1. MEMBERSHIP IN A LOCAL CHURCH
1 Corinthians 12:12-27

2. Individual Decisions Baptized into 1 body (1 Cor 12:13; Acts 8:38)
Membership in 1 congregation (Acts 9:26).
“Members of one another” (Rom 12:4-5).
*As Jesus & the disciples.

3. Congregational Decisions
Grant or deny membership.
*Granted to those in fellowship with God.
*Denied to those who are not...(1 Cor 5:11-13; 2 Thess 3:6).
*Mistakes can be made (1 Cor 5:1-13; Rev 2:14- 15; Acts 9:26; 3 John 9-10).

4. Congregational Duties
Prospective members:
*Determine fellowship with Christ (Acts 9:26-30; Gal 2:9).
Present members:
*Warn the erring (1 Thess 5:14).
*Withdraw from the disorderly (2 Thess 3:14-15).

5. Individual Duties Express a desire for membership (Acts 9:26).
Identify with a faithful church (Eph 1:1).
Minister gift to each member (1 Pet 4:10).
Relate to the members & elders (Rom 15:2; 1 Thess 5:12-13; Heb 13:17).

6. Forgiveness of Sin: Salvation!
Faith in Jesus Christ through the Gospel
John 8:24; 20:30-31; Rom 1:16; 10:9-10; Mark 16:16; Heb 11:6
Repent or turn from sins
Luke 24:46-47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30-31
Confess faith in Christ
Matt 10:32-33; Acts 8:36-38; Rom 10:9-10
Be baptized (immersed) in water
Matt 28:19; Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38; Rom 6:3-4; 1 Pet 3:21
Live in obedient faith
Heb 5:8-9; 1 Peter 1:14; Rev 2:10