Sermon Outline
I. Introduction
What comes to mind when you think about church membership (e.g., benefits, recognition, etc)?
II. What is the Church?
a) Jesus will build His church (Matthew 16:18-19)
b) Jesus will reveal Kingdom presence and power through the church (Matthew 18:15-20; 28:18-20).
c) The church is relationally understood as the Bride of Christ (Ephesians 5; 2 Corinthians 11:2).
d) The church consists of members (Romans 12:4-5; Ephesians 5:29-30; 1 Corinthians 12:27)
III. Members & the Local Church Body
a) invisible/universal (all born-again saved in Christ)
b) visible members (revealed through the means of the local church)
c) risk not participating through a local church body (no affirmation of one's faith, minimal accountability, minimal teaching, encouragement, equipping, etc.) (see Hebrews 3:12-13; 10:25)
IV: Importance of Membership
a) like-mindedness in our Christian faith (Philippians 1:27-2:2)
b) strengthens peace, unity, and order (Philippians 2:14-15; Hebrews 13:19-19)
"May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." - Romans 15:5-6
Blessings in our Lord,
Pastor Trevor