1. The Local Church Its Identity and Membership
The Makeup and Membership of a Local Church.
Obedience to the gospel is necessary for salvation (2 Thess. 1:6-9; 1 Pet. 4:17-18).
When one does this he or she is added to the Lord’s church universally (Acts 2:37-47; 5:11).

2. The Local Church Its Identity and Membership
The Makeup and Membership of a Local Church.
B. Faithful Christians identify with sound local churches (Acts 9:26-28).
1. God adds one to the church universal (2 Tim. 2:19).
2. Christians identify with local churches.
3. There are no “Christians at large.”

3. The Local Church Its Identity and Membership
The Makeup and Membership of a Local Church.
C. Christians are personally responsible to identify with sound congregations.
1. To do otherwise is to shares in error (2 John 9-11; Eph. 5:1-11).
2. Works both ways (Individual & Church).
3. Withdrawal from individual (1 Cor. 5:4-5).

4. The Local Church Its Identity and Membership
II. Responsibilities of Membership in a Local Church.
A. One commits to “edify” the other members (Eph. 4:11-16; Rom. 14:19; 1 Thess. 5:11).
B. One commits to attend assemblies and Bible studies of the local church (Heb. 10:23-27).
C. One commits to “encourage” the other members (Heb. 10:25; Col. 1:1-3; 1 Thess. 3:2).

5. The Local Church Its Identity and Membership
II. Responsibilities of Membership in a Local Church.
D. One commits to “teach” other members in the singing of songs of worship to God (Col. 3:16).
E. One commits to “submit” to the leadership within a local church (Heb. 13:17).
F. One commits to grow in Christ (2 Pet. 3:17-18).

6. The Local Church Its Identity and Membership
II. Responsibilities of Membership in a Local Church.
G. One commits to demonstrate to the world the faith he holds in God and love he feels for the mercy he has received in Christ (Matt. 5:16;; 1 John 4:11; Titus 2:11-12).