1 Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ - 9/16/ “Members Of One Another” Romans 12:4-16 ; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 ; Ephesians 4:1- 16

2 Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, “Members Of One Another” ✦ We Live In An “ Individualistic ” Society ✦ Many Professing Faith In Christ Practice an “ Individualistic ” Religion ✦ Christianity Is Built Upon And Demonstrated By Relationships - ✦ We Live In An “ Individualistic ” Society ✦ Many Professing Faith In Christ Practice an “ Individualistic ” Religion ✦ Christianity Is Built Upon And Demonstrated By Relationships - Romans 12:4-5 (NKJV) 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Romans 12:4-5 (NKJV) 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.

3 Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, “Members Of One Another” All Who Belong To Christ / Christians Everywhere “ I will build MY CHURCH” Matt. 16:18 “ there is ONE BODY” Eph. 4:4 “ He is also head of the BODY, the CHURCH” Col. 1:18; Eph. 1:22-23 All Who Belong To Christ / Christians Everywhere “ I will build MY CHURCH” Matt. 16:18 “ there is ONE BODY” Eph. 4:4 “ He is also head of the BODY, the CHURCH” Col. 1:18; Eph. 1:22-23 Christians Residing In The Same Area Who agree to join together in fellowship (Acts 9:26). Who worship in a common assembly – (1 Cor. 11:18) Who work out of a common treasury – (1 Cor.16:1-3) Who submit to a common oversight – (Acts 14:23; 20:28) Christians Residing In The Same Area Who agree to join together in fellowship (Acts 9:26). Who worship in a common assembly – (1 Cor. 11:18) Who work out of a common treasury – (1 Cor.16:1-3) Who submit to a common oversight – (Acts 14:23; 20:28)

4 Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, “Members Of One Another” The Christian, while added to the universal church by the Lord, should seek to join himself to a local church. (Acts 9:26ff). The Christian, while added to the universal church by the Lord, should seek to join himself to a local church. (Acts 9:26ff).

5 Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, “Members Of One Another” Every Christian should seek out a faithful group of the Lord's people and identify with them in order to fulfill their share of the collective responsibilities.

6 Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, “Members Of One Another” The church universal has no earthly organization with which it can function. Jesus is the head of all who follow Him. (Eph. 1:22,23; Col. 1:18; Eph 4:15,16) The church universal has no earthly organization with which it can function. Jesus is the head of all who follow Him. (Eph. 1:22,23; Col. 1:18; Eph 4:15,16) Each local congregation is an independent, autonomous group with elders, deacons, & saints. (Acts 14:23; 20:17,28; Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Pet. 5:2; Heb. 13:17) Each local congregation is an independent, autonomous group with elders, deacons, & saints. (Acts 14:23; 20:17,28; Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Pet. 5:2; Heb. 13:17) Seen In Organizational Structure Need For Local Church Membership...

7 Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, “Members Of One Another” ✦ The gospel was preached & local churches established throughout the Roman Empire - (cf. Acts 13-20; Col. 1:5,23). ✦ These new Christians banded together for the purpose of corporate worship and fellowship in serving their Master. (Acts 2:42-47; 11:19ff; 1 Cor. 11:17-34; etc.) ✦ This was not some optional plan improvised by the whims of the missionaries; it was a divinely orchestrated pattern of organizing local churches. (cf. Acts 14:23; Eph 4:11-16) ✦ The gospel was preached & local churches established throughout the Roman Empire - (cf. Acts 13-20; Col. 1:5,23). ✦ These new Christians banded together for the purpose of corporate worship and fellowship in serving their Master. (Acts 2:42-47; 11:19ff; 1 Cor. 11:17-34; etc.) ✦ This was not some optional plan improvised by the whims of the missionaries; it was a divinely orchestrated pattern of organizing local churches. (cf. Acts 14:23; Eph 4:11-16) Pasay City, Philippines Nehemias Hayuhay Seen In Organizational Structure Need For Local Church Membership...

