Latest / Bible Study with Pr. Daniel Batarseh | Verse by Verse Series | Maranatha Bible Church - Chicago / The Wisdom of Church Membership | Pastor Daniel Batarseh

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The Wisdom of Church Membership | Pastor Daniel Batarseh · Bible Study with Pr. Daniel Batarseh | Verse by Verse Series | Maranatha Bible Church - Chicago

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well, it seems as though we have often stepped in and out of our
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Series in the book of Of second Timothy, in the past couple of
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months, which is not ideal. When you were trying to
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establish a flow of thought, in the book of the Bible.
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But I can assure you that we are in a unique season as a church,
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that necessitates us to be able to communicate with the people.
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Why it is that? We're doing what we're doing and
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because we are in the infant stages of a Ministry.
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We believe that is necessary to be able to explain from the
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scriptures. Why we are growing in a certain
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direction. Why are we implementing certain
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things? Why are we choosing to go in a
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certain way? And that is certainly true.
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As you heard in the announcements for the milestone.
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For this ministry, you've been hearing about and people have
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been asking about this concept. Of membership and perhaps that
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is a common concept to you and perhaps it is a totally foreign
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one and what we desire to do as a leadership as help clarify
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that that this organization, that this thing that puts
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structure to the church is, in fact, supported with the word of
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God. It is not something that adds to
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the word of God. It is something that is derived
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with the principles and the wisdom and even the practices of
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the early church. And so today you might be in a
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place where you are wondering as you just heard that we are now
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opening and receiving applications for people to join
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this church and to call it home. If this process is necessary, Is
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it effective? What are the benefits?
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Will they tamper with the organic feel that this church
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has? And perhaps you're even tempted
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to think is this even biblical? And prayerfully after you hear
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what God's word has to say, about the subject, you will have
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a greater confidence that this ministry.
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This church is applying membership because we desire to
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be as biblical as possible. So today we're going to explore
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the wisdom of church membership and we are going to see how this
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will only contribute to the health and the effectiveness of
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the collective Saints, who would say this is where I desire to
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serve, and this is the ministry that I want to be identified
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with. But before we touch on those
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reasons, I think it is necessary for us to understand the
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framework of the church to understand the function of the
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church. And that is throughout the New
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Testament. And you can even find principles
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in the old, but we want to look to the head of the church
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himself and what he said about his church, And so before we
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explore that, let us pray and ask God for a Humble Hearts open
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minds and the grace to learn as he speaks to us through his
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word. Go, we ask that in this moment
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that we would be tuned in to your voice.
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And that Lord, this would be free from confusion, it would be
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clear and not only will it be information, but it would even
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draw our hearts closer to Christ.
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It would Inspire fresh, love towards the head of the church
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himself. Lord May the delivery of this
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message be done in Integrity dignity and sound speech.
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Lord May our hearts be open to not just understand these truths
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but to be willing to obey them whether we want to call this
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church home or another place home, Lord, help us realize that
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this is a step forward into greater obedience to your word.
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We give you praise and glory. In Jesus name, we pray.
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Amen. Turn with me to Matthew chapter
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16 please. The Lord Jesus Christ mentions.
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The church only twice in the gospel accounts.
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Only twice. And in those two instances,
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there are both found in the same book and each reference is Rich
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with understanding of the identity and the operation of
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this institution called The Church.
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And in the first place of this mention from the lips of the
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Savior, the Lord response to Peter's accurate, confession of
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the nature, and the person of Jesus Christ.
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When he declares after crisis, who do you say that I am?
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What are people saying? Yes, but who do you think?
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Who do you believe that I am and Peter as often as he does speaks
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up. And he says, you are the Christ,
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the son of the Living, God, And the response of Christ is first
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that he affirms that this is something that God had revealed.
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And then he goes on to say this, in verse 18, and I tell you you
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are Peter and on this rock, I will build my church.
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And the Gates of Hell shall not Prevail against it.
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I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven and whatever
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you bind on Earth, shall be bound in heaven and whatever you
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loose on Earth. Shall be loosed in heaven.
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And I'm sure you are aware of the great debate around this
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text and the debate is about who or what this rock really is.
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Jesus says he would build his church on and the Catholic
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church for centuries. Have argued that this rock
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symbolizes the person of Peter, And that God has given him a
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certain Authority, and he was the first pope and Bishop, and
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those who descend from him, are his successors and there are
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great, great concerns with that interpretation, especially with
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the authority that the pope claims to have over the church.
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There's only one head and that's Christ.
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But when we consider this text and compare it to other, texts
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about the church, we see what Jesus meant here.
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Because scripture interprets scripture and in Ephesians 2.
