MUST ONE BE A MEMBER OF A LOCAL

CONGREGATION TO GO TO HEAVEN?

The survey said…70% negative, 30%

affirmativeNo partiality would mean no one needs to be

a member

This has a likeness to “world views” of religion

Scriptures Indicate a Scriptures Indicate a Different Attitude than Different Attitude than

is Common Todayis Common Today

Acts 9:26

And when he had come to Jerusalem, And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. he attempted to join the disciples.

And they were all afraid of him, for And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a they did not believe that he was a

disciple. disciple. Paul was trying to associate

Scriptures Indicate a Scriptures Indicate a Different Attitude than Different Attitude than

is Common Todayis Common Today

1 Corinthians 5:12-13

For what have I to do with judging outsiders? For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? are to judge? 13 13 God judges those outside. God judges those outside.

“Purge the evil person from among you.” “Purge the evil person from among you.” Christians were members of a church they

could be purged out ofpurged out of

“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…

Scriptures Indicate a Scriptures Indicate a Different Attitude than Different Attitude than

is Common Todayis Common Today

Scriptures command a limited area of action

I Peter 5:21 Corinthians 5:12-13

…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

In Congregational In Congregational Fellowship There Is…..Fellowship There Is…..

Strength in caringStrength in caring

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

In Congregational In Congregational Fellowship There Is…..Fellowship There Is…..

Strength in caringStrength in caring

LeadershipLeadership

“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

In Congregational In Congregational Fellowship There Is…..Fellowship There Is…..

Strength in caringStrength in caring

LeadershipLeadership

Safety in Safety in oversightoversight

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 20:28-29Acts 20:28-29

In Congregational In Congregational Fellowship There Is…..Fellowship There Is…..

Strength in caringStrength in caring

LeadershipLeadership

Safety in Safety in oversightoversightCorrection in Correction in disciplinediscipline

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

In Congregational In Congregational Fellowship There Is…..Fellowship There Is…..

Strength in caringStrength in caring

LeadershipLeadership

Safety in Safety in oversightoversightCorrection in Correction in disciplinedisciplineSpiritual growthSpiritual growth

Must One be an Must One be an Active Member of Active Member of a Local Church in a Local Church in

Order to go to Order to go to Heaven??Heaven??

The devil is too crafty

We are too weak

Jesus works through His people

The scriptures are made senseless

DOES THIS MAKE DOES THIS MAKE SENSE???SENSE???

A “temple” not put together 1 A “temple” not put together 1 Cor. 3:16Cor. 3:16

A “flock” without a fold A “flock” without a fold Acts 20:28Acts 20:28

A “body” dismembered 1 A “body” dismembered 1 Cor. 12:25-26Cor. 12:25-26

The Wisdom of God is seen in His plan…

A local

Caring body

Overseen & maturing

Intended to help and be helped.

Where are you Where are you in this plan of in this plan of Gods?Gods?

Are you in the family… Are you in the family… or out or out on your own?on your own?