Lesson 8:IntroductionWhen one obeys the gospel, he is added by the Lord to the church (Acts 2:47). He is then a “lively stone” (I Peter 2:5) in the “whole building fitly framed together unto the Lord” (Ephesians 2:21). He should then become a member of a local church (Acts 9:26). He then has certain responsibilities to the local church, and the local church has certain responsibilities to him.Procedure by which one becomes a member of a local church:The Lord does not add one to a local church.One becomes a member by choice, i.e., by joining the local fellowship (Acts 9:26).The purpose of a local church membership:It is God’s arrangement for saints to have fellowship in the things Christ has authorized them to do together. (Acts 20:28; Philippians 1:1)In it, members are to work and worship together in the things of Christ so that:God will be glorified (I Corinthians 10:31; Ephesians 3:21)Saints will be edified (Acts 20:28, 32; Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19)Sinners will be taught (Philippians 4:15-16)Destitute saints will be relieved (Acts 4:32-35; 11:27-30)Under some circumstances, to practice discipline on unruly members.
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