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We read that the church, the foundation of this institution
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is built upon the apostles and the prophets while Christ
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himself is the Chief Cornerstone.
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Now, what does that mean? It doesn't mean that the
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apostles including Peter are The Rock when Jesus speaks to Peter
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In This Moment, he addresses him as a representative of the
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Apostles. And what he tells this man is
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that he and all who are the appointed vessels in that
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Apostolic Ministry were the ones who are going to lay the Bedrock
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of the church through their Spirit inspired preaching and
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teaching. It's not Peter.
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Who is The Rock? It's the confession of Peter.
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That is the rock. It is not the Apostle Peter nor
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the other apostles who are the foundation.
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But the truth that they delivered is the very thing that
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the church we built upon. If the church is built upon any
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person, is the person of Jesus Christ and who he is in his
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nature and his character, and his work, not a system of
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papacy. And this is important to
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understand for many reasons, and let me give you one, If the
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church is built upon a set of truths, concerning the person of
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Jesus Christ, then those who make up the church or the ones
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who adhere to these truths. In other words for somebody to
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be a part of the church means that they are someone who
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repents believes and confesses the truth of Christ as it is
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laid out in the scriptures and that person becomes a living
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Stone and that person now becomes a part of the spiritual
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structure, known as The Church of Jesus Christ, that is the
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foundational application of what.
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It means to be joined to the church.
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It is upon a Shin it is upon faith.
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It is upon belief. Peter's confession.
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Let me reiterate, is the rock that the church will be built on
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and those who hear this confession and believing the
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confess. It themselves are numbered among
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those who make up The Universal Church of Jesus Christ.
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That's glorious, it's wonderful. But let me say this please, this
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is not theoretical. This is tangible, being a part
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of the church is not some invisible status that you get
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because of your faith. It is not God seeing you
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differently because of your faith.
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It is practical it touches life and in fact, radically Alters
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your daily activity, and that is proven not in the first mention
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of the church, from the lips of Christ.
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But in his second, Last time, which is just two chapters from
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this place. So turn to Matthew 18.
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Verse 15. Jesus says, if your brother sins
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against you go and tell him his fault between you and him alone,
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if he listens to you, you have gained your brother.
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But if he does not, listen, take one or two others along with you
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that every charge may be established by the evidence of
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two or three Witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them,
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tell it to the church and if he refuses to listen, even to the
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church, let him be to you as a gentile and tax collector.
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Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on Earth, shall be
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bound in heaven and whatever you loose on Earth.
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Shall be loosed in heaven. This is another very familiar
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passage of scripture, but we have to connect it to our
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previous text. In order to come to a
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much-needed. Conclusion about the church when
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you read, what Christ says here, you realize what he esteems and
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emphasizes for his people. In Matthew 16, Jesus confirms
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that the church will be built upon a confession, a realization
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of who he is and accurate, understanding of who he is, but
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in Matthew 18, Jesus instructs, those who make up the church,
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what they are supposed to do when one of its members behaves
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or believe something contrary to that confession.
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Christ cares about the purity of his church.
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Christ is steams, the witness. Of his church Christ expects us
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to be involved with each other's lives.
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She, when you read this text, it assumes that being a part of the
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church is not a status. That's in a hidden in your
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heart, being a part of the church assumes accountability.
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It assumes responsibility. It assumes Authority.
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You can't read this. And not see how being a part of
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the church touches people. Links people's arms, together.
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Calls you to be involved because when you read something like
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Matthew 18, the question is, well, how can something like
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this be implemented? If the church is, made up by
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different tribes and tongues and there are churches all across
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the globe. And there are the people of God,
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who make up the church who are distinct and their tribe and who
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live in different cities and communities.
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How can we do Matthew? 18?
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And the answer is very simple. If Matthew 16 Speaks about The
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Universal Church, the Matthew 18 speaks about the local one.
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Matthew 16 speaks about the mystical body of Jesus Christ.
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How we are now joined as members and he is the head and we are
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his body, but Matthew 18 is the manifestation of it.
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On the local level. Can I tell you something?
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What this means is, here's the summary that if we are
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identified with the church based on our confession, We make our
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identity with the church known by willing to commit ourselves
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to a group of believers who believe the same thing that you
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do. In other words, you cannot claim
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to be part of the Church of Jesus Christ, simply because you
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believe what he did for you and who he is without at the same
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time being able to point to people and say these are the
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ones that I am committed to serve and these are the ones
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that I am accountable to. And that's why we see this
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perfect marriage between Matthew 16 and Matthew 18, you have The
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Universal Church of one and you have the expression, the
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manifestation the Quality. The real life on life in Matthew
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18. And you have a lot of people who
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believe they are part of the church, but they're not
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committed to a local one, and they are not understanding what
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Jesus design and desire for them is, you see what church
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membership does is an assist the individual believer to be able
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to fulfill his duties as prescribed by the head of the
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church himself. If you want a simple definition
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of what church membership is though I cannot point to a verse
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that defines it, there are many things that you and I even
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believe and practice that are not necessarily explicit in the
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scriptures, for example Trinity. And you may not find membership,
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but what you will find is organization structure
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commitment, spelled out an example and instruction.
