Church Membership
This past Sunday we had several people join our church. A lot of people don't see the big deal in "joining" a church They ask, "Why is it important to become a "member" of a Church?" My friend Neil emailed me a great answer to that question.
1. A Biblical Reason: Christ is committed to the church. "...Christ loved the church and he gave His life for it." (Eph 5:25) Notice how the importance of the church is emphasized in these verses: Ephesians 2:19-22, Ephesians 3:6 , Romans 12:4-13 , Colossians 3:12-17
2. A Cultural Reason: It is a testimony to our society. We live in an age where very few want to be committed to anything...a job...a marriage...our country. This attitude has even produced a generation of "church shoppers and hoppers". Membership swims against the current of America's "consumer religion". It is an unselfish decision. Commitment always builds character. It sends a strong message to our society.
3. A Practical Reason: It defines who can be counted on. Every team must have a roster. Every school must have an enrollment. Every business has a payroll. Every army has an enlistment. Even our country takes a census and requires voter registration. Membership identifies our family.
4. A Personal Reason: It produces spiritual growth. The New Testament places a major emphasis on the need for Christians to be accountable to each other for spiritual growth. You cannot be accountable when you're not committed to any specific church family. The church is where you "belong" and where you are "needed" (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).
1. A Biblical Reason: Christ is committed to the church. "...Christ loved the church and he gave His life for it." (Eph 5:25) Notice how the importance of the church is emphasized in these verses: Ephesians 2:19-22, Ephesians 3:6 , Romans 12:4-13 , Colossians 3:12-17
2. A Cultural Reason: It is a testimony to our society. We live in an age where very few want to be committed to anything...a job...a marriage...our country. This attitude has even produced a generation of "church shoppers and hoppers". Membership swims against the current of America's "consumer religion". It is an unselfish decision. Commitment always builds character. It sends a strong message to our society.
3. A Practical Reason: It defines who can be counted on. Every team must have a roster. Every school must have an enrollment. Every business has a payroll. Every army has an enlistment. Even our country takes a census and requires voter registration. Membership identifies our family.
4. A Personal Reason: It produces spiritual growth. The New Testament places a major emphasis on the need for Christians to be accountable to each other for spiritual growth. You cannot be accountable when you're not committed to any specific church family. The church is where you "belong" and where you are "needed" (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).
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