Membership

Today we will look at some "images" that people have of the church. How a person functions as a member is determined to a great extent by these "images".

1. If the church is viewed as a Country Club, then a good member participates, pays dues, has a good time and invites guests.

But if the church is viewed as The Household of God, then a good member builds their life on a good foundation and belongs to the family.

2. If the church is viewed as a Spiritual Co-op, then a good member does their share to keep the organization afloat and gives in order to get.

But if the church is viewed as The Body of Christ, then a good member loves, submits and maintains unity.

3. If the church is viewed as a Lecture Series, then a good member listens, pays attention, takes notes, attends regularly, gives feedback and no application is necessary.

But if the church is viewed as God's Flock, then a good member serves willingly, is a follower, and is not self-sufficient.

Look at how you view the church today. Check out these key words... Ephesians 2:19-22; 1 Corinthians 12; 1 Peter 5:2; Acts 20:28.

Have a great day!

Here's a question that many people ask... "Why can't I just be an active participant in my church without becoming an official member? Why is joining the membership of a church so important?"

These are good questions and deserve a thoughtful response. For those of you who receive this that are already members, you might file this away for times when you can encourage others to become involved.

We will consider two responses/challenges today and two more tomorrow.

1. To be active in the local church is a reflection of being a member of the universal Body of Christ. It seems only natural that a person who is a part of God's eternal family would also be an active part of a local church in order to associate with fellow believers and fellow-heirs of the kingdom.

2. It is quite easy to just attend services (we have our quota of these) and events at a church and just be a recipient. However, one of the greatest means of fulfillment is being involved in some areas of ministry. Giving is imperative if life is to be a joyous adventure of following Jesus Christ as Lord. We are blessed in serving and giving to others.

Check out Mark 8:34-38; Acts 20:32-35

Enjoy God's blessings for today!

Mr. Rodger's theme song came into my mind today..."It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor, could you be mine? Would you be mine?"

I trust that you see it as a beautiful day. Try to reach out to a neighbor today.

Yesterday we began thinking about being actively involved in the local church. Today we finish this thought with two more responses to the question, "Why is joining the membership of a church so important?"

3. It is very difficult for any Christian to grow spiritually without encouragement from other Christians. Personal spiritual disciplines, a deeper understanding of the Bible, worship of God and sharing one's faith are necessary for spiritual maturation. The assistance of other Christians helps growth to take place in these necessary areas. The church is a family of God's people helping one another to become what God intended them to be.

4. Meaningful relationships with other believers are a big part of the Christian experience. They certainly were for the early church and are strongly encouraged for all Christians. In-depth and meaningful relationships are often achieved through active participation in a local body of believers. As a by-product, there is a sense of belonging a sense of being on the "inside" of a very significant group of people, the Body of Christ.

We anticipate the start of a couple of these significant groups in the fall, so stay tuned! It would be great to have you be a part!

Take a look at Acts 2:42-47, as well as Hebrews 10:19-25.

Bless God today!

We finish today considering "family," church family, that is. We talked a little about how we relate to each other. Some other relationships to be nurtured are; contributing to the common good, respecting authority, adjusting to changing needs, practicing financial stewardship, do what needs to be done and do all of these in an atmosphere of love.

As we conclude these thoughts, here are some more "one another" verses.

Galatians 5:13; 6:2; Ephesians 4:2; 5:21; 1 Thessalonians 5:11