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And so, here's a simple definition.
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It is a formal expression of one's devotion and commitment to
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the Church of Jesus Christ. And be comforted to know that
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this is not an arrangement that conflicts with God's word.
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And it can be if you go beyond the bounds of scripture and your
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implementation of it nor is it nor is it something that carries
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the authority to deal with somebody's eligibility for
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heaven? That's ridiculous.
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It's simply a way for each of us to say including the leadership.
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These are the ones whom I serve. And these are the ones that I
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submit to. I hope every single person in
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here knows the difference between attending a church and
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joining a church. A preacher gave a beautiful
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illustration of this and I would like to share it with you
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because of Minnesota to me. there's a difference between you
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eating at a restaurant you eating at home, And every person
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in this room either sees the church as a restaurant or they
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see it as a home. And let me explain to you what
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that means, you have people and perhaps even some today.
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That they come. They want to.
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They want to receive spiritual nourishment.
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So they receive that service. They're willing to to give some
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kind of contribution to show their appreciation but they're
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not. There's no responsibility.
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They're here to receive and in to leave, they don't know
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anybody and just like at our favorite restaurant, you might
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sit at the your favorite spot from time to time even though
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it's your favorite eating joint, you might want to try something
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new because this is so predictable.
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So let me go to another place and eat there and then I'll come
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back here. You don't know anybody.
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Maybe some that also like to eat at this restaurant.
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But you pick yourself up and you go and you move on and you'll
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come again. But you're just there to receive
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and you have you have no intention of giving At the same
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time, there are others who see the church as a home.
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They also eat you eat at home. I hope, but once they eat and as
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they eat, they realize that they have a responsibility in that
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house. They will contribute.
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They will assist. They will restock.
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They will clean, Etc. It's not a place that you visit.
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It's a place where you identify with and I think this
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illustration even as reflected in our language of how we speak
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about the church. Let me put it this way, how
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many? And I've said it myself too.
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And I know what people mean when they say this, but it says
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something about our Biblical understanding of what the church
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is, I am going to church. Will I see you at church?
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The church is not a place that you go to the church is not an
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event that you attend. The church is you We are the
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church and what the church does is like on this day on the
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Lord's, they the church assembles together.
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The church gathers together Maranatha Bible Church is not in
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Norwich Illinois necessarily, that's where Maranatha Bible
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Church meets and worships and serves and praise And so, the
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former, the former concept I will go to church.
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This is where I go to church. Has that restaurant mentality?
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That's where I go to receive a service.
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That's where I go to get my spiritual help and Aid.
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But the latter, when you identify yourself with the
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church speaks of family, one speaks of activity, the other
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speaks of identity. One says, I'm a visitor.
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The other one says, I'm a sibling.
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I'm a son. I'm a daughter.
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I'm a father, I'm a mother. I'm a role here.
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Is it church or restaurant to you?
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Or is the church a home? Do you see this place as a place
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where you receive something? And once you get it you bolt it
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to your car, as quickly as possible.
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Never touching people. Never understanding what your
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role is here. I'm not saying if you leave
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early today, you don't consider this your home.
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I'm speaking about an attitude that says, let me just get come
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here to get what I need. And I'll come here consistently,
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maybe but I'll also explore and go here and there.
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It's not a restaurant. It's not a restaurant.
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It's a place where you belong. It's a place that you identify
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with it's a people that you serve and membership
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establishes, the biblical understanding of the church
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membership says, this is my family that I am committed to in
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this life. As long as God calls me here,
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And to be in a family, whether it's here or elsewhere, I can
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guarantee you will do this. It will provide a meaningfulness
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to your Christian Journey. That a visitor will never know.
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And so, what church membership does is it draws the line.
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Are you a visitor here or is this place church?
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Are these people the church to you?
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And I want to speak. Now from this point to
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understand the wisdom of it. And the first point, I would
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like to make is that membership. Not only makes that clear but
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let's get to the details membership.
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Makes church discipline possible, we just heard in a
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Matthew 18, Jesus sets, a high standard for his church.
