2. Are You a “Member” of the Church? 1Corinthians 12:18-27 How do you know? Is such even really important? What constitutes “membership”?

3. First, what does “membership” mean generally? In any human organization, there are a couple of things that “bind” people who are members of it together: Name- some “banner” under which all members claim some allegiance. Law- a code of conduct by which the organization and its members operate Function- participation or activity directed toward accomplishing whatever purpose for which the organization was formed

4. Now let’s apply these to the Church and “Membership” in it. With regard to the Church in its universal sense of “the ‘called out’ Body of Christ,” are you: >wearing the Name of Christ, “Christian,” or some other denominational designation? Acts 11:26 >living according to the standards of Christ’s Law- the New Testament, or your own or some other standard? Phil.3:15-21 >actively participating in the Function of the Cause of Christ- the saving of souls (yours and others)? Luke 19:10

5. Now let’s apply these to the Church and “Membership” in it. What about the Church in its local sense of “the Southside Church of Christ,” have you: >submitted your name to be considered a member of this particular Church- to be a part of this local fellowship? -Shepherds must know whom they are watching, Heb.13:17; 1Pet.5:1-3 -Other members must know with whom they are in fellowship, 1Cor.12:26; Gal.6:1-2; Rom.12:3-5 -Can members here call you “brother” or “sister” & depend on you as such?

6. Now let’s apply these to the Church and “Membership” in it. Likewise, in the local sense of “the Southside Church of Christ,” have you: >diligently committed yourself to the Law of Christ that you may -know and do what pleases Him? Eph.5:10 -grow and be useful? 1Pet.2:2; 2Pet.1:5-8 -bear “much fruit”? John 15:1-10 -fulfill your obligations to your brethren here? 1Thess.5:12-14; Col.3:16 -prepare yourself for future leadership? 1Tim.3:1,13; Titus 2:2-8

7. Now let’s apply these to the Church and “Membership” in it. And finally, in the local sense of “the Southside Church of Christ,” have you: >dedicated yourself to the Function of this fellowship? 1Tim.3:15 -Are you invested in the spiritual health and growth of this congregation? -Do you feel responsible for its spiritual strengths or weaknesses? -Are you actively participating in its work of Evangelism, Edification, and Benevolence?

8. Are You really a member... of the Lord’s universal Church by: >being baptized into Christ, Gal.3:27? >wearing His Name, “Christian”? 1Pet.4:16 >living according to His Law? Jas.1:25 >being dedicated to His Purpose? Luke 19:10 of the Lord’s local Church at Southside by: -proudly having your Name listed as a member? -continuously learning the Law, and living by it? -striving to be a working participant in its Work?

9. The bottom line is: You’re either a member of Christ by wearing His Name, understanding and living by His Law, and working for His Cause, or you’re not. There’s no middle ground or associate/partial membership. And, you’re either a member at Southside, by being an active participant in the Worship and Work of this congregation, or you’re not. There’s no middle ground or non- participating associate membership. Which is it for you today?