Tying Up Loose Ends: Membership

Tying up Loose Ends: Membership

Introduction

Definition: “tie up loose ends” – (idiomatic) Tidy up, finish, or complete.
It can be Easy to Start Something, but difficult to finish.
God encourages us to complete the work we began in Christ
(Revelation 3:2; 1 Thessalonians 3:10).
Today, we’ll discuss the Loose End of Membership.

I. Early Christians Unified Locally for Strength and Support (Acts 2:41-47; Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 9:26-27)

II. Dangers of being a Member at Large

No Accountability – Protection
No Responsibility – Purpose
No Commitment – Promises

III. Five Commitments of Membership

Relationships
Worship
Discipleship
Stewardship
Fellowship/Partnership

Conclusion: How do You Become a Member at Boise C/C?

Are You a Christian?
Are You Willing to Commit Yourself, Your Talents, and Your Resources to this Congregation?
Are You Willing to Submit Yourself to this Congregation and its Leadership for Your Discipleship?
Then, Let Us See Brochure.

Our sermon series is entitled, Tying Up Loose Ends. There are things that we know we need to do, but we put off. This may have little consequence in some areas of our lives, but with spiritual matters, your eternal destiny is in the balance. This morning we will be talking about church membership.

Church membership is more of a modern phrase than a biblical one, but the concept of being an active part of a church fellowship is very biblical. In Acts, new believers banded together for strength and growth.

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. ⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³ Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. ⁴⁴ All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵ Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. ⁴⁶ Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved (Acts 2:41-47).

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. ²⁵ Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another– and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:24-25).

In no uncertain terms, the NT presupposes the active participation of Christians in the life of the local church. Today, however, with so many churches, it is easy for believers to develop a “member at large” attitude visiting many different congregations, but belonging to none. Not that there are not benefits to visiting churches until you find a church home, but eventually you really need to belong somewhere.

In my lesson today, we will talk about this need, why it is important and what you need to do to truly belong.

I’ll say more in my lesson. Joey