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I find it amazing that every time I come to this text, I
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realized that Jesus only speaks about the church twice and out
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of all the things that he could have taught about the church,
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out of all the things that you could have mentioned all the
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things that he could emphasize. As what he speaks about is how
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we ought to confront one another.
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When we find ourselves in sin, The shows you what he values
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that shows you what he really wants us to realize that shows
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you his heart for the Holiness of his people.
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That shows me that Jesus believes in Repentance, not just
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for the loss, but for the saved, It's barely mentioned today.
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It's like a it's a word that scares people and it's a very
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practice that Jesus expects from his people. when you read this,
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you realize that Jesus On a foundational level of church,
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has to understand that there is mutual accountability.
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How can you do that with a drive-through service?
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How can you do that? When even churches are
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structured in which we don't want to get involved with you,
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just come attend, be entertained, received some
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truths and I will see, you will see you at another time.
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There are people that are satisfied with that from the
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leadership standpoint and from the attendees standpoint and yet
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Christ says, you have brothers and sisters that you do life
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with. And the point that I want to
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bring up is that in church discipline that deals with a
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series of actions that have to take place when there's somebody
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who's in sin, but refuses to repent of that sin, the final
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step of that discipline is that, that person who professes to be
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a Christian, but contradicts that confession has to be in
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some way. Removed from a fellowship
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removed from those who are in that place because Christ
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clearly teaches you can't hold onto your sin and hold onto the
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blessings of my people. Understand how serious that is.
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Because what is church membership have to do with this?
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Well, if there is such thing, as putting someone out asking
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somebody, listen, you are affecting the purity of this
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church, the testimony of the church.
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The health of this church? You are not proving that.
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You are someone who really believes in the lordship of
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Jesus Christ. How can that putting out be
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possible if there's no understanding of being in?
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How can you say you can't be, you can't be in when there's no
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clear idea of what it means to be in.
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Jesus uses that language. There is an out and there is an
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end Paul uses that language and my, am I to judge Outsiders.
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He says, in First Corinthians 5, I am called.
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And you are called to judge those who are inside.
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Well, how do you determine who's inside and who's outside?
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Where's the barrier? Where's the boundary?
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And this is where church membership helps and makes that
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distinction. It provides that kind of arena
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in our understanding. And that's what Jesus meant
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here. When he said, if a person
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refuses to repent, then let him be to you as a gentile and a tax
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collector. What is a gentile in the eyes of
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the Jewish people? Somebody who is outside of the
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Covenant, somebody does not share in what Israel had at the
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time. Somebody who is outside and what
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is a tax collector to the Jew. If you were a Jew and you're
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attached, like your traitor. And what Jesus is saying here,
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if somebody refuses to repent, they are traitor to the truth.
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And treat them accordingly and there's a fracture there.
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There is a surrender of Fellowship because Jesus wants
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his people once those within his church, to feel the price of
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sin. You cannot hold onto your sin,
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and hold on. To The blessings that come from
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the family of God, and there are blessings to be a part of the
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family of God. But I also want you to see it
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this way. Listen to this that without
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membership, not only is discipline and distinction,
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diluted but restoration is not as Redemptive Christ in his
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wisdom, gives these instructions so that people can realize.
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If I go in this direction, I will not know the warmth.
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I will not know the encouragement, I will not know
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the nourishment that comes from the church.
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And what this says is if you want to live like Satan is your
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master, then go into Satan's domain.
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But it also does something else. It also gives a sense of reward,
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after being restored, when somebody does repent.
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There is a shared Mercy, there's a shared forgiveness.
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There is a shared excitement when a brother or sister who has
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been deceived for a while Who has been callous for a while
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comes back and we joined the attitude of the father who
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rejoices when a sinner repents and we know celebration how can
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you know that without an understanding of being in?
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And without the consequence of being out.
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Membership. Lays that format, it lays that
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framework for the church. But secondly membership
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establishes a clear relationship between leaders and laymen.
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So join with me in Hebrews 13. The New Testament presents a
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blueprint of how the church should govern itself.
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They are responsible for and those two realities are
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perfectly merged in. This one.
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Verse in Hebrews, 13:17 obey your leaders and submit to them
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for their keeping, watch over your souls as those who will
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have to give an account, let them do this with joy and not
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with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
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Now this is interesting. You see the charge here for
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Christians to be able to obey and submit to their leaders
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because God has gifted the church.
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God has called certain men to be Elders.
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Who would govern the church in love and in humility and they
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are expected to feed the flock. Pray for the flock Council.
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The flock be by their side, provide wisdom through the
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scriptures. And this Authority, that is
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exercised. Will be determined by God at the
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end of it all to see if they were faithful and exercising
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that role. But it's in this command that
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you and I see what membership provides a way for the people of
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God to identify who their leaders are.
