Embracing Local Church Membership for Spiritual Growth
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Exodus Church. Today, we explored the biblical case for local church membership, emphasizing its importance and necessity for every believer. We began by revisiting the three marks of a true and faithful church: preaching the pure gospel, administering sacraments, and practicing church discipline. From there, we delved into why committing to a local church is essential for our spiritual growth and community life.
We examined the early church in Acts 2, where 3,000 souls were added to the church on the day of Pentecost, highlighting the importance of being counted and committed to a local body. The New Testament letters, written to local churches and pastors, further underscore the significance of local church membership. Elders are appointed to shepherd the flock, and members are called to obey and submit to their leadership, as seen in Hebrews 13:17.
We also discussed the role of elders, who are tasked with overseeing and caring for the church, and the responsibilities of church members to follow their leadership. Jesus' love for the local church is evident in His establishment of church order and His ongoing intercession for us. He purchased the church with His blood, and He walks among us, holding our pastors in His hand.
Being part of a local church means engaging in community, serving one another, and striving for unity. Paul’s language in Ephesians 4 assumes that the local church lives and works together in community. We are called to walk in humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another in love. This commitment is reflected in our partnership application at Exodus Church, where we ask members to understand the gospel, be baptized, serve, and submit to church leadership.
Finally, we addressed the dangers of standing outside the local church. Without local church membership, believers miss out on community, accountability, and the full experience of Christian fellowship and sanctification. If you have been hurt or have walked away from the church, know that Christ loves you and there is a place for you in His local body. For those already committed, press on to deeper relationships and unity. For those yet to commit, consider placing your membership in a faithful local church like Exodus.
### Key Takeaways
1. Biblical Foundation for Local Church Membership: The early church in Acts 2 shows the importance of being counted and committed to a local body. The New Testament letters, written to local churches and pastors, further emphasize the necessity of local church membership for spiritual growth and community life. [08:33]
2. Role of Elders and Church Members: Elders are appointed to shepherd the flock, and members are called to obey and submit to their leadership. This relationship is crucial for maintaining order and spiritual oversight within the church, as seen in Hebrews 13:17. [14:28]
3. Jesus' Love for the Local Church: Jesus purchased the church with His blood and established church order. He continues to intercede for us and walks among us, holding our pastors in His hand. This demonstrates His deep love and care for the local church. [20:39]
4. Engaging in Community and Unity: Paul’s language in Ephesians 4 assumes that the local church lives and works together in community. We are called to walk in humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another in love, and striving for unity. [25:54]
5. Dangers of Standing Outside the Local Church: Without local church membership, believers miss out on community, accountability, and the full experience of Christian fellowship and sanctification. It is essential to commit to a local church to fully engage in the body of Christ. [36:21]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:07] - Introduction to Local Church Membership
[02:12] - Marks of a True Church
[03:37] - Prayer and Community
[04:57] - The American Spirit of Autonomy
[06:43] - Biblical Case for Church Membership
[08:33] - Counting Members at Pentecost
[10:15] - Scriptures Addressing Local Churches
[12:03] - Role of Elders in Local Churches
[14:28] - Responsibilities of Church Members
[16:18] - Elders' Accountability
[18:34] - Elders' Oversight in Acts 20
[20:39] - Jesus' Love for the Local Church
[22:20] - Christ's Intercession and Presence
[24:23] - Unity in the Local Church
[25:54] - Living in Community
[27:28] - Engaging with the Church
[28:42] - Partnership at Exodus Church
[29:58] - Commitment to Service and Mission
[31:09] - Corporate Worship and Giving
[32:08] - Value of Church Discipline
[32:56] - Growing in the Gospel
[33:42] - Transferring Membership
[34:36] - Dangers of Standing Outside the Church
[36:21] - Missing Out on Community and Accountability
[36:51] - Encouragement to Commit
[37:29] - Call to Membership at Exodus Church
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Acts 2:38-41 - "Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.' With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, 'Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.' Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day."
