Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

Support Your Local Church!
Mark A. Copeland
INTRODUCTION
1. The title for our lesson was adapted from that of a movie starring James Garner (“Support Your
Local Sheriff!”) made in 1969...
2. In most congregations, there are varying degrees of commitment among the members...
a. The faithful few who can always be counted on to do whatever is needed
b. The fairly faithful who attend somewhat regularly, but are not as dependable
c. The C&E group who attend only on Christmas, Easter, and other special days
d. Then there is the FPO group (using a church for funeral purposes only)
3. Membership in the body of Christ has many blessings...
a. A relationship with Jesus Christ and all that entails
b. But there are also responsibilities incumbent upon the members - e.g., Ep 4:25
[What are our responsibilities as members of the body of Christ? In particular, what are our duties to
one another as members of a local church? Let’s first review the concept of...]
I. MEMBERSHIP IN THE CHURCH
A. THE CHURCH UNIVERSAL...
1. That is, the body of Christ, made up all the saved
2. The church of which Jesus spoke in Mt 16:18
3. One is added by the Lord to the church universal when they are saved - cf. Ac 2:41,47
-- Membership in the universal church is automatic upon one’s conversion
B. THE CHURCH LOCAL...
1. That is, a local group of Christians who function together as a congregation
2. We read of such churches in the New Testament - cf. 1 Co 1:2; Ro 16:16
3. One joins a local church when they seek to work with other Christians - cf. Ac 9:26-28
-- Membership in the local church is by mutual agreement among Christians
C. IS LOCAL CHURCH MEMBERSHIP NECESSARY...?
1. Can one just have a “floating membership” without joining a particular congregation?
2. The mere provision of local churches in God’s Word implies...
a. A divine purpose for the local church
b. A corresponding responsibility of Christians to avail themselves of it
-- The idea of becoming a Christian and never a part of a local congregation is foreign
to the Scriptures
[Membership in the church universal comes with responsibilities toward other Christians. Let’s now
consider our...]
II. RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE CHURCH
A. ATTITUDES TO MAINTAIN...
Topical Sermons 343