First Salem Missionary Baptist Church Bible Study

I Am A Church Member Noticing a difference in Liam’s demeanor, should Michael have pried (as a Brother in Christ) or just allowed Liam‘s issue to be his own?

What would lead a person to arrive at the conclusion that they should leave a church? (Cite some examples)

Whose responsibility should it be to address leaders who sin? Whose sin is very obvious and effecting the church? How does not addressing this sin impact the church?

While Pastors’ are responsible to care for the flock, to what extent should they be asked to go (help) for extended members of the flock’s family who are not members? Where do you draw the line? What would be some reasons a pastor would not extent him/herself to extended family who is not members of the church?

What would have caused Liam to claim that Michael and his family were “blind” to the “going ons” of the church?

When it gets down to it, what type of attitude did Liam have versus Michael? How can attitudes like Liam’s hinder church growth?

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Here are some statistics that you have received over the last 5-7 years that need to be repeated: Based upon 557 churches from 2004-2010 9 out of 10 churches in America are declining or growing at a pace that is slower than that of their communities. Simply stated, churches are LOSING GROUND in their own backyard. 2/3 of Builder generations (those born before 1946) are Christians. 15% of the Millennials (those born between 1980 and 2000) are Christians. (They are the largest generation in America’s history with 80 million. And we have all but lost that generation.

Here are some other church statistics we’re refreshing your mind about: The latest research on church attendance can be found in The American Church in Crisis by David T. Olson, with research based on data from 200,000+ churches. And, the U.S. Religious Landscape Survey by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, has analysis based on interviews with 35,000+ American adults.  In America, 3,500 – 4,000 churches close their doors each year. (Some estimate it may be as high as 7,000 churches,) 

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Half of all churches last year did not add one new member through conversion growth. Churches lose an estimated 2,765,000 people each year to nominalism and secularism. Nominalism means a theory that there are no universal essences in reality and that the mind can frame no single concept or image corresponding to any. (2)universal or general term the theory that only individuals and no abstract entities (as essences, classes, or propositions) exist —

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Secularism means the belief that religion should not play a role in government, education, or other public parts of society. Indifference to or rejection or exclusion of religion and religious considerations. 

1,500 pastors in America leave the ministry monthly.

Who is to blame? Rainer states that instead of blaming it  on secular culture,  godless politics of our nation and  even on churches, the uncaring pastors and even hypocrites. Rainer says take a look in the mirror

Congregations are weak because many of us church members have lost the biblical meaning of what it means to be a part of the body of Christ. Notice…………………………..  We join churches expecting others to serve us, to feed us, and to care for us.  We don’t like the hypocrites in the church, but we fail to see our own hypocrisies.

God did not give us to local churches to become country clubs, where membership means we have privileges and perks. He placed us in churches  to serve,  to care for others, 3

   

to pray for leaders, to learn, to give, and, in some cases, to die for the sake of the gospel

Many churches are weak because they have turned the meaning of membership upside down. It’s time to become a church members as God intended. It’s time to give instead of being entitled. To be successful on this journey we are about to embark upon, you will need two things: 1. A new or renewed attitude about your church. You will learn the joy of being last instead of seeking to be first. Instead of being a whiner complaining about what’s wrong with your church, you will be a unifier seeking what’s best for your church. 2. Your church will begin to change. It will become healthier because one of its members is healthier. And as the church gets healthier, it will have greater impact on its community and the world. The reason why our nation is sick is because our churches are unhealthy. Nine out of ten churches are no longer reaching their communities.

First Salem can change that…….starting now!!! We Are The Kingdom Impacting The Community Through Our Witness.

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Chapter 1 I Will Be A Functioning Member

Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Functioning…Defined noun 1. the kind of action or activity proper to a person, thing, or institution; the purpose for which something is designed or exists; role. 5

verb (used without object) 2. to perform a specified action or activity; work; operate: “The computer isn't functioning now.” “He rarely functions before noon.”

Ephesians 4:11-12 The purpose of Saints : Works of Service Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 2nd Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. MEMBERSHIP MEANS PERKS…….REALLY? For so long we’ve had the perception that membership means perks or benefits if you will. While on one side that holds merit, our understanding is inaccurate. Our version of membership is the following:  This is my church… so you have to play the music just the way I want it.  Look pastor, you need to remember who pays your salary  If you don’t do this program, I’ll withhold my check to the church.  I have been a member for 30 years, so I have right to get what I want.

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 I don’t pay good money to come to church to listen to sermons that long That’s what’s called an unbiblical view of membership. This view is more aligned with a country club membership. For this person, membership is more about receiving than giving, bring served instead of serving, rights instead of responsibilities, and entitlements instead of sacrifices.

Listen at what Jesus said over in: Matt. 20:20-28 (verse 28 is shown) Matt. 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Philippians 2:4-9 (verse 7 shown) Phil. 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:  This view sees tithes and offering as membership dues that entitle members to a never ending list of privileges and expectations, instead of an unconditional, cheerful gift to God.