8 Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, “Members Of One Another” ✦ Christ is the head of His church wherever it exists (Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18), ✦ In local churches, where qualified men existed, “ elders, ” were appointed ( known also as bishops or pastors ) - (Acts 14:23; 1 Tim. 3:1ff; Tit. 1:1ff) ✦ The members were to submit to their overseers, and regard them highly for their work ’ s sake - (1 Thes. 5:12; Heb. 13:17). ✦ Christ is the head of His church wherever it exists (Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18), ✦ In local churches, where qualified men existed, “ elders, ” were appointed ( known also as bishops or pastors ) - (Acts 14:23; 1 Tim. 3:1ff; Tit. 1:1ff) ✦ The members were to submit to their overseers, and regard them highly for their work ’ s sake - (1 Thes. 5:12; Heb. 13:17). Pasay City, Philippines Nehemias Hayuhay Seen In Organizational Structure Need For Local Church Membership...

9 Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, “Members Of One Another” ✦ These men were to be examples, to oversee and lead the flock according to the teachings of the NT - (1 Pet. 5:3; Acts 20:28). ✦ Serving under these men are deacons, teachers, evangelists, etc. (Eph 4:11-16) ✦ If Christ did not intend for his people to be members of local congregations, why did he organize the local body in such a fashion? ✦ These men were to be examples, to oversee and lead the flock according to the teachings of the NT - (1 Pet. 5:3; Acts 20:28). ✦ Serving under these men are deacons, teachers, evangelists, etc. (Eph 4:11-16) ✦ If Christ did not intend for his people to be members of local congregations, why did he organize the local body in such a fashion? Pasay City, Philippines Nehemias Hayuhay Seen In Organizational Structure Need For Local Church Membership...

10 Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, “Members Of One Another” Seen In Assembling For Worship Need For Local Church Membership... ✦ It is true that we can worship God by ourselves in some ways - Whenever and wherever - [Study, pray, sing] - (John 4:21-24; Acts 10:9; 16:25) ✦ But – NT Christians did and MUST worship together regularly! [Studying, praying, singing, Lord ’ s Supper, giving] - (Acts 2:42-47; 4:23- 31; 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:17,18; 16:1,2; Eph 5:19; Col 3:16) ✦ It is true that we can worship God by ourselves in some ways - Whenever and wherever - [Study, pray, sing] - (John 4:21-24; Acts 10:9; 16:25) ✦ But – NT Christians did and MUST worship together regularly! [Studying, praying, singing, Lord ’ s Supper, giving] - (Acts 2:42-47; 4:23- 31; 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:17,18; 16:1,2; Eph 5:19; Col 3:16)

11 Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, “Members Of One Another” Seen In Assembling For Worship Need For Local Church Membership... ✦ We are to assemble and offer mutual edification – this is a responsibility (Heb 10:23-25). Hebrews 10:24-25 (NKJV) 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25 (NKJV) 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

12 Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, “Members Of One Another” Seen In Nature of Work To Be Done Need For Local Church Membership... ✦ Evangelism – (Acts 11:19-26; 12:25-13:3) ✦ Edification – (Eph. 4:16; 1 Thes. 1:3; Heb. 10:24) ✦ Benevolence - (Acts 11:27-30) ✦ These things imply the necessity of organization, & teamwork!!! (1 Cor. 12:27; Eph 4:11-16) ✦ Evangelism – (Acts 11:19-26; 12:25-13:3) ✦ Edification – (Eph. 4:16; 1 Thes. 1:3; Heb. 10:24) ✦ Benevolence - (Acts 11:27-30) ✦ These things imply the necessity of organization, & teamwork!!! (1 Cor. 12:27; Eph 4:11-16)

13 Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, ✦ Become A Member! ✦ Attend Meetings! ✦ Follow Rules! ✦ Support Work! ✦ Is there MORE to Membership than this?- (Rom 12:3-16; 1 Cor. 12:12-27; Eph 4:12-16) ✦ Become A Member! ✦ Attend Meetings! ✦ Follow Rules! ✦ Support Work! ✦ Is there MORE to Membership than this?- (Rom 12:3-16; 1 Cor. 12:12-27; Eph 4:12-16) “Members Of One Another” Need For Local Church Membership... Being A Member?

14 Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, “Members Of One Another” Seen In Descriptions of Relationships Need For Local Church Membership... ✦ In the early chapters of Acts, following the establishment of the church, there are numerous references acknowledging the “ togetherness ” of the early saints (2:42,44,46; 4:23-24,31-32, etc.). ✦ God never intended for a Christian to function as an isolated “ island ” in a sea of worldly-oriented people. ✦ In the early chapters of Acts, following the establishment of the church, there are numerous references acknowledging the “ togetherness ” of the early saints (2:42,44,46; 4:23-24,31-32, etc.). ✦ God never intended for a Christian to function as an isolated “ island ” in a sea of worldly-oriented people.

