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Service is a must and is to God only Matt 4:10 Service to extent of ability Jhn 21:15-18 Salvation and membership go hand in hand Acts 2:41,47; Isa 1:18; Rev 7:14; Eph 1:3-4; 3:8-10 We need to be reminded from time to time 2Pet 1:12-15.
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Service is a must and is to God only Matt 4:10 • Service to extent of ability Jhn 21:15-18 • Salvation and membership go hand in hand Acts 2:41,47; Isa 1:18; Rev 7:14; Eph 1:3-4; 3:8-10 • We need to be reminded from time to time 2Pet 1:12-15
If God meant us to be members of a local body (Rom 15:25-26; 1Cor 1:2; 14:33; 16:1; 2Cor 1:1; Eph 1:1; Phil 1:1; Col 1:2), we have responsibilities to that body • Use of word “body” indicates a distinctive relationship and duty to one another 1Cor 12:18-20, 27
WHAT I OWE MY CONGREGATION • MY GOOD EXAMPLE • Congregation radiates a wholesome moral and spiritual influence in the community Matt 5:13-16; 1Pet 2:12; Titus 2:12. • Stay away from everything mentioned as sinful 1Cor 6:9-10; Gal 5:19-21 • Fleeing everything questionable 1Thess 5:22; 1Tim 6:11
WHAT I OWE MY CONGREGATION • MY GREATEST CONCERN • Visitors should be made to feel at home, so they learn to love members and to return to learn more of the gospel Prov 18:24; Heb 13:2 • Why do we wonder why people will not return, if no one has been friendly, if no one has shown appreciation for them being there?
WHAT I OWE MY CONGREGATION • MY TIME, ENERGY AND TALENTS • Congregation need faithful and efficient leadership. • Many congregations do not have elders, but men of congregation lead Heb 13:17; 1Tim 3:1; 5:17
WHAT I OWE MY CONGREGATION • MY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE • Church has financial obligations which must be taken care of • A command from God 1Cor 16:1-2; 1Cor 4:1-2; 1Pet 4:10 • Giving is a practical measurement of spiritual priorities. I cannot be greedy and withhold God's blessings expecting to please Him.
WHAT I OWE MY CONGREGATION • MY FAITHFUL ATTENDANCE • Existence of congregation depends on attendance of members. Psa 122:1 • How would I feel if I knew congregation died because I would not attend the services Heb 10:25; Acts 2:42 • Do I really love God if I will not attend every possible service
WHAT I OWE MY CONGREGATION • MY ZEAL FOR CONVERTING SOULS • If church is to grow I must be busy converting people to Christ. • Teaching and persuading - persistent effort - bringing and inviting people to services. Prov 11:30; Matt 28:19 • Must show people we love and want them to be saved Rom 10:1
WHAT I OWE MY CONGREGATION • MY UNDYING LOVE • Church can't thrive in frigid atmosphere Gal 5:13 • Jesus emphasized need for love Jhn 15:12 • I must also love the truth Psalm 119:97; Jer 6:16
WHAT I OWE MY CONGREGATION • To be honest, I must meet my obligations to the best of my ability. • I must, with help God gives, do my part in work of building up the body of Christ Eph 4:12; Acts 20:28 • If not willing to help the congregation become ‘fitly joined together” in love I am not worthy to wear the name “Christian.” Eph 4:16