2. MUST ONE BE A MEMBER OF A LOCAL CONGREGATION TO GO TO HEAVEN? The survey said… 70% negative, 30% affirmative No partiality would mean no one needs to be a member This has a likeness to “world views” of religion

3. Scriptures Indicate a Different Attitude than is Common Today Acts 9:26 And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. Paul was trying to associate

4. Scriptures Indicate a Different Attitude than is Common Today 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? 13 God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.” purged out of Christians were members of a church they could be purged out of

5. “Obey your leaders and submit to them….” …appreciate those who diligently labor among you and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction. Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers…

6. Scriptures Indicate a Different Attitude than is Common Today Scriptures command a limited area of action I Peter 5:2 1 Corinthians 5:12-13

7. …the flock among you. 1 Pet.5:2 …do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges…. 1 Cor.5:12-13

8. In Congregational Fellowship There Is….. Strength in caring

9. Therefore strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. Hebrews 6:12-13

10. In Congregational Fellowship There Is….. Strength in caring Leadership

11. “Obey your leaders and submit to them….” Hebrews 13:17 …appreciate those who diligently labor among you and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction. 1 Thessalonians 5:12 …nor yet as lording it over…, but proving to be examples… 1 Peter 5:3

12. In Congregational Fellowship There Is….. Strength in caring Leadership Safety in oversight

13. Acts 20:28-29 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. I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock….. Acts 20:28-29

14. In Congregational Fellowship There Is….. Strength in caring Leadership Safety in oversight Correction in discipline

15. Do you not judge those within the church? 1 Corinthians 5:13 …if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. …from Hebrews 12:7-11

16. In Congregational Fellowship There Is….. Strength in caring Leadership Safety in oversight Correction in discipline Spiritual growth

17. Must One be an Active Member of a Local Church in Order to go to Heaven??

18. The devil is too crafty We are too weak Jesus works through His people The scriptures are made senseless

19. DOES THIS MAKE SENSE??? A “temple” not put together 1 Cor. 3:16 A “flock” without a fold Acts 20:28 A “body” dismembered 1 Cor. 12:25-26

20. The Wisdom of God is seen in His plan… A local Caring body Overseen & maturing Intended to help and be helped.

21. Where are you in this plan of Gods? Are you in the family… or out on your own?