WHY BE A MEMBER OF CHRIST'S CHURCH?

INTRODUCTION:

1. Christianity is a religion of the church.

A. MATTHEW 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
B. Note: "My church"-Ownership or possession of the church can aptly be credited to Christ. He built-bought, etc.

2. People often give reasons (or excuses) for not being a member of the Lord's church.

A. Some claim to believe that one church is as good as another.
B. Some are confused,"which church is right?"
C. "Church doesn't save anyone."

3. This lesson sets forth three (3) simple reasons for being a member of the church of Christ. 1PETER 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and {be} ready always to {give} an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

I. ONE CAN READ ABOUT THE CHURCH OF CHRIST IN THE NEW TESTAMENT.

1. The New Testament is a record/revelation of the will of Christ. Hebrews 9:16,17 "For where a testament {is}, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth".

2. The New Testament was made binding by the Lord's death. Matthew 26:28 "For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins".

3. One can read the names of the church in the New Testament.

A. Paul wrote of the churches of Christ. Rom 16:16 B. The Lord's church is often called:

1) "the church" Eph. 5:23,25; 1:22,23

2) "the church of God" 1Cor.1:2

3) "the church of the Lord" Acts 20:28 ASV

C. Individual members are called "Christians" Acts 11:26; 1Peter 4:15,16

4. You can read about the worship of the church.

A. John 4:24
B. Singing Eph.5:19 - The Lord's Supper Acts 20:7 - Giving 1Cor. 16:1,2 - Teaching and praying - Acts 2:42 "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers".

5. The organization of the church. Phil.1:1

6. The life the Lord expects Members of the church to live. Eph.4:22 ; 5:5

II. THE RELATIONSHIP THE MEMBERS HAVE WITH CHRIST.

1. He is the builder of His church. Mat 16:18 ; Psa. 127:1

2. The Lord purchased His church. Acts 20:28

3. He is the head of the church. Eph.1:22,23

4. He gave himself for the church. Eph. 5:25

III. THE SAVED ARE IN THE CHURCH

1. "Salvation" and "church membership" are entirely different concepts in denominational theology. (One gets saved and then joins the church of his choice.)

2. Nowhere in the Bible do read an answer to "how can I become a member of the church?"

3. "What must I do to be saved does appear.

A. Acts 2:37 "Now when they heard {this}, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men {and} brethren, what shall we do?"
B. Acts 2:40 "And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation".
C. Acts 2:47 "Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved". 4. If the Lord saves the body - (Eph. 5:23); - If the body is the church - (Eph. 1:22,23) - Then He saves the church!

CONCLUSION:

1. These three reason should be sufficient to convince honest hearts to the necessity of being in the Lord's church.

2. These three reasons are of more value than all the excuses offered for not being.