...Are you an active member of a local church? Where? Jesus built the church (Matthew 16:18) and gave Himself for the benefit of the church (Ephesians 5:25). The church is made up of God's people. To love Christ is to love His church. GOD'S PURPOSE -We can be a part of God's work through the church. "So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another" (Romans 12:5). -As a part of the church we can worship with other Christians (Hebrews 10:25; Ephesians 5:19-20). -As a part of the church we can evangelize (share our faith)(Acts 1:8, II Corinthians 5:18-20). -As a part of the church we learn how to become the kind of people God wants us to be (II Peter 3:18). -As a part of the church we can minister to one another (I Corinthians 12:12-26). OUR NEED -We need the fellowship of other Christians (I John 1:3). We need to publicly identify with the family of God (Acts 2:41-42). -We need strength for daily living which comes through fellowship with other Christians (Hebrews 3:13). -We can express our personal talents and spiritual gifts through the church (Romans 12:4-8). GOD'S PROVISION -God established the church as the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:4; Colossians 1:18). -God provideds for church membership through the invitation of the local church (Revelation 22:17). -God encourages every Christian to participate in church membership (Hebrews 10:25). -Jesus set the example for us through His custom of regular synagogue attendance (Luke 4:16). OUR RESPONSE -You may become a member of the local church fellowship by professing your faith and by being baptized (Acts 2:41,47). -You may share the fellowship of the local church by joining its membership. -You may join a church by a statement that you have been baptized by a local church of like faith and order. -Will you commit yourself to become an active member of a local church? MY COMMITMENT ...Dear Lord, thank You for the church. Help me to be a faithful church member and support my church family.