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This is not saying you know you should have in mind people that
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you appreciate who preach and teach the word of God.
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This is not encouraging you to have a list of your favorite
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conference speakers or theologians it's much more
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profound than that. Leaders are not the ones that
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you watch on YouTube. Leaders are not the ones that
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write books that you love and is and just are encouraged by
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leaders. Are the ones that you say.
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Here are those here are the set of men that I joyfully obey and
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Trust. I'm sure you're wondering as
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you're sitting there today that that word submit is kind of
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intimidating. What does it mean to submit?
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Well, I can come for you with this truth.
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That leaders don't have the Liberty to demand things that
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are contrary to God's word. The only Authority that leaders
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have is what is in the word of God and to communicate that to
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people. But what it does mean, when it
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says submit to leadership is that leaders organized the
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Ministries, within a local church, the elders have that
28:53
Authority, they have that call, they have that responsibility,
28:57
through the wisdom of God's word.
28:59
And what the author is saying here, is that the members should
29:03
willingly, and joyfully submit to support, and to work with
29:08
them by yielding to their instruction.
29:11
And that's why he goes on to say, let them do this with joy
29:14
and not with groaning. Don't make their job more
29:17
difficult than it needs to be. There's an attitude that says as
29:24
long as God has placed these out.
29:25
There's I discerned that there God-fearing men and I trust that
29:28
God is leading them and I will pray for God to give them wisdom
29:31
and guidance so that they can they can guide me and my family
29:35
and my brothers and my sisters. And this is why membership is
29:39
not popular because it demands things like this and we want our
29:43
independence. Who are you to tell me what to
29:46
do? I'm just reading the text. but
29:51
at the same time, look at the second part of the verse For,
29:55
they are keeping, watch over your souls as those who have to
29:58
give an account. Tread lightly, when you
30:03
entertain being a leader in God's house.
30:07
Because there is a severe responsibility with it.
30:11
And God will look at these men who are Elders, who are called
30:15
by him, and he was say, what did you do with your position with
30:19
your Authority? but this implies that there are
30:24
souls, that leaders are particularly responsible, for
30:28
our pastors, responsible for The Universal Church, our elders,
30:33
supposed to give their same energy and focus and service to
30:38
anybody and everybody who is to be a Christian who claims to be
30:41
a No-No, our elders, even within a local church in this
30:44
technology age supposed to give that same special attention to
30:48
even those who watch online consistently and Older support?
30:54
No, they're not. because first Peter 52 tells us when the
31:01
Apostle Peter instructs, the elders, Shepherd, the flock of
31:06
God among you, Not just anybody who's a Christian.
31:15
But those who are in close proximity those.
31:17
Who say, I recognize your leadership, I recognize that God
31:20
has called you, and I'm willing to join with you.
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Those are whom the shepherds are in charge of.
31:25
But here's the question. How is a leader supposed to
31:27
know? And so let's ask these questions
31:31
together congregation church who are your leaders?
31:39
Who are your late-night, your favorite pastors and
31:41
theologians? Who are your leaders?
31:45
Who are the ones that you say, these are the men that will
31:47
receive my spiritual nourishment from.
31:50
Not not exclusively, but these are the men that I trust to wash
31:54
the word. Over me to couch me to preach to
31:56
me, to pray for me to support me.
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These are mostly trust my family to be under.
32:03
These are the men that I will pray for support.
32:07
These are the men that I will not be stubborn with and
32:09
self-will. These are the men that I say,
32:11
let's pray and this is not encouraging, Yes.
32:14
Men, it's not encouraging just people to keep their mouths shut
32:17
and whatever you say you it goes.
32:18
No, not necessarily, but there's a partnership there.
32:21
And my question is to you, who are those men in your life?
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and at the same time, this verse is pointed to leaders who are
32:32
the souls That you oversee. who are the ones that the elders
32:38
have MBC have to dedicate their energy to the prayers toward
32:46
their service, their spiritual gifts.
32:50
You see when God instructs this, there's a wisdom and there is
32:55
manifold wisdom. And here's one of them that this
32:58
helps Channel pastors to be more effective.
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And to reserve what God has deposited in them for a
33:06
particular localized. People is so in this verse,
33:11
there is a demand from both sides.
33:14
I have to be able to identify the elders in my life and the
33:19
elders are supposed to identify who the Sheep is. and it's not
33:25
everybody, it's not even everybody who comes into a
33:27
building to hear a sermon, it's not It's a mutual agreement so
33:35
you see membership helps with that.
