Importance of Joining a Local Church

1. W. 65 st. church of Christ - 12/4/2005

2. The Christian, while added to the universal church by the Lord, should seek to join himself to a local church like the apostle Paul did with the church in Jerusalem in Acts 9:26. • The church universal . . . the whole body of baptized believers, (Matt. 16:18; Acts 2:41,47; Eph. 4:4; 5:23; 1 Cor. 12:13; Rom. 6:3,4; Gal. 3:26,27) 18 times - • A local church . . . A congregation of those who belong to the Lord in a particular locality who have banded together to work and worship collectively in those things God would have them to do. (Rom. 16:16; 1 Cor. 1:2; Phili 1:1; Acts 9:26). 92 times W. 65 st. church of Christ - 12/4/2005

3. Every Christian needs to be identified with a local church. He should seek out a faithful group of the Lord's people and identify with them in order to fulfill his share of the collective responsibilities. • The church universal has no organization with which it can function. (Eph. 1:22,23; Col. 1:18) • Each local congregation is an independent, autonomous, i.e., self-governing group with elders, deacons, & saints. (Acts 14:23; 20:17,28; Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Pet. 5:2; Heb. 13:17) W. 65 st. church of Christ - 12/4/2005

4. Every Christian needs to be identified with a local church. He should seek out a faithful group of the Lord's people and identify with them in order to fulfill his share of the collective responsibilities. Hebrews 13:17 (NKJV) Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. W. 65 st. church of Christ - 12/4/2005

5. Every Christian needs to be identified with a local church. He should seek out a faithful group of the Lord's people and identify with them in order to fulfill his share of the collective responsibilities. • There is a relationship between the overseers and the overseen. • Since the elders authority is limited to a local church, this relationship can only exist in a local church. • When one “joins” himself to a local church, he places himself under the oversight of the elders. W. 65 st. church of Christ - 12/4/2005

6. Every Christian needs to be identified with a local church. He should seek out a faithful group of the Lord's people and identify with them in order to fulfill his share of the collective responsibilities. • It is true that we can worship God by ourselves in some ways . . . Whenever and wherever we want . . . (John 4:21-24; Acts 10:9; 16:25) • But – NT Christians did and MUST worship together regularly! (Acts 2:42-47; 4:23-31; 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:17,18; 16:1,2; Heb 10:24,25) W. 65 st. church of Christ - 12/4/2005

7. Every Christian needs to be identified with a local church. He should seek out a faithful group of the Lord's people and identify with them in order to fulfill his share of the collective responsibilities. • Sing (Eph 5:19; Col. 3:16) • Pray (Acts 12:5) • Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7; I Cor. 11:18, 20, 23-29) • Teaching - (Acts 20:7). • Giving (I Cor. 16:1, 2). • We are to assemble and offer mutual edification – this is a responsibility (Heb 10:23-25). W. 65 st. church of Christ - 12/4/2005

8. Every Christian needs to be identified with a local church. He should seek out a faithful group of the Lord's people and identify with them in order to fulfill his share of the collective responsibilities. • Evangelism – (Acts 11:19-26; 12:25-13:3) • Edification – (Eph. 4:16; 1 Thes. 1:3; Heb. 10:24) • Benevolence - (Acts 11:27-30) • These things imply the necessity of organization, & teamwork!!! (1 Cor. 12:27; Eph 4:11-16) W. 65 st. church of Christ - 12/4/2005

9. Every Christian needs to be identified with a local church. He should seek out a faithful group of the Lord's people and identify with them in order to fulfill his share of the collective responsibilities. • As a member of the church the Christian is a part of the family of God (1 Tim. 3:15). • Being a member of a local church one sustains peculiar responsibilities to those who are his fellow-members in that local body. It is like being a part of a physical family. – (Mark 10:29,30) W. 65 st. church of Christ - 12/4/2005

10. Every Christian needs to be identified with a local church. He should seek out a faithful group of the Lord's people and identify with them in order to fulfill his share of the collective responsibilities. Mutual Responsibilities: • Love (1 Pet. 1:22) • Comfort & Edify (1 Thes 5:11) • Encourage (Heb. 3:13; 10:24) • Teach & Admonish (Col. 3:16) • Bear Burdens (Gal. 6:2) • Forgive (Eph. 4:32; Mt. 6:14-15) • Work Together (Phil. 1:27) • Discipline - (1 Cor. 5:4) W. 65 st. church of Christ - 12/4/2005

11. Local - 1 Cor 1:2; Rom 16:5 • Composed of Saints Who Agree to Work Together - Acts 9:26-28 • Organized - Phil 1:1 • Autonomous - 1 Pet 5:1-2 • Assembles Regularly - 1 Cor. 11:18; Heb. 10:24-25 • Functions Collectively – 1 Cor. 12:14-30; 1 Tim 5:16 W. 65 st. church of Christ - 12/4/2005

12. Can’t find a faithful congregation . . . • Lack of understanding the need . . . • Not willing to submit to the Lord’s way . . . W. 65 st. church of Christ - 12/4/2005

13. You can come forward . . . • You can write a note, mark it on a card, call us . . . . • Simply communicate your desire to us . . . • Will you be accepted?? W. 65 st. church of Christ - 12/4/2005

14. Have you been baptized into Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins? • Do you desire to submit to the Lord’s teachings and be faithful to Him? • Are you willing to work and serve under the oversight of the elders here? W. 65 st. church of Christ - 12/4/2005

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