Pastor and Senior Leader David Wise explains how Church should be - accorning to the Bible.
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Text Notes
Introduction
What can we learn about being church from 1 Cor 12 v 12—27?
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We are Christ’s body
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Our common identity in Christ is more important than our differences
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We need each other, God has made us different so that we can be effective together, united in our diversity
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Each of us has something vital to contribute
Church Membership
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A defined membership
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Entrance via baptism
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Commitment to one another (covenant)
Members’ Meetings Biblical Principles
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Purpose is to together discover God’s will
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Jesus is Lord (the church is not a democracy)
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All believers are priests
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All believers are ministers (every member is needed to play their part)
Members’ Meetings in Acts
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Appointing Leaders, Acts 6:1-5
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Financial Decision, Acts 11:27-30
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Membership Decision, Acts 15:12, 22 and 30
Communion and Postal Votes
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Communion is the church family meal, hence the link between it and membership
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We do not allow postal votes because of the biblical reality of God guiding by the Holy Spirit as the church is gathered together
Question
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If you are already a member, what do you need to do to become even more the member God wants you to be?
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If you are not a member, why not?