Membership Means We Are All Necessary Parts Of The Whole (1st Corinthians 12-14 chapters) 1st Corinthians 12:18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Membership, contrary to modern business or organizational concepts is very biblical. The bible explains members differently than secular culture. For example, look at 1st Corinthians 12:27-28:

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1Corinthians 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. The Message bible states it like this: 25-26 The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: every part dependent on every other part, the parts we mention and the parts we don’t, the parts we see and the parts we don’t. If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance. 27-31 You are Christ’s body—that’s who you are! You must never forget this. Only as you accept your part of that body does your “part” mean anything. You’re familiar with some of the parts that God has formed in his church, which is his “body”: Members of a church comprise the whole and are essential parts of it. The Apostle Paul would carry the body metaphor further and explain that members are individual parts of the body. Some are eyes, others are ears. Some are feet; still others are hands. But he concludes with the following: 1Corinthians 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

Membership Means We Are Different But We Still Work Together Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

A football team, comprised of many players with different titles and role, but one goal…. To score and win.

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In order for the team to win, they take direction from one person…the coach.  With a country club membership, you pay others to do the work for you. With a church membership, everyone has a role or function. The bible makes it clear that if one part does not do it job, the whole body does not function well. But if one part does its job well, the whole body rejoices and is stronger. (See 1st Corinthians 12:26)

Membership Means Everything We Say And Do Is Based Upon A Biblical Foundation Of Love 1Corinthians 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. (NKJV) While there is nothing wrong with using this chapter to identify love, the original principle was designed to demonstrate how church members should relate to each other. Mind you church folks were taking each other to court…(see below) The Bible speaks specifically to the question of Christians filing lawsuits against one another. 1st Corinthians 6:1-7 When one of you has a dispute with another believer, how dare you file a lawsuit and ask a secular court to decide the matter instead of taking it to other believers! Don’t you realize that someday we believers will judge the world? And since you are going to judge the world, can’t you decide even these little things among yourselves? Don’t you realize that we will judge angels? So you should surely be able to resolve ordinary disputes in this life. If you have legal disputes about such matters, why go to outside judges who are not respected by the church? I am saying this to shame you. Isn't there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these issues? But instead, one believer sues another—right in front of unbelievers! Even to have such lawsuits with one another is a defeat for you. Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that? Why not let yourselves be cheated? 9

Instead, you yourselves are the ones who do wrong and cheat even your fellow believers. (NLT) Conflicts Within the Church This passage in 1st Corinthians 6 is addressing the issue of conflicts within the church. Paul plainly teaches that believers should not turn to secular courts to resolve their differences, directly referring to lawsuits among believers—Christian against Christian. Paul implies the following reasons why Christians should settle arguments within the church and not resort to secular lawsuits: 1. Secular judges are not able to judge by biblical standards and Christian values. 2. Christians go to court with the wrong motives. 3. Lawsuits among Christians reflect negatively on the church.

As believers, our testimony to the unbelieving world should be a demonstration of love and forgiveness and, therefore, members of the body of Christ ought to be able to settle arguments and disputes without going to court. We are called to live in unity with humility toward one another. Even more than the secular courts, the body of Christ ought to have wise and godly leaders gifted in handling matters involving conflict resolution. Under the direction of the Holy Spirit, Christians submitted to the proper authority should be able to rightly resolve their legal arguments while maintaining a positive witness. The Biblical Pattern for Settling Conflicts Matthew 18:15-17 provides the biblical pattern for settling conflicts within the church: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Go directly and privately to the brother or sister to discuss the problem. If he or she will not listen, take one or two witnesses. If he or she still refuses to listen, take the matter to the church leadership. If he or she still refuses to listen to the church, expel the offender from the fellowship of the church.

If you have followed the steps in Matthew 18 and the problem is still not resolved, in some cases going to court might be the right thing to do, even against a brother. I say this cautiously because such actions should be the last resort and decided only through much prayer and godly counsel.

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When Is Legal Action Appropriate for a Christian? So, to be very clear, the Bible does not say a Christian can never go to court. In fact, Paul appealed more than once to the legal system, exercising his right to defend himself under Roman law (Acts 16:37–40; 18:12–17; 22:15–29; 25:10–22). In Romans 13 Paul taught that God had established legal authorities for the purpose of upholding justice, punishing wrongdoers, and protecting the innocent. Consequently, legal action may be appropriate in certain criminal matters, cases of injury and damage covered by insurance, as well as trustee issues and other specified instances. Every consideration must be balanced and weighed against Scripture, including these: Matthew 5:38–42 "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." (NIV) Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (NIV) If you are a Christian considering a lawsuit, here are some practical and spiritual questions to ask as you decide on a course of action: 1. Have I followed the biblical pattern in Matthew 18 and exhausted all other options for reconciliation of the matter? 2. Have I sought wise counsel through the leadership of my church and spent extended time in prayer on the matter? 3. Rather than seeking vengeance or personal gain, are my motives pure and honorable? Am I solely looking to uphold justice and protect my legal rights? 4. Am I being completely honest? Am I making any deceptive claims or defenses? 5. Will my course of action reflect negatively on the church, the body of believers, or in any way harm my testimony or the cause of Christ?

If you have followed the biblical pattern, sought the Lord in prayer and submitted to solid spiritual counsel, yet there seems to be no other way to resolve the matter, then pursing legal action may be the proper course.

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Whatever you decide, do it carefully and prayerfully, under the sure guidance of the Holy Spirit.

How to be a healthy church