved from being overly burdened. Yes, it is a challenge and a sacrifice, but the rewards are tremendous, including growing as a Christian! The body of Christ & the Christian

Growing within the body of Christ How important is the church to me? Invest in your brethren – They are your greatest source of strength when you are struggling. Make them your spiritual family! Be there for one another – Romans 12:9-13, 1 Thessalonians 5:14, Hebrews 3:12-13 The body of Christ & the Christian

What if everyone were like me? What would happen to this church? The strength of the Lord’s church tomorrow depends upon how strong we make her today! What if everyone were like me? What would happen to this church?

How important is this church to you?