“Why bother with church membership?”

“Why bother with church membership?”
1. The majority of letters in the New Testament were written “to the church.”
“I am writing to God’s church in Corinth, to you who have been called by God to be his own holy people. He made you holy by means of Christ Jesus, just as he did for all people everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours.” 1 Corinthians 1:2
“This letter is from Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus.
I am writing to all of God’s holy people in Philippi who belong to Christ Jesus, including the church leaders and deacons.” Philippians 1:1
“I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people.” Romans 1:7
2. The offices of leadership show church membership is assumed.
“But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction…” 1 Thessalonians 5:12, NASB
“Obey your spiritual leaders and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God.” Hebrews 13:17
“Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching.” 1 Timothy 5:17
3. Church membership keeps us accountable. “Obey your spiritual leaders and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God.” Hebrews 13:17
4. Jesus taught church discipline in the context of church membership.
“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. 16 But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. 17 If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.” Matthew 18:15-17
5. Church membership cultivates spiritual growth for the individual.
“All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:27
Special thank you to LIFEWAY RESEARCH and The Gospel Coalition.
For more information about Middle River Assembly of God visit middleriverag....
To help support the mission of Middle River Assembly of God, please go to our new giving platform
tithe.ly/give?...
CCLI Copyright License # 1013363
CCLI Streaming License # 20006236
Thank you for your support.