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Don McClain

“ Members Of One Another ”. 1. Romans 12:4-16 ; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 ; Ephesians 4:1-16. Don McClain. W. 65th St church of Christ - 9/16/2007. “ Members Of One Another ”. 2. Romans 12:4-5 (NKJV)

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Don McClain

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  1. “Members Of One Another” 1 Romans 12:4-16; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Ephesians 4:1-16 Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ - 9/16/2007

  2. “Members Of One Another” 2 Romans 12:4-5 (NKJV) 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. • We Live In An “Individualistic” Society • Many Professing Faith In Christ Practice an “Individualistic” Religion • Christianity Is Built Upon And Demonstrated By Relationships - Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, 2007

  3. “Members Of One Another” 3 All Who Belong To Christ / Christians Everywhere “I will build MY CHURCH”Matt. 16:18 “there is ONE BODY”Eph. 4:4 “He is also head of the BODY, the CHURCH”Col. 1:18; Eph. 1:22-23 Christians Residing In The Same Area Who agree to join together in fellowship (Acts 9:26). Who worship in a common assembly – (1 Cor. 11:18) Who work out of a common treasury – (1 Cor.16:1-3) Who submit to a common oversight – (Acts 14:23; 20:28) Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, 2007

  4. “Members Of One Another” 4 The Christian, while added to the universal church by the Lord, should seek to join himself to a local church. (Acts 9:26ff). Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, 2007

  5. “Members Of One Another” 5 Every Christian should seek out a faithful group of the Lord's people and identify with them in order to fulfill their share of the collective responsibilities. Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, 2007

  6. “Members Of One Another” 6 Need For Local Church Membership . . . Seen In Organizational Structure The church universal has no earthly organization with which it can function. Jesus is the head of all who follow Him. (Eph. 1:22,23; Col. 1:18; Eph 4:15,16) Each local congregation is an independent, autonomous group with elders, deacons, & saints. (Acts 14:23; 20:17,28; Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Pet. 5:2; Heb. 13:17) Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, 2007

  7. “Members Of One Another” 7 Need For Local Church Membership . . . Seen In Organizational Structure • The gospel was preached & local churches established throughout the Roman Empire - (cf. Acts 13-20; Col. 1:5,23). • These new Christians banded together for the purpose of corporate worship and fellowship in serving their Master. (Acts 2:42-47; 11:19ff; 1 Cor. 11:17-34; etc.) • This was not some optional plan improvised by the whims of the missionaries; it was a divinely orchestrated pattern of organizing local churches. (cf. Acts 14:23; Eph 4:11-16) Pasay City, Philippines Nehemias Hayuhay Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, 2007

  8. “Members Of One Another” 8 Need For Local Church Membership . . . Seen In Organizational Structure • Christ is the head of His church wherever it exists (Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18), • In local churches, where qualified men existed, “elders,” were appointed (known also as bishops or pastors) - (Acts 14:23; 1 Tim. 3:1ff; Tit. 1:1ff) • The members were to submit to their overseers, and regard them highly for their work’s sake - (1 Thes. 5:12; Heb. 13:17). Pasay City, Philippines Nehemias Hayuhay Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, 2007

  9. “Members Of One Another” 9 Need For Local Church Membership . . . Seen In Organizational Structure • These men were to be examples, to oversee and lead the flock according to the teachings of the NT - (1 Pet. 5:3; Acts 20:28). • Serving under these men are deacons, teachers, evangelists, etc. (Eph 4:11-16) • If Christ did not intend for his people to be members of local congregations, why did he organize the local body in such a fashion? Pasay City, Philippines Nehemias Hayuhay Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, 2007

  10. “Members Of One Another” 10 Need For Local Church Membership . . . Seen In Assembling For Worship • It is true that we can worship God by ourselves in some ways - Whenever and wherever - [Study, pray, sing] - (John 4:21-24; Acts 10:9; 16:25) • But – NT Christians did and MUST worship together regularly! [Studying, praying, singing, Lord’s Supper, giving] - (Acts 2:42-47; 4:23-31; 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:17,18; 16:1,2; Eph 5:19; Col 3:16) Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, 2007

  11. “Members Of One Another” 11 Need For Local Church Membership . . . Seen In Assembling For Worship • We are to assemble and offer mutual edification – this is a responsibility (Heb 10:23-25). Hebrews 10:24-25 (NKJV) 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, 2007

  12. “Members Of One Another” 12 Need For Local Church Membership . . . Seen In Nature of Work To Be Done • Evangelism – (Acts 11:19-26; 12:25-13:3) • Edification– (Eph. 4:16; 1 Thes. 1:3; Heb. 10:24) • Benevolence- (Acts 11:27-30) • These things imply the necessity of organization, & teamwork!!! (1 Cor. 12:27; Eph 4:11-16) Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, 2007

  13. “Members Of One Another” 13 Need For Local Church Membership . . . Being A Member? • Become A Member! • Attend Meetings! • Follow Rules! • Support Work! • Is there MORE to Membership than this?- (Rom 12:3-16; 1 Cor. 12:12-27; Eph 4:12-16) Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, 2007

