Sunday, April 19, 2009

A Closing Word on the One-Anothers

For the past couple months we have utilized the Pastoral Word in your weekly bulletin to rehearse the New Testament’s expectations for life together. These commands were given in the context of the local church, and they assume a committed body of believers with committed biblical leaders. Whether it was the church members at Galatia, Colossae, or the scattered church of Jerusalem, all were real churches with real pastors, deacons, and members.

Many of you have voiced your excitement about the seriousness with which church membership is handled here at Grace Church. These weekly articles have been our attempt to broaden your understanding of what your Christ expects of you as a Christian identified with a local church. This month we have also been highlighting What Is A  Healthy Church Member? by Thabiti Anyabwile as our book of the month. The ten short chapters are divided into biblical truths regarding members within the local church. According to Anyabwile, a healthy church member is (1) an expositional listener, (2) a biblical theologian, (3) gospel saturated, (4) genuinely converted, (5) a biblical evangelist, (6) a committed member, (7) one who seeks discipline, (8) a growing disciple, (9) a humble follower, and (10) a prayer warrior.

Please don’t miss this opportunity to further renew your mind with biblical truth (Rom. 12:1-2). Press on in grace, as you pursue biblical membership that reflects your love for the Head of the church.