The purpose of local church membership, continued:Each member has equal obligation in these things with all other members, according to ability.One member is as obligated to attend all assemblies as another.One member is as obligated to give as prospered as another.One member is as obligated to restore the erring as another.In short, each member is to serve in the assigned things to the extent of his ability.Who is really in the local fellowship?Those who have joined the disciples in a locality (Acts 9:26).Those who have partnership in the things of Christ with other disciples in the local church.Negatively: Those who cease to function in the local fellowship are failing in their purpose; thus, if such will not repent and go to work, there is no reason to consider them members of the local church.Local church to control its fellowship:Local church membership is dependent on two things:The desire of a member to work and worship with a specific group of saints.The willingness of the local church to have a member in its fellowship (Acts 9:26).The local church can refuse one membership (Acts 9:26)The local church can remove one from its fellowship (I Corinthians 5:4-5)The local church is to control and keep its fellowship pure (I Corinthians 5:4-7)Action of members toward one who has been refused fellowship:Can have no spiritual fellowship with him; he is in darkness (II Corinthians 6:14-18)Can have no company, social concourse, with him (II Thessalonians 3:14; I Corinthians 5:11)The faithful are to admonish him as a brother, i.e., as you would a brother (II Thessalonians 3:15)
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