Membership has both: Privileges & Obligations

Acts 8:1 “church at Jerusalem” Acts 13:1 “church at Antioch” 1 Corinthians 1:2 “church at Corinth” Galatians 1:2 “churches of Galatia”

Necessary to Worship- – Giving 1 Corinthians 16:1,2 – Singing Colossians 3:16 – Lord’s Supper Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:18,33 Elders Appointed- – Acts 14:23; 20:28 – 1 Peter 5:1,2

Necessary to Accomplish the Work- – Without it: – Needy Saints neglected 1 Corinthians 16:1,2 – Paul not Supported Philippians 4:15 – Paul & Barnabas not taught in Antioch Acts 11:26 – HOW would you teach the lost, support preachers, help needy saints & edify Christians without LOCAL CONGREGATION?

Necessary to Accomplish the Work- – Paul told the church at Corinth HOW to DO the work – 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 “1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. 2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.”

“One Another” Passages Demand It- – 1 Thessalonians 5:11-14 “comfort each other & edify one another” If No Local Church – Some Passages would look Ridiculous – Hebrews 10:25 “assembling of ourselves together” – 1 Corinthians 11:26-34 “when you come together to eat”

Christians were Members of Specific Local Congregations- – Romans 16:1,2 – Phoebe of Cenchrea – Philippians 2:25 – Epaphroditus of Philippi – Colossians 4:12 – Epaphras of Colosee

Where Christians Enjoy Fellowship – What does it mean to have fellowship? – Acts 2:41,42 - “the share which one has in anything, a participation” – Paul’s Example – Acts 9:26; Matthew 19:5; Acts 9:19 – Wanting to “associate, participate” – Willing to agree to work with them – Puts many today to shame!

2 Corinthians 6:14 – fellowship in the negative sense. Righteousness has NOTHING IN COMMON WITH LAWLESSNESS! Ephesians 5:11 – no fellowship, no agreement, no common interest and no participation with EVIL!

Christians have the Most in Common: – Same relationship with Christ 1 Corinthians 1:9 – Have all accepted & been called by the same gospel 2 Thessalonians 2:14 – All share a common salvation Jude 3

Do you consider yourself having more in common with the members of this congregation than physical family, co- workers, co-enthusiasts in a hobby, neighbors, friends?

I only have Fellowship to the extent the I ‘participate.’ Philippians 4:15; 1:5; 2 Corinthians 8:4 I have no Fellowship in evil, when I do not agree with or participate in evil! Ephesians 5:11 “Fellow workers” Romans 16:21; 3 John 8 Could someone call you a ‘fellow worker?’

Do You Have Fellowship? Are You a Member? I have fellowship in the common activities of the local church only to the extent that I actually participate in them. Does this express your attitude? Psalm 119:63; John 17:20,21

Goals of the Congregation are My Goals Work of the church here is My work Activities of the church are My activities Meeting Times of the congregation are My meeting times