Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

Mark A. Copeland
repentance, and baptism (cf. Mk 16:15-16; Ac 2:38-41). Then they are ready to become members...]
II. IN THE CHURCH LOCAL
A. DEFINITION...
1. The church local is a group of Christians who meet and work together - e.g., 1 Th 1:1
2. There are many such churches, not just one - Ro 16:16; Ga 1:2; Ac 9:31
3. Some form of membership in such churches is indicated - e.g., Ro 16:1,5; Co 4:9
-- The church local is made up of Christians in one location who agree to work together
B. PRIVILEGES...
1. A spiritual family - Mk 10:28-30; 1 Ti 5:1-2
2. Strength from older Christians - Ro 15:1; Ga 6:1
3. Mutual comfort in addition to that received from God - cf. 2 Co 1:3-5
4. The prayers of brethren - Ja 5:14-16
-- Those in local churches enjoy blessings not experienced by “floaters”
C. OBLIGATIONS...
1. To bear one another’s burdens - Ga 6:2
2. To exhort one another - He 3:12-14
3. To assemble together - He 10:24-25; e.g., Ac 20:7
4. To serve one another with whatever abilities we have - 1 Pe 4:10-11
5. To care for one another, and to seek peace - 1 Th 5:11-15
6. To withdraw from brethren walking disorderly - 2 Th 3:6-15
-- Membership has it privileges, but it also has its obligations
D. BECOMING A MEMBER...
1. Membership in a local congregation is not automatic (e.g., the eunuch) - Ac 8:39
2. It is must be sought out by an individual (e.g., Saul) - Ac 9:26a
3. The congregation must be willing to extend fellowship (e.g., Jerusalem) - cf. Ac 9:26b
4. A recommendation can help expedite the process (e.g., Barnabas) - cf. Ac 9:27-28
5. The actual vetting process may vary from congregation to congregation
-- A person becomes a member of a church local when they are accepted as such
CONCLUSION
1. Church membership is a worthy aspiration...
a. Membership in the church universal is necessary for salvation
b. Membership in the church local is needed for spiritual growth and service
2. Church membership in both aspects is attained...
a. First when we are added to church universal by the Lord when we are saved
b. Then when we join ourselves to a local church through mutual consent to work together
Have you become a member of the church universal through obeying the gospel of Christ? Have you
become a member of a local church so you can fulfill your duties to Christ and His brethren...?
Topical Sermons 72