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Must One Be A Member Of The Local Congregation To Go To Heaven Introduction:
This was a question from a poll done in 1993 among college age people. Let us
understand the modern mindsets. One is that as long as I am a member some where
I will go to heaven. The other is that as long as I am a Christian then I
don’t have to go anywhere. I)
There Are Different Ways To Go With This A)
Could comment on the consequences 1.
No partiality means no one has to be a member anywhere at any time. 2.
No need for elders, deacons, the local congregation and its organization is a
waste of time. B)
Comment on its likeness to world views of religion 1.
Just stay home, no commitment, no involvement (play couch church) 2.
Same as drive up churches, mega-churches, internet relationships, etc. C)
Neither is the point. In the survey 70% disagreed, and 30% agreed 1.
The 30% figure is amazing since it shows a misunderstanding of the local
congregation 2.
If such is true then why even have local congregations? II)
Scriptures Indicate A Different Attitude A)
Paul tried to associate with the saints at B)
1 Corinthians 5.12-13 only that which is a part of the body can be purged from
the body 1.
We can not put anyone out of the universal church. God does that automatically
since His fellowship is perfect. 2.
Only the local congregation can withdraw its fellowship and that only from its
own members. 1 Corinthians 5.12 C)
Many scriptures imply a limited, local, group of Christians 1.
Hebrews 13.17, 1 Thessalonians 5.12, Acts
20.28 2.
The oversight of elders is limited to the local congregation. 1 Peter 5.2, 1 Corinthians 5.12-13 D)
Each of the above is senseless if there is no pattern of congregational
organization and fellowship. 1.
Keep in mind “fellowship” means a working together, joint participation. 2.
If you ain’t a doin you ain’t a fellowshippin. No such thing as honorary
fellowship members or fellowship by proxy. III)
In Congregational Fellowship There Is… A)
Strength in caring for one another, Hebrews 6.12-13 B)
Leadership, I Thessalonians 5.12; Hebrews 13.17, 1 Peter 5.3 1.
The example of older Christians 2.
The wisdom learned from years of service to God C)
Safety in oversight, Acts 20.28-30 1.
There is the saying, “When everyone is in charge, no one is in charge.” 2.
The elders are to watch out for the souls, stop the mouth of false teachers,
feed the flock, etc. D)
Correction in discipline, 1 Corinthians 5.13; Hebrews 12.7-11 E)
Spiritual growth in interactive relationships, Colossians 3.12-16 IV)
Must On e Be A n “Active” Member Of A Local Congregation In Order To Go To
Heaven? A)
In a word “Yes” 1.
There may be special cases such as moving from one area to another. 2.
Paul on his missionary journey as he went establishing congregations. 3.
But the rule is yes. B)
Why? 1.
The devil is too crafty, he knows our weaknesses 2.
We’re too weak by ourselves and gain strength from others
a. Addicts of every kind need support groups
b. We need each other in order to make it to heaven 3.
Jesus works in and through His people -- as individuals and in groups of
Christians 4.
Passages that speaks of Christians joined to each other are made senseless
a. We are the
b. We are a flock but without a fold, Acts
20.28
c. We are members of the body but not actually in a “body”,
1 Corinthians 12.25,26 5.
The wisdom of God is seen in His plan in the local congregation
a. We are to be helping others and they will help us C)
Where are you in this plan of God? 1.
In the family of on your own? 2.
If you are not a Christian we are not asking you to join a denomination but the
body of Christ. 3.
If you are a Christian then you are obligated to keep all of His law, including
working with other saints. (Adapted From A Sermon by Carl McMurray) |