WHY BE A MEMBER OF THE LORD’S CHURCH?
File 18 - #11
TEXT: Acts 20:28
INTRODUCTION:
A. In the eyes many, the glorious church of Jesus Christ is relegated to a position of low esteem
– At least four reasons for this:
1. Premillennialism: fosters a low view of the church as a temporary, last-minute,
emergency stop-gap (explain).
2. American culture: means to some everyone must be free to do his own thing,
worship as well by self in own way as in cooperation with church in God’s way.
3. Rebellion: some simply rebel against the constraints of authority and refuse to be
governed by God’s Word.
4. Denominationalism itself: has minimized the church (“church doesn’t save you
– join church of your choice – one is good as another” etc).
B. But when we examine Scripture, we see the importance of the church: READ TEXT
TS: So let’s consider, and answer, the question, Why Be a Member of the Lord’s Church?
I. THE CHURCH IS IN GOD’S ETERNAL PURPOSE
A. READ Ephesians 3:8-11
B. The Bible prophesied the coming of the Messiah’s kingdom: Isa. 2:2-4; Dan. 2; Mark 9:1
C. Christ’s kingdom is Christ’s church: the subjects of this kingdom are the members of His
church: those who are in His church are part of “the eternal purpose which he purposed”
II. THE CHURCH IS COMPOSED OF ALL THE SAVED
A. Acts 2:47
B. Ephesians 5:23, …Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
1. Those who are saved are in the church; those who are in the church are saved.
2. Don’t you want to be in what Christ is going to save? It’s His body, His church!
C. “Church” means “called out body”
1. Those in the church are the called out – the called out are the saved.
2. We are called by the gospel – 2 Thess. 2:14
3. But where does this calling take place? In the church!
Col. 3:15, And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are
called in one body; and be ye thankful.
D. Ephesians 2:14-16
1. Man and God are reconciled in one body (church) by the cross.
2. Christ saves – but He saves the church!
III. THE CHURCH IS THE PILLAR & GROUND OF TRUTH
A. 1 Timothy 3:15
1. “pillar” = column supporting the weight of a building.
2. “ground” = support, bulwark, foundation on which structure rest.
B. You need to be in the church to help hold up and hold forth the truth of God to the world.
IV. THE CHURCH IS THE PLACE OF ALL SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS
A. All spiritual blessings are in Christ: Ephesians 1:3
B. But the church is the fullness of Christ: Ephesians 1:21-23
1. Christ is head over all things to the church.
2. Christ is the fullness of God (Col. 2:9).
3. The church is the fullness of Christ!
C. The church is God’s family: Eph. 3:15
1. The family of God is the household of God – it is the church, 1 Tim. 3:15
2. If we are a child of God you are in His family!
V. THE CHURCH GLORIFIES GOD
A. Ephesians 3:20-21
B. Do you want to bring glory to God? It is in the church where that occurs!
CONCLUSION:
A. Those who are baptized into Christ (Gal. 3:27) are also baptized into the one body, the
church (1 Cor. 12:13).
B. Become a child of God and thereby, be added to the Lord’s church.
John M. Brown, Flatwoods church of Christ
P. O. Box 871
Flatwoods, KY 41139
*THESE OUTLINES ARE INTENDED FOR PERSONAL USE – THEY ARE NOT TO BE SOLD OR
PRINTED IN BOOK FORM WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM THE AUTHOR