Acts 2:47; I Peter 2:5; Ephesians 2:21

But by what procedure does one become a member of a local church?

• Acts 22:1-16

What is the purpose of local church membership?

• It is God’s arrangement for saints in an area to work and worship together, doing what God has ordained. The purpose is to glorify God, edify each other, and seek and save the lost.
  • Ephesians 4:16; II Corinthians 11:7-8
• All members have special obligation.

Who is really in the local fellowship?

• One that joined and is actively serving God with the local church.

• Those who cease to function in their service to God are not really in local fellowship. I Corinthians 5.

Is a local church to control its fellowship?

• Yes! I Corinthians 5

• Acts 9:26 – The saints tried to keep Paul out when they thought he was a threat.

What is to be the action of a member toward one who has been refused fellowship?

• II Corinthians 6:14-17

• II Thessalonians 3:14-15

• I Corinthians 5:11

When one insists on having company with one who has been withdrawn from, what is to be the action of the local church?

• That member must be disciplined as well and withdrawn from if necessary.

• Numbers 16 – Israelites who sympathized with the rebellion of Korah were killed.

• What about students? They are members where they are working and worshiping at the time.