BEING A PART OF THE LOCAL CHURCH

Matthew 16:13-18

Truth: A testimony is required for church membership. Baptism connects you to the church. The church mission is to make disciples. Are you a member of a local church?

I. A TESTIMONY IS REQUIRED FOR CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

1. Jesus said a testimony was required before church membership. Matt 16:13-18, Eph 2:20; 1 Peter 2:5-6
2. John the Baptist required a testimony before baptism. Matt 3:7-8; Rom 10:9-10; Rom 8:16
3. The early church baptized those that gladly received the word (Had a testimony.) Acts 2:41

II. BAPTISM CONNECTS YOU TO THE CHURCH

1. Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. Matt 3:13-17
2. Jesus chose those baptized by John the Baptist to begin His church. Acts 1:21-22; 1 Cor 12:28
3. Jesus commanded the church to baptize new disciples. Matt 28:19-20

III. THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH IS TO MAKE DISCIPLES

1. The church is to get people saved. Matt 28:19
2. The church is to disciple new converts. Matt 28:20; 2 Tim 2:2; Titus 2:3-8
3. The church is to serve one another. Eph 4:11-16

ARE YOU A MEMBER OF A LOCAL CHURCH?