The importance of church membership requires a biblical understanding of covenant. Paul's letter to the churches at Corinth emphasizes the importance of genuine commitment to Christ and to each other as the church. This is required as the genuine way to participate in the Lord's Table.

This recorded sermon includes a public reading of the Church Covenant for Sovereign Grace Baptist Church. This is an example for future members as our Lord brings new people to faith and to be a part of Sovereign Grace Baptist Church of Algood, TN.

The Apostle Paul reminds the Gentile Christians in Ephesus that they inherit Eternal Life as Christ promised. This inheritance is greater than the inheritance of the Sons of Abraham making all who believe in Jesus Christ receipients of the inheritance through the New Covenant by Christ's blood.

The writer of the book of Hebrews cautions the Christians not to neglect the gathering together for worship. Because Jesus purchased the church with His blood, the Church honors that covenant together in fellowship. Likewise, Moses and the people of Israel covenant together under the word of God and through the blood of covenant (Exodus 24:3-8).

In today's sermon Dr. Bill Barenkamp preaches from Ephesians 1:3-14 with a message titled, "Identity in Christ."

In today's sermon Dr. Bill Barenkamp preaches from Ephesians 1:3-14 with a message titled, "Identity in Christ."

Paul reminds the Ephesian Church that Christ bought the Church with his own blood. God the Father obtained the Church by bringing in the outsiders into his household.

The Apostle Paul instructs Timothy in the proper ordination of Church leaders. This passage compares a Good Leader (after Christ the Good Shepherd) against the false leaders that crept into the churches in Ephesus.

As the Jerusalem Church expanded in number, tensions rose as will always happen when people learn to be together. The 12 Apostles of Jesus listened to the complaints of the Hellenists and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, deacons were ordained. The deacons then served tables while the Apostles served the Word.

The Apostle Paul instructs Titus in ordaining qualified men as elders of the churches on the island of Crete. From this comes guidance for the modern Church in following the biblical model of Church leadership.

Jesus confronts the false shepherds (the Pharisees) by describing himself as the Good Shepherd. Jesus is the model shepherd for the pastoral role in today's church.