I Must Commit Myself to the Church

Series: Growing Grace Text: Luke 14:25-33 Theme: As a disciple, I must commit myself to the church.

One: What is the church?

• The people of God in all ages
• Christians, who together worship, live out the gospel, and display the glory of God's holiness and love.

Two: What is church membership?

• A definition: an expression of 2-way commitment
• Member to Church:
  • Submission to church doctrine, leaders, & one another
  • Participation for the common good
• Church to Member:
  • Affirmation of one's profession of faith
  • Oversight of one's discipleship and growth

Three: Is procedural church membership biblical?

• There is no clear command for joining.
• There is a consistent emphasis on defining the church.