33:38
It is cyst that it makes that more possible with a form of
33:42
Covenant that says, as a member, I discern that you are called by
33:46
God to be an elder and I willingly choose to support your
33:49
leadership at with a submissive attitude for the glory of God
33:52
while also committing my gifts and resources to these fellow
33:57
brothers and sisters of mine as my primary Arena of service.
34:03
And then the elders looked back. And they say, as God's ordained
34:07
leaders, we with humility and in the fear of the Lord, we promise
34:12
to lovingly serve and guide you to intercede for you to
34:15
encourage you to correct you And to labor in the study of God's
34:20
word to feed you, for your good, and for God's glory through your
34:23
life is in this beautiful. Isn't this so much more profound
34:28
and meaningful than just going somewhere to hear a sermon.
34:33
And when you're bored of that preacher, you go to another
34:36
place. And because the worship is
34:37
better here and it's not as strong there.
34:39
I'm going to, that's not the way it was designed to be.
34:43
And pastors. When I called to preach to
34:45
audiences and large crowds and boast about how many numbers
34:51
they have, they are going to be held accountable for specific
34:54
Souls, that the Holy Spirit has ordained them to overlook and
34:57
watch. And so of membership says
35:02
anything. It says that the people are
35:05
serious about obeying God, in the leaders are serious because
35:08
they know they will stand before.
35:09
God, I knew of a pastor. Many years ago.
35:17
Who is the lead pastor and he would travel most of the year to
35:21
preach at conferences and to travel the world.
35:25
While neglecting his church doesn't matter how sound his
35:30
teaching may have been this matter how well sought after he
35:33
is that his unfaithfulness That is unfaithfulness to the role of
35:40
a Shepherd as an Under Shepherd, in the Church of Jesus Christ.
35:46
And so there is an understand. As you heard earlier, there is a
35:49
discernment that's provided through this.
35:52
Who in this place is actually serious about being a follower
35:55
of Jesus Christ who we want to know.
35:59
We want to know who just enjoys hearing messages and maybe some
36:03
snacks downstairs and who says I actually want to serve God and
36:08
serve his people. And I don't want to, I want to
36:13
want one area of my life where I'm I'm not sure if I'm actually
36:16
following it, we want to know and that's why things like
36:19
baptism is important. Do you actually want to obey
36:24
Christ? Are you willing to do anything
36:26
to love him and to to follow him?
36:30
Tell us what the gospel is. We want to know how did Jesus
36:33
Christ save you? Because in part, Membership.
36:40
Actually is a public affirmation of someone's authentic, faith.
36:46
How can you say that? I didn't say membership gets you
36:50
into heaven. Or kicks you out.
36:54
I said membership is a way for a church Community.
36:57
Say, we know that this person believes the gospel, they
37:01
understand, the gospel, and they have been transformed by the
37:04
gospel. And we affirm that and there
37:07
were church discipline does at the final stages.
37:11
We have evidence to believe that.
37:13
This person's confession may not be true.
37:17
Because they are not repenting, they're not humbling themselves,
37:20
they're not surround. So, now, as Jesus said, tell it
37:23
to the church who who's the church?
37:25
The just people that come in? No, no.
37:28
Tell it to those who have joined this localized body and plead
37:32
for them to plead for that person, that brother that sister
37:34
to repent and to come to Christ. You can't do that.
37:40
If you have a surface level structure that just has
37:43
attendance, how do we reach out? How do we call the church
37:47
together? How do we say we need now a
37:49
collective effort to reach that lost sheep.
37:54
Membership helps with that. But lastly, we see another
38:02
important component of membership.
38:04
You've heard that membership makes church discipline
38:07
discipline possible. You heard that membership
38:08
establishes? A relationship between the
38:11
leaders and the Layman. And lastly, among many other
38:14
things, membership sets the table for Mutual edification.
38:19
It sets the table for Mutual edification as much as people
38:23
should know who their leaders are and leaders should be able
38:26
to describe this thing which who their service is dedicated to
38:29
membership. Also solidifies our mutual
38:33
service to fellow brothers and sisters. when you read the New
38:39
Testament and you see these commands toward one another,
38:44
Pray for one another build up. One, another encourage one
38:47
another. That indicates a specific
38:52
focused effort. The holy spirit is not speaking
38:55
in generalities here. if you have been deposited with certain
39:00
gifts and abilities, then the Lord expects you to Target them
39:06
towards someone or or group of people, in fact and to say that
39:13
our gifts can be loose and they can be free roaming and they can
39:16
be undefined. It's contrary to the Bible.
39:20
So you're in Hebrews. Now let's go to another
39:21
familiar, passage and 10:24. And let us consider how to stir
39:34
up one another to love and good works.
39:37
Not neglecting to meet together as is the habit of some but
39:41
encouraging one, another and all the more as you see the day
39:45
Drawing Near, okay? You are hearing very familiar
39:50
passage of scripture. And here's another one.