15 Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, “Members Of One Another” Seen In Descriptions of Relationships Need For Local Church Membership... ✦ As a member of the church the Christian is a part of the family of God (1 Tim. 3:15). ✦ Being a member of a local church one sustains peculiar responsibilities to those who are his fellow-members in that local family of believers – (Mark 10:29,30; Heb 10:24,25) ✦ As a member of the church the Christian is a part of the family of God (1 Tim. 3:15). ✦ Being a member of a local church one sustains peculiar responsibilities to those who are his fellow-members in that local family of believers – (Mark 10:29,30; Heb 10:24,25)

16 Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, “Members Of One Another” Seen In Descriptions of Relationships Need For Local Church Membership... ✦ Love (1 Pet. 1:22) ✦ Comfort & Edify (1 Thes 5:11) ✦ Encourage (Heb. 3:13; 10:24) ✦ Teach & Admonish (Col. 3:16) ✦ Bear Burdens (Gal. 6:2) ✦ Forgive (Eph. 4:32; Mt. 6:14-15) ✦ Work Together (Phil. 1:27) ✦ Accountability - (Eph. 5:21) ✦ Discipline - (1 Cor. 5:4) ✦ Love (1 Pet. 1:22) ✦ Comfort & Edify (1 Thes 5:11) ✦ Encourage (Heb. 3:13; 10:24) ✦ Teach & Admonish (Col. 3:16) ✦ Bear Burdens (Gal. 6:2) ✦ Forgive (Eph. 4:32; Mt. 6:14-15) ✦ Work Together (Phil. 1:27) ✦ Accountability - (Eph. 5:21) ✦ Discipline - (1 Cor. 5:4)

17 Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, “Members Of One Another” Seen In Descriptions of Relationships Need For Local Church Membership... ✴ The Phrase - “ One Another ” appears Over Fifty Times In The New Testament – ✴ Love One Another – ✴ Edify One Another – ✴ Serve One Another – ✴ Bear One Another ’ s Burdens - ✴ The Phrase - “ One Another ” appears Over Fifty Times In The New Testament – ✴ Love One Another – ✴ Edify One Another – ✴ Serve One Another – ✴ Bear One Another ’ s Burdens -

18 Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, “Members Of One Another” Members In One Body - Rom 12:6-16 Need For Local Church Membership... ✦ Requires Participation – 6-8 ✦ Requires Concern & Respect For One Another – 9,10 ✦ Requires Preferential Association With One Another – ✦ Requires Helping One Another – 13,14Requires Humility - 16 ✦ Requires Participation – 6-8 ✦ Requires Concern & Respect For One Another – 9,10 ✦ Requires Preferential Association With One Another – ✦ Requires Helping One Another – 13,14Requires Humility - 16

19 Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, “Members Of One Another” Members In One Body - 1 Cor 12: Need For Local Church Membership... ✦ Emphasizes Being a Participant – NOT A Spectator ✦ Emphasizes Equality – NOT Superiority– 15-17, ✦ Emphasizes Dependence – NOT Independence – 14,17, ✦ Emphasizes Unity – NOT Division – 12,13,18,20 ✦ Emphasizes Being a Participant – NOT A Spectator ✦ Emphasizes Equality – NOT Superiority– 15-17, ✦ Emphasizes Dependence – NOT Independence – 14,17, ✦ Emphasizes Unity – NOT Division – 12,13,18,20

20 Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, “Members Of One Another” Members In One Body - Eph 4:1- 16 Need For Local Church Membership... ✦ Demands Diligence In The Pursuit of Attitudes Promoting Unity – 1-3 ✦ Demands That We Stand United Upon Truth – 4-6,15 ✦ Demands We Grow In Truth By The Lord ’ s Provisions – 7-15 ✦ Demands That We Use Our God Given Abilities That The Body Grow – 7-16 ✦ Demands Diligence In The Pursuit of Attitudes Promoting Unity – 1-3 ✦ Demands That We Stand United Upon Truth – 4-6,15 ✦ Demands We Grow In Truth By The Lord ’ s Provisions – 7-15 ✦ Demands That We Use Our God Given Abilities That The Body Grow – 7-16

