Is Church Membership Even Biblical?

Current Trend

• We have sold an incomplete gospel if we advertise the potential of avoiding hell while giving permission to ignore the church.
• Many people falsely pit a relationship with Jesus against membership with a local church.
• You will never have a vibrant relationship with Jesus if you consistently claim you can’t stand His bride.
• Church membership is a method for Christians to communicate our responsibility for each other.

Biblical Example [Acts 6:1-7]

• The early church was completely aware of and responsible for those who belonged to them.
• The church was growing with different types of people each having different types of needs and gifts.
• As they experienced growing pains, leaders and servants came together to address the needs of those within the church.
• Within the New Testament, you never see one example of a Christian attempting to follow Jesus on his or her own.
• Extra References: Acts 1:4; 1:15; 2:38; 2:41; 4:4; 5:12; 8:3; 9:28; 11:26; 20:29-30; Rom. 12:10; Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 5:2; 1 John 2:19.

Personal Application

• Refuse to stagger with an isolated attempt at Christianity for what it causes you and others to miss.
• Discipleship is not designed to work outside of the context of relationships.
• Decide to commit to this local church wholeheartedly or find another one that you can.
• Next Step: What is your next step towards the people of Rocky Creek?
  • Salvation?
  • Baptism?
  • Membership?
  • Group?
  • Service?