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NEW MEMBERS WELCOME
INTRODUCTION:
In this message I want to make some remarks to our new members.
And remind the Church of some responsibilities.
Some of you have come on the promise of a letter.
Some have recently been saved and are about to be baptized.
To both groups we rejoice with you.
We are so glad you have received Christ as you personal savior.
We are blessed that you have decided to be a member of this Church.
Now that you are saved we want to help you grow in Christ.
1 John 5:12 (KJV)
He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
1 John 5:13 (KJV)
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
I POINTERS FOR OUR NEW MEMBERS
1.. Be sure of your salvation…WE CAN KNOW ..I John 5:13.
2.. Be baptized, which you are about to do.
This is the first step in obedience to GOD’S COMMANDS.
REMEMBER THIS ACT IS NOT AN OPTION IT IS A COMMAND.
Not a means of grace…. Not a means salvation.
Baptism does two things.
1.Because of you obedience God will bless you.
2. You become a blessing to others…by your public confession.
WITH church membership you are identifying with God’s family.
This is important for several reasons.
1.You need the fellowship of other Christians for encouragement.
2. The local church is the training camp for your new life.
3. The local church is the place of accountability.
4.The Bible is plain regarding our responsibility in this area.
Heb. 10:23 (KJV)
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
Heb. 10:24 (KJV)
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Heb. 10:25 (KJV)
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Folks this is not a suggestion..but a clear directive from God.
4..READ AND STUDY YOUR BIBLE
Here is another directive from our Heavenly Father.
2 Tim. 2:15 (KJV)
Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
To grow in Christ make Bible study and family devotions a daily habit.
One last pointer for our new members.
5..DISCOVER YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFT AND GO TO WORK.
I am glad to help you in any of these areas.
II. CHURCH OBLIGATIONS TO NEW MEMBERS
1. The church is to pray for our new members.
James 5:16 (KJV)
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
This is not a suggestion..but a very clear Bible teaching.
2..The Church is to bear the burdens of our new members.
Gal. 6:2 (KJV)
Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
When you have a problem and need help call the members of this church.
Pastor, deacons, teachers, the deacons are ready and willing to help you.
3..The Church is to offer encouragement to you.
1 Thess. 5:11 (KJV)
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
When someone needs comfort go see him or call him[or her]
4..The Church is to serve members as needed.
Gal. 5:13 (KJV)
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
This verse tell, us we have the liberty to serve God by serving others.
5.The Church is to show hospitality
As a final pointer..I hope this one is always evident.
1 Pet. 4:9 (KJV)
Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
As you can see by the number of scripture references used the pointers in this message are not mere suggestions. They are based squarely on biblical principles. These principles are commands from God. These commands are to be obeyed. Another command to be obeyed is found in:
John 3:6 (KJV)
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
John 3:7 (KJV)
Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
DO YOU KNOW JESUS?
PRAYER
INVITATION