“Growing the Local Church”, Biblical Church Membership (Dr. Tom Ascol)

Very good message on Biblical Church Membership by Brother Tom.  Below are some highlights. (followed by the usual video and photographs)

The Church is a priority in God’s application of the Redemptive Work of His Son until Christ returns.

Excuses normally used to leave churches are not excuses to leave, they’re excuses to grow!

Church Membership IS Biblical.  And, because it is Biblical, it is vitally important.
-    It is created and planned by God

7 Lines of Reasoning in Support of Church Membership

1.) Because of the Example we have in the N.T. of Believers
2.) Church Membership is a necessary presupposition of Church Discipline
3.) The Metaphors of the Church in the N.T. require individuals to be definitely connected to the Whole of the Assembly
4.) The Relationship in the NT that exist between the Pastors and the People they serve
5.) A Biblical distinction between “insiders” and “outsiders”
6.) The existence of lists using in the Early Church
7.) The Exhortations we find in N.T. letters to Believers to mutually edify each other

We are called to follow Christ together with our Brothers and Sisters in Christ.  We are to be in Covenanted Community with our Family Members in Christ.

Church Membership is a means of Grace God gives to His children

Jesus Christ loves the Church

• If He loves the church, how can we Love Him but not Love what He loves?

[vodpod id=Groupvideo.1603096&w=425&h=350&fv=autoplay%3Dfalse]