1. Why the Church Is Important
Matthew 16:13-20
Why the Church Is Important

2. God Established Three Institutions in the World
The Family or the Home
The Government
The Church

3. The Reasons Why God Established These Institutions
To Establish Order in Chaos
To Provide the Medium to Carry out His Kingdom Plans on Earth
To Give HIM Glory

4. TEXT Matthew 16:13-20

5. I. When Was the Church Instituted?
Jesus said it is HIS church
He commissioned them before He left
They conducted necessary business
They recorded names on a roll
They added to the body of believers

6. II. What Is Church Membership?
Church Membership is Not Salvation
The Church is a Local, Visible body
The New Testament order is those who are saved, baptized, become a part of a local assembly
Being a church member means being in fellowship

7. III. Why is Church Membership Important?
Church membership provides a place of identity I Cor. 1:2, Gal. 1:2, I Thess. 1:1
Church membership provides a place to cooperate Matt. 28:19-20
Church membership provides the place to exercise spiritual gifts Eph. 4:11-16
Church membership provides the place of God’s glory Eph. 3:21