As we conclude our membership series, we meditate together as a community on the marks of life given to us in the grace of the gospel.

Paul calls everyone who is a member of the church to build one another up in love. Church membership is not a spectator sport, and we participate in this holy calling to give and receive the truth in the love of God. In our mutual building up, we are strengthened and encouraged, and our witness goes far beyond our reach as a blessing to those around us.

The Scriptures call us to the truest and deepest unity, a unity far greater than we could develop or imagine. God has made unity possible through his son Jesus, and it is our calling to strive earnestly to maintain this unity, by the Spirit of God and in the bond of peace.

We are called to be filled with the fullness of God. In seeking Him, we must posture ourselves with worshipful hearts, thorough dependance, and a healthy expectancy of all God can do in and through our lives, for his glory.

Family is complicated, and disagreements and conflicts are inevitable, even in the family of God. If we are called to be one unified body, how do we disagree to the glory of God and the good of those around us?

In order to be the church community we all long to be, God asks us to have tender hearts towards one another in forgiveness. We must deal with sin in honesty and humility, striving for reconciliation and unity in the church that we may reflect the love and glory of God to all.

Jesus himself said that where our treasure is, there our heart is also. The gospel calls us to freedom in God and the worship of God; our response to his goodness affects our whole lives, even our finances. Our generosity is an act of response and worship to the God who gave everything to win us back from sin and death.

Our model for humility is Christ himself. If we are to be individuals and a community that exudes humility, we must share the mind of Christ, putting the needs of others before our own and considering others as more significant than ourselves.

As we close out our four main teachings on church membership, we examine what membership looks like practically in everyday life. What are we promising to God and to one another?