21 Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, “Members Of One Another” Need For Local Church Membership... ✦ A local “ body of Christ ” should be “ fitly framed and knit together through that which every member supplies. ” ✦ Success & growth requires the cooperative efforts of individual Christians “ according to the working in due measure of each several part ” for the increase of the body “ unto the building up of itself in love ” (Eph. 4:16- 17). ✦ A local “ body of Christ ” should be “ fitly framed and knit together through that which every member supplies. ” ✦ Success & growth requires the cooperative efforts of individual Christians “ according to the working in due measure of each several part ” for the increase of the body “ unto the building up of itself in love ” (Eph. 4:16- 17). Members In One Body - Eph 4:1- 16

22 Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, “Members Of One Another” Need For Local Church Membership... ✦ This divine goal can hardly be achieved if children of God meander about with their congregational membership in their pocket! ✦ The scriptures clearly teach the need for collective support, service, accountability & sacrifice! ✦ This divine goal can hardly be achieved if children of God meander about with their congregational membership in their pocket! ✦ The scriptures clearly teach the need for collective support, service, accountability & sacrifice! For Growth, Unity & Effectiveness

23 Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, ✦ Can ’ t find a faithful congregation... ? ✦ Lack of understanding the need... ? ✦ Not willing to submit to the Lord ’ s way... ? ✦ Can ’ t find a faithful congregation... ? ✦ Lack of understanding the need... ? ✦ Not willing to submit to the Lord ’ s way... ? “Members Of One Another” Need For Local Church Membership... Why Would One NOT Want To Be A Member of A Local Church?

24 Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, “Members Of One Another” Every Christian should seek out a faithful group of the Lord's people and identify with them in order to fulfill his share of the collective responsibilities. Being A Member? Need For Local Church Membership...

25 Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, ✦ Attend Meetings! ✦ Follow the Lord ’ s Rules! ✦ Support the Lord ’ s Work! ✦ Develop Godly Attitudes ✦ Love, Honor, Associate, ✦ Serve, Help, Sacrifice ✦ Participate, Work ✦ Grow in Truth ✦ Strive For Unity - ✦ Attend Meetings! ✦ Follow the Lord ’ s Rules! ✦ Support the Lord ’ s Work! ✦ Develop Godly Attitudes ✦ Love, Honor, Associate, ✦ Serve, Help, Sacrifice ✦ Participate, Work ✦ Grow in Truth ✦ Strive For Unity - “Members Of One Another” Need For Local Church Membership... Being A Member?

26 Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, “Members Of One Another” Need For Local Church Membership... Are You A MEMBER? ✦ Have you been baptized into Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins? ✦ Do you desire to submit to the Lord ’ s teachings and be faithful to Him? ✦ Are you willing to work and serve under the oversight of the elders here? ✦ Have you been baptized into Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins? ✦ Do you desire to submit to the Lord ’ s teachings and be faithful to Him? ✦ Are you willing to work and serve under the oversight of the elders here?

27 Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ - 9/16/ “Members Of One Another”

28 Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ - 9/16/

29 Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ - 9/16/ Charts by Don McClain Prepared April 4-6, 2013Preached April 7, 2013West 65th Street church of ChristP.O. Box Little Rock AR Prepared using Keynote – More Keynote, PPT & Audio Sermons: Charts by Don McClain Prepared April 4-6, 2013Preached April 7, 2013West 65th Street church of ChristP.O. Box Little Rock AR Prepared using Keynote – More Keynote, PPT & Audio Sermons: Note – Many of the transition effects used in this presentation will be lost using PPT 2007 Viewer 294eeb832823&displaylang=en 294eeb832823&displaylang=en Note – Many of the transition effects used in this presentation will be lost using PPT 2007 Viewer 294eeb832823&displaylang=en 294eeb832823&displaylang=en “Members Of One Another” Need For Local Church Membership...

30 Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ - 9/16/ Hebrews 10:19-25 (NKJV) 19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:19-25 (NKJV) 19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

31 Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ - 9/16/ Hebrews 10:19-25 (NKJV) 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:19-25 (NKJV) 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.