Deepening Your Connection to the Body of Christ: Why Church Membership Matters Pastor Joe Pursch Sunday, November 7, 2010

Introduction The Concept of Church Membership in the New Testament

Acts 2:41 41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.

Galatians 2:9 9 and recognizing the grace that had been given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we might go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.

1. CGBC is Committed to Providing a Pattern of Instruction for Your Growth.

Acts 2:41 41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.

2. CGBC is Committed to Creating a Place of Relationships for Your Growth.

Hebrews 10: Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; 24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

3. CGBC is Committed to Providing a Process of Accountability for Your Growth.

Acts 20:28 28 "Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

Matthew 18: "If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. 16 "But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED. 17 "If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

4. CGBC is Committed to Providing a Pathway of Ministry for Your Growth.

Ephesians 4: And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.

Conclusion Our church leadership urges you to consider taking steps and committing towards CGBC membership.