39:54
And this set of verses is often quoted to show The Importance of
39:59
Being in a physical church and to not neglect attendance.
40:02
But it is Much more significant and serious than that.
40:06
The instruction here does not speak about going to a sacred
40:09
building that has pews that has a large cross behind the
40:13
preacher know. It is speaking about a heartfelt
40:17
partnership and involvement to a specific group of Christians.
40:23
Listen, he says, do not neglect to meet together, neglect to
40:27
meet together, implying. What there's consistency.
40:32
There's consistency and just like you have a choice about who
40:37
you will obey and submit to as leadership.
40:40
You also have a choice. Of who you will walk this
40:45
journey with. The same way, we are each called
40:49
to have localized in particular leaders.
40:51
You also are supposed to have a localized in particular group of
40:55
people that you congregate with. On a regular basis.
41:03
So, this, this doesn't encourage you to just show up somewhere.
41:07
No. It actually encourages you to
41:10
call a place home. This is where I go and and God
41:16
has called me to be here. Consistently and if I fail to do
41:23
so consistently, if I fail to be present with my gifts with my
41:29
resources, with my time, with my energy, with my wisdom, with my
41:34
prayers, then I'm not being faithful as a member of Church
41:39
Christ Church. And this membership cons of
41:43
invites people to decide. These are the ones that I will
41:49
serve. These are the ones that I will
41:54
determine to encourage with my presence, my gifts, my service,
41:58
my words, my singing, my hospitality, and my consecrated
42:02
life. And there's so much more that
42:09
can be said. But let me just ask you again.
42:13
Where is that? Whether it's here or another
42:14
faithful Bible preaching. Bible-believing place, where is
42:17
that? To you, who are those?
42:23
That you're committed to. And so membership draws out your
42:29
gifts and it helps you be able to be more concentrated and then
42:34
being concentrated more effective.
42:38
As you do, what God's called you to do in that place with those
42:41
people. I'm sure there are many.
42:45
Many thoughts running through people's minds.
42:49
And one common thought, and one common temptation.
42:53
Would people have a hesitation about this idea of being joined
42:56
to a churches? I have just been hurt way too
43:01
much. I've been disappointed one too
43:07
many times. Man structure you with something
43:11
may, I give you some some wisdom from God's word as you consider
43:17
as you pray for Lee. See God to know where it is that
43:20
he and who it is, that he has called you to be walking.
43:25
This journey with, do not expect the congregation filled with
43:28
seraphim and cherubim. Because you will never find a
43:34
church on this side of Glory. That will be perfect.
43:41
But if you are going to do anything, I would I would say
43:43
this study the leadership. Study the leadership.
43:50
What do I mean by that? You're not going to have a
43:54
church. That's going to be tailor-made
43:55
for you. Remember, we're not a
43:56
restaurant. We're home.
43:59
But you do have a responsibility because you are making a choice
44:04
of who you will be serving with and who you will be trusting.
44:09
So study the leadership, how do they handle God's word?
44:13
How do they preach it? How do they teach it?
44:16
How do they apply it? And in from that place, look at
44:21
the people who sit under God's word, being declared from that
44:25
leadership and ask yourself do this people tremble at God's
44:30
word. Do they tremble?
44:33
At God's word? Is there a reference?
44:38
Is there a seriousness? Talk to them after the service.
44:45
Get to know them a little bit, ask people's testimonies and
44:50
figure out what kind of people make up this church.
44:53
You have every right to do that. But don't expect Flawless
44:59
Saints. Who have somehow tapped into
45:03
glorification before the resurrection. because I want to
45:07
tell you this, if you're willing if you're willing to love God by
45:13
being part of his church, you know what God will do because
45:17
God desires to place you somewhere to mature you Timothy
45:24
material, you and your gentleness, in your mercy, and
45:27
your forgiveness and your peacemaking.
45:32
In your listening rather than speaking.
45:37
He wants to stretch your soul. He wants to actually exercise
45:43
what you sow, love and sing about and profess and that's
45:47
unconditional love. And the primary place where God
45:52
will do that in your life, is in the local church.
45:57
As she invites you and I use that word invite.
46:01
But actually commands is the better word as he commands you
46:05
and I to come into this place. It's not just so you have a
46:10
check in your conscience that this is where I call home, more
46:15
than that. This is where God is going to
46:16
sanctify. You And this is where blind
46:21
spots in your life are going to be exposed for your good.
