Church Membership

COUNT ME IN

The Christian church is a society of sinners. It is the only society in the world, membership in which is based upon the single qualification that the candidate shall be unworthy of membership. -Morrison

Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Notice what it said in Acts; they “… gladly received his word” (They got saved.) Then they were baptized. Then they “were added”. What were they added to—the church. Why—for accountability.

Friend, God is interested in people. He is interested most importantly in their souls. However, He is also interested in their success here on earth. Not success defined man’s way of money and materialism, but success defined His way. Summed up it can be; a life that not only has seen its need for salvation but also has recognized its need for sanctification. A life being set a part for God’s use. A life that produces fruit. A life following God’s Word, doing His work, His way. So, count me in! Will you be counted in as well?

COMMITMENT TO GOD GIVEN AUTHORITY

           The failure of obedience in the church is evident in the society in which we live.

Hebrews 13:17, Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

            I remember my first few days in boot camp. I was scared to death! I vaguely remember my first call home. I told my Mom, “I don’t know what I got myself into.” She reassured me that everything was going to be all right even though I could hear her holding back her own tears. Dad said, “Just do what they tell you to do and everything will be just fine.”

            Child of God, you may not understand why God does what He does. You may not understand why God has you where He has you. You may not even like those individuals God has given authority over your life. No matter how you feel, obey and submit to their authority. Your obedience to the pastor of that church you have been attending will not only help that pastor but it will help your walk with the Lord as well.

            God has given us authority in our lives to help us grow in His grace. In Ephesians 4:11, Paul tells the Ephesians that God gave the church some special men to lead and guide them in His Word. It says, “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.”

            Have you submitted to the authority of a local church? If not, why not? If you have, not only will you see growth in your life but in your children’s life as well. It’s as simple as “Doing what the Word tells you to and everything will be just fine.” Have you submitted to that God given authority in your life?