2. The Distinct Membership of A Church Previously we’ve seen what makes the membership in the Church distinct. In this lesson, we’ll note how a Church is truly distinct when it works together the way God indicates that it should.

3. The Distinct Membership of A Church  Remember from the previous lesson: “Church” is the called out - >a Christian community of believers on earth; or >saints in heaven; or both.  Therefore, the Church comprises all the saved of all time (both heaven and earth).  Whereas, a Church is limited to local congregational collectivity in a specific time and place. Rom.16:16; 1Cor.1:2; etc.

4. The Distinct Membership of A Church:  Assembles Together, Heb.10:25 *Some passages use “the” to refer to a specified local congregation. **This implies a specified time, place, and purpose for assembling. >to Teach, 1Cor.14:19; Acts 2:42; 20:7 >to Pray, Acts 2:42; 12:5; 20:3-6; Eph.6:18ff >to Sing, 1Cor.14:15; Eph.5:19; Col.3:16 >to Eat the Lord’s Supper, 1Cor.11:20-29; Acts 20:7 >to Give as they have been prospered, 1Cor.16:1-2

5. The Distinct Membership of A Church:  Practices Benevolence >Collectively for Saints, Acts 11:27-30; Rom.15:25-27; 1Cor.16:1-3; 1Tim.5:16 >and Individually for All, Gal.6:10; Jas.1:27  Practices Evangelism >Collectively, 2Cor.11:8; Phil.4:15ff; Acts 13:1-3 >Individually, Acts 8:4 > 11:19; 18:26  Practices Discipline >Collectively, 1Cor.5:1-13; 2Thess.3:6-15 >Individually, Matt.18:15-17; Gal.6:1; Jas.5:19

6. The Distinct Membership of A Church:  Is Overseen by Elders/Pastors/Bishops >which all refer to the same office, Acts 20:17,28 >which is God’s plan, Phil.1:1; Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5 >with these qualifications, 1Tim.3:1-3; Titus 1:5-9 >and in this manner, 1Pet.5:1-3.

7. Now, when the Membership of A Church:  Assembles together to teach, pray, sing, partake, and give,  Practices benevolence both collectively and individually,  Practices evangelism both collectively and individually,  Practices discipline both collectively and individually, and  Is Overseen by Elders/Pastors/Bishops, IT WILL BE DISTINCT!