Placing Membership

TEXT:  Acts 9:26

INTRODUCTION:

A.      "PLACING MEMBERSHIP" NOT A SCRIPTURAL TERM BUT THE IDEA IS IN THE BIBLE.

B.      SOME IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS THAT MUST BE MADE.

I.      THE NEED TO BECOME A MEMBER OF A LOCAL CHURCH:

A.      Paul serves as our pattern( Acts 9:26 ).

B.      There is no "membership at large" or "roving membership."

                   "I go here but my membership is in Texas."

C.      There is benefit to joining myself to other Christians.

D.      EVERY CHURCH NEEDS WORKING MEMBERS.

II.     THE MODEL OF PAUL AND JERUSALEM.( Acts 9:26-30 ).

A.      MEMBERSHIP WAS NOT AUTOMATIC.

          1.       "He assayed."  implies an attempt.

          2.       Upon what basis may someone be turned down.

                   a.       Shortcomings in character( 1 Cor. 5:1-5;  Eph. 5:3 ).

                   b.       Fear of the individual( Acts 9:26 ).

                   c.       Disagreement on doctrine( Rom. 16:17-18;  Acts 20:29-30 ).

                   d.       Unwillingness to subject to the leadership( Heb. 13:17 ).

B.      HOW MAY ONE OVERCOME QUESTIONS ON THESE PROBLEMS?

          1.       One who is converted locally, who is known or who will subject himself as a

                             babe in Christ to learn is usually accepted.

          2.       By showing a willingness to answer questions in all honesty.

          3.       For someone new, recommendations from faithful brethren are good.

                   a.       Paul( Acts 9:27 ).

                   b.       Phoebe( Rom. 16:1-2 ).

                   c.       1 Cor. 16:10-11;  2 Cor. 8:23-24.

III.    HOW DO WE GO ABOUT IT?

A.      THE INDIVIDUAL MUST EXPRESS HIS DESIRE TO BE IDENTIFIED,

          SENSITIVE TO THE EXPEDIENT METHOD OF THE CONGREGATION.

B.      NOT BY "COMING FORWARD" AT THE INVITATION.

          1.       Not invited at that time.  Distracts from the purpose of the invitation.

          2.       May create awkward undesirable embarrassment.

C.      WHAT CHURCH'S DO IS A MATTER OF JUDGMENT, BUT SHOULD BE

          CHOSEN WITH GREAT CARE TO ANSWER EVERY QUESTION.

CONCLUSION:

A.      WE DON'T WANT TO TURN ANYONE AWAY.

B.      CAN WE FELLOWSHIP ONE ANOTHER?