  14. “Members Of One Another” 14 Need For Local Church Membership . . . Seen In Descriptions of Relationships • In the early chapters of Acts, following the establishment of the church, there are numerous references acknowledging the “togetherness” of the early saints (2:42,44,46; 4:23-24,31-32, etc.). • God never intended for a Christian to function as an isolated “island” in a sea of worldly-oriented people. Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, 2007

  15. “Members Of One Another” 15 Need For Local Church Membership . . . Seen In Descriptions of Relationships • As a member of the church the Christian is a part of the family of God (1 Tim. 3:15). • Being a member of a local church one sustains peculiar responsibilities to those who are his fellow-members in that local family of believers – (Mark 10:29,30; Heb 10:24,25) Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, 2007

  16. “Members Of One Another” 16 Need For Local Church Membership . . . Seen In Descriptions of Relationships • Love (1 Pet. 1:22) • Comfort & Edify (1 Thes 5:11) • Encourage (Heb. 3:13; 10:24) • Teach & Admonish (Col. 3:16) • Bear Burdens (Gal. 6:2) • Forgive (Eph. 4:32; Mt. 6:14-15) • Work Together (Phil. 1:27) • Accountability - (Eph. 5:21) • Discipline - (1 Cor. 5:4) Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, 2007

  17. “Members Of One Another” 17 Need For Local Church Membership . . . Seen In Descriptions of Relationships • The Phrase - “One Another” appears Over Fifty Times In The New Testament – • Love One Another – • Edify One Another – • Serve One Another – • Bear One Another’s Burdens - Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, 2007

  18. “Members Of One Another” 18 Need For Local Church Membership . . . Members In One Body - Rom 12:6-16 • Requires Participation – 6-8 • Requires Concern & Respect For One Another – 9,10 • Requires Preferential Association With One Another – 10-12 • Requires Helping One Another – 13,14Requires Humility - 16 Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, 2007

  19. “Members Of One Another” 19 Need For Local Church Membership . . . Members In One Body - 1 Cor 12:12-27 • Emphasizes Being a Participant – NOT A Spectator - 14-20 • Emphasizes Equality – NOT Superiority– 15-17, 21-24 • Emphasizes Dependence – NOT Independence – 14,17, 21-27 • Emphasizes Unity – NOT Division – 12,13,18,20 Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, 2007

  20. “Members Of One Another” 20 Need For Local Church Membership . . . Members In One Body - Eph 4:1-16 • Demands Diligence In The Pursuit of Attitudes Promoting Unity – 1-3 • Demands That We Stand United Upon Truth – 4-6,15 • Demands We Grow In Truth By The Lord’s Provisions – 7-15 • Demands That We Use Our God Given Abilities That The Body Grow – 7-16 Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, 2007

  21. “Members Of One Another” 21 Need For Local Church Membership . . . Members In One Body - Eph 4:1-16 • A local “body of Christ” should be “fitly framed and knit together through that which every member supplies.” • Success & growth requires the cooperative efforts of individual Christians “according to the working in due measure of each several part” for the increase of the body “unto the building up of itself in love” (Eph. 4:16-17). Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, 2007

  22. “Members Of One Another” 22 Need For Local Church Membership . . . For Growth, Unity & Effectiveness • This divine goal can hardly be achieved if children of God meander about with their congregational membership in their pocket! • The scriptures clearly teach the need for collective support, service, accountability & sacrifice! Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, 2007

  23. “Members Of One Another” 23 Need For Local Church Membership . . . Why Would One NOT Want To Be A Member of A Local Church? • Can’t find a faithful congregation . . . ? • Lack of understanding the need . . . ? • Not willing to submit to the Lord’s way . . . ? Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, 2007

  24. “Members Of One Another” 24 Need For Local Church Membership . . . Being A Member? Every Christian should seek out a faithful group of the Lord's people and identify with them in order to fulfill his share of the collective responsibilities. Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, 2007

  25. “Members Of One Another” 25 Need For Local Church Membership . . . Being A Member? • Attend Meetings! • Follow the Lord’s Rules! • Support the Lord’s Work! • Develop Godly Attitudes • Love, Honor, Associate, • Serve, Help, Sacrifice • Participate, Work • Grow in Truth • Strive For Unity - Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, 2007

  26. “Members Of One Another” 26 Need For Local Church Membership . . . Are You A MEMBER? • Have you been baptized into Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins? • Do you desire to submit to the Lord’s teachings and be faithful to Him? • Are you willing to work and serve under the oversight of the elders here? Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ / September 30, 2007

  27. “Members Of One Another” 27 Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ - 9/16/2007

  28. 28 Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ - 9/16/2007

  29. “Members Of One Another” 29 Need For Local Church Membership . . . Charts by Don McClain Prepared April 4-6, 2013Preached April 7, 2013West 65th Street church of ChristP.O. Box 190062Little Rock AR 72219501-568-1062Prepared using KeynoteEmail – donmcclain@sbcglobal.net More Keynote, PPT & Audio Sermons:http://w65stchurchofchrist.org/coc/sermons/ Note – Many of the transition effects used in this presentation will be lost using PPT 2007 Viewer http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=cb9bf144-1076-4615-9951-294eeb832823&displaylang=en Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ - 9/16/2007

  30. Hebrews 10:19-25 (NKJV) 19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 30 Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ - 9/16/2007

  31. Hebrews 10:19-25 (NKJV) 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. 31 Don McClain W. 65th St church of Christ - 9/16/2007

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