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Revive Us Again Lesson
8: Michael Lewis November 1, 2009 |
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Revive Us Again
"Belonging to Each Other"
by Michael Lewis
Dalton Gardens Church of Christ
November 1, 2009
“Now you are the body of Christ and each
one of you is part of it.”
1 Cor.12:27
While there are similarities between the Kingdom of the Lord and a local congregation, there are also differences:
1. The Kingdom of God on earth is a collection of all those who are under the rule of Christ.
Eph.2:1, 2; Eph. 6:12; Rev. 11:15; John 3:3, 5; Acts 2:47; John 18:36; Luke 17:21; 2 Tim. 2:19; Rev. 17:14
2. Inside God’s Kingdom, the scriptures also speak of local congregations with independent spiritual leadership and individual responsibilities to others.
A. Choosing to identify with a congregation is a choice .
B. Identifying with a congregation is usually attached to a location where Christians worship and serve.
C. Being part of a congregation involves being known , being involved and being accountable with like-minded Christians.
Romans 12:4-6: “Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.”
What two things came up the most in our “Home Meetings?”
1. We believe we are to be an authentic family .
2. We believe we are called to be God's witnesses .
Why Choose to belong to a congregation?
1. It places us under spiritual leadership (Hebrews 13:7,8;17).
2. It is an act of accountability . (Romans 14:7; 13-14; 19-20; 15:5-6; Romans 12:5)
3. It provides a sense of family and support . (Eph. 4:29-31; Gal. 6:1,2)
4. It is a launching pad for gift assessment and ministry . (Rom. 12:6-8;11; 1 Pet 4:10,11)
5. It provides a community of worship . (Heb 10:24,25; Eph 5:19,20; 1Cor 16:2; Col 3:15-17)
6. It provides training, and support to continue Christ’s mission . (2 Cor 5:14-20; Col 3:15-17)