46:25
And this is where you will know a comfort and you will know an
46:28
encouragement, you know, a building in a stirring from
46:31
other people who are walking the same Journey with you. and if
46:37
you're going to avoid being a part of the church because of
46:40
hurt because of disappointment, And just say imma I'm just going
46:46
to preach or listen to a preacher rather who speaks well
46:50
and run out of the door as quick as I can.
46:53
You will not know how God can chisel Christ into your
46:56
character. You will not know how God can
46:59
mold you and melt you. Because his primary means
47:04
through that. Yes, is your personal Devotion
47:06
to the word of God, but I was even thinking about this other
47:08
day. What's the point?
47:09
What's the point? If I, if I shut myself in my
47:13
room and I memorize Ephesians, about loving one, another
47:17
forgiving one, another, if I'm not going to put into practice,
47:20
what's the point? If I'm, if I'm just a sermon
47:23
junkie and I listened to this preacher and that preacher and
47:26
over and over again, and it doesn't translate through my
47:29
life. And where's the supposed to
47:31
translate? Here.
47:35
With other imperfect people who are striving on to Perfection
47:38
with other people who want to be conformed to the image of
47:41
Christ. And as in this place by God's
47:44
design that those things that he wants to.
47:47
So radiates from your life, but we possible.
47:50
But I have to say this is a very simple message, but I have to
47:54
say it because Pete many people are not convinced of this that
47:57
can never happen if this is a restaurant to you.
48:01
And not at home. It's very easy, it's very easy
48:07
to not see the imperfections of people or your own
48:09
imperfections. If you just come one hour and a
48:12
half, pay for your food and walk out and give a smile to your
48:16
waitress and she treats, you really nice.
48:21
But join a family move into a house.
48:25
Filled with others. And see what will come out of
48:29
you and see what will come out of them.
48:33
But what membership does is no matter what as long as it is in
48:37
line with the word of God, as long as the people have a
48:39
humility and a hunger for this and acknowledge their weakness
48:42
and their flaws. I will commit myself here.
48:47
To grow to encourage others, to grow until God calls me.
48:50
I'll swear because this isn't some exclusive thing where
48:53
you're never allowed to leave. Once you say, yes.
48:57
Well, there's so many things that can be said.
48:59
There's so many things that can be expounded upon, but as we
49:02
prepared to say now let's see who will join the church if God
49:07
hasn't called you here. That's okay.
49:09
We're not the only church but of God does.
49:15
The leadership is convinced through the word of God that
49:18
this will this will inspire a health and a fruitfulness and a
49:25
mutual building up. Like we haven't seen before. and
49:31
we are excited to know how God will move your heart, whether
49:33
it's here or elsewhere, and whether it is here or elsewhere,
49:36
just know this don't just attend join.
49:43
Don't just use Matthew 16 to say you are part of the Church of
49:46
Jesus Christ because of a confession, which is
49:48
foundational. But moved to Matthew 18 and say
49:51
these are my brothers and sisters that I am accountable to
49:55
and that I will hold accountable.
49:58
And we trust that the Holy Spirit the same Holy Spirit.
50:02
Who fills us to love. Christ is the same one who fills
50:05
us to love the bride. Let's pray.
50:29
Again Lord, we come before you and we acknowledge that you are
50:33
building this place. You are building your people.
50:38
And Lord, we are comforted by the truth that you said I will
50:42
build my church. And no one can stop you. but we
50:48
submit to your headship unless the Lord builds a house, those
50:53
who labor labor in vain and then we thank you for this next
50:57
building. Block for this ministry.
51:01
And Lord, we ask that our hearts would be impressed by the
51:05
revelation. Of the difference between
51:07
attending and joining. I've just eating.
51:14
But also participating and sharing in the responsibilities.
51:21
And so God we just ask you to please help us be reminded about
51:26
what is asked of us. If we were to be identified with
51:30
your church, And Lord, we just pray that you would give every
51:35
single person in this place, the wisdom and the clarity to know
51:38
whether it is here or elsewhere, Lord as much as we have
51:42
emphasized in in your presence today, the importance of the
51:46
local church, we also recognize The Universal Church.
51:49
That your people are stablished in the four corners of the
51:53
Earth. And as long as they love this
51:56
word, preach, this word submit to this word and they are our
51:58
brothers and they are extended family. and so Lord, with with
52:04
these truths being reminded, And being rehearsed.
52:08
This this afternoon, help us now, put it into action, help.
52:12
The leadership of this church be faithful in their roles of
52:15
serving, the people of God. Help the people of God in this
52:18
church partner with the leadership so that we can
52:22
advance the gospel together and that we can display the
52:26
character of Christ as members of one body.
52:32
So give us strength and give us Grace.
52:35
And these next few weeks we ask in Jesus name.
52:39
Amen, we stand in Worship the Lord together.