2. Hebrews 13:17 - "Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you."
3. Ephesians 4:1-3 - "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Acts 2:38-41, what was the response of the people to Peter's message on the day of Pentecost?
2. In Hebrews 13:17, what are the responsibilities of church members towards their leaders?
3. What qualities does Paul urge believers to exhibit in Ephesians 4:1-3 to maintain unity in the church?
4. How does the sermon describe the role of elders in the local church? [12:03]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that 3,000 souls were added to the church on the day of Pentecost? How does this event support the idea of local church membership? [08:33]
2. What does it mean to "obey and submit" to church leaders according to Hebrews 13:17, and why is this important for the church community? [14:28]
3. How does Paul’s language in Ephesians 4:1-3 reflect the necessity of living in community within the local church? What challenges might arise from this call to unity? [25:54]
4. The sermon mentions that Jesus purchased the church with His blood and continues to intercede for us. How does this understanding of Jesus' love for the church influence our view of local church membership? [20:39]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own experience with church membership. Have you ever been hesitant to commit to a local church? What were the reasons, and how might the sermon’s points address those concerns? [36:21]
2. Hebrews 13:17 calls for submission to church leaders. How can you practically support and encourage your church leaders in their roles? What specific actions can you take this week? [14:28]
3. Ephesians 4:1-3 emphasizes humility, gentleness, and patience. Think of a recent conflict or tension within your church community. How can you apply these qualities to help resolve it and promote unity? [25:54]
4. The sermon discusses the dangers of standing outside the local church. Have you ever felt disconnected from your church community? What steps can you take to re-engage and fully participate in the life of your local church? [36:21]
5. Jesus' love for the local church is evident in His ongoing intercession and care. How does this understanding motivate you to deepen your commitment to your local church? What specific areas of service or involvement can you pursue? [20:39]
6. The sermon mentions the importance of church discipline as a mark of a true church. How do you view church discipline, and how can it be a positive force for growth and accountability in your spiritual life? [32:08]
7. Consider the partnership application process at Exodus Church. How does understanding the gospel, being baptized, serving, and submitting to church leadership reflect your commitment to the local church? What steps can you take to align more closely with these commitments? [28:42]
Devotional
Day 1: The Importance of Being Counted and Committed
The early church in Acts 2 provides a powerful example of the importance of being counted and committed to a local body. On the day of Pentecost, 3,000 souls were added to the church, signifying the beginning of a community that would grow together in faith and practice. This act of counting and committing was not just a formality but a declaration of belonging and accountability. The New Testament letters, written to local churches and pastors, further emphasize the necessity of local church membership for spiritual growth and community life. Being part of a local church means more than just attending services; it involves active participation and commitment to the body of Christ. [08:33]
Acts 2:41-42 (ESV): "So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."
Reflection: How can you actively commit to your local church community this week? What steps can you take to ensure you are counted and involved in the life of the church?
Day 2: The Role of Elders and Church Members
Elders are appointed to shepherd the flock, and members are called to obey and submit to their leadership. This relationship is crucial for maintaining order and spiritual oversight within the church. Hebrews 13:17 highlights the importance of this dynamic, urging believers to obey their leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over their souls. This mutual responsibility ensures that the church functions smoothly and that members receive the spiritual guidance and care they need. Elders are accountable to God for their leadership, and members are accountable to follow their guidance, creating a harmonious and spiritually nurturing environment. [14:28]
Hebrews 13:17 (ESV): "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you."
Reflection: In what ways can you support and encourage the elders and leaders of your church? How can you better submit to their guidance and leadership?
Day 3: Jesus' Love for the Local Church
Jesus' love for the local church is evident in His establishment of church order and His ongoing intercession for us. He purchased the church with His blood and continues to walk among us, holding our pastors in His hand. This demonstrates His deep love and care for the local church. Jesus' actions show that the church is not just an institution but a living body that He cherishes and nurtures. His intercession and presence among us are constant reminders of His commitment to the church and His desire for it to flourish. [20:39]
Revelation 1:20 (ESV): "As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches."
Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus intercedes for your local church impact your view of its importance? What can you do to align your love for the church with Jesus' love for it?
Day 4: Engaging in Community and Unity
Paul’s language in Ephesians 4 assumes that the local church lives and works together in community. We are called to walk in humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another in love, and striving for unity. This commitment to community and unity is essential for the health and growth of the church. Engaging in community means more than just attending services; it involves building relationships, serving one another, and working together towards common goals. Unity is achieved when members prioritize love and understanding, creating an environment where everyone can grow and thrive. [25:54]
Ephesians 4:2-3 (ESV): "With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Reflection: What specific actions can you take this week to foster unity and community within your local church? How can you demonstrate humility, gentleness, and patience in your interactions with others?
Day 5: The Dangers of Standing Outside the Local Church
Without local church membership, believers miss out on community, accountability, and the full experience of Christian fellowship and sanctification. It is essential to commit to a local church to fully engage in the body of Christ. Standing outside the local church can lead to isolation and a lack of spiritual growth. The church provides a support system where believers can encourage and hold each other accountable, fostering an environment of mutual growth and sanctification. Committing to a local church ensures that believers are part of a community that helps them grow in their faith and live out their Christian walk. [36:21]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you have been standing outside the local church? What steps can you take to fully commit and engage with your church community?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "As humans created in the image of God, we are made for community with each other, and for community with God. God saw in the beginning that it was not good for Adam to be alone. so He gives him Eve as a wife and instructs them to be fruitful and to multiply. And thus, it is natural for us to seek companionship, to seek community, if you will, to work together, to build things together." [03:37] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We must strive and fight to seek unity rather than looking for reasons to leave. And this morning we will explore why it's biblical. And important to deeply commit at the local church level." [06:43] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Christ loves his bride. He died for his bride, and Christ is gathering his bride. And not only did he die for his bride, but he also has established the church, the local church, and he protects her, and he holds the pastors in his hand. Christ is interceding on our behalf. And he walks among her." [22:20] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you love Christ and are not doing life with the church, if you have been hurt or burned in a local church, and have walked away from the church, you're not alone. Christ loves you and there is a place for you in His local body. His bride loves you. There are faithful local churches that strive for unity, that seek forgiveness and reconciliation with each other, that meet the three marks that I mentioned earlier in the sermon." [36:21] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We must strive and fight to stay. We must strive and fight to seek unity rather than looking for reasons to leave. And this morning we will explore why it's biblical. And important to deeply commit at the local church level." [06:43] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "How do we as elders give an account, for the local body? How is this measured? It's measured by local church partnership or local church membership. The local body is made up of souls. It's made up of people. People matter to God. He has established the church to care for His people, and He is holding men accountable who love you and care for you enough to watch and keep you. From stumbling." [14:28] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So what does Jesus think about the local church? Christ loves his bride. He died for his bride, and Christ is gathering his bride. And not only did he die for his bride, but he also has established the church, the local church, and he protects her, and he holds the pastors in his hand. Christ is interceding on our behalf. And he walks among her." [22:20] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So what does it look like to be a part of the local church? Let's look at Ephesians 4. Ephesians 4. We'll be looking at verses 1 through 6 here for a little while. We'll start with verses 1 and 2, and in a moment we'll look at 3 through 6. Paul assumes the local church community by his language in Ephesians 4. Let me restate that. Paul is assuming that the local church lives and works in community and comes together, or lives in community and comes together in community by his language in Ephesians 4." [24:23] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So if you love Christ and are not doing life with the church, if you have been hurt or burned in a local church, and have walked away from the church, you're not alone. Christ loves you and there is a place for you in His local body. His bride loves you. There are faithful local churches that strive for unity, that seek forgiveness and reconciliation with each other, that meet the three marks that I mentioned earlier in the sermon. They are out there and we are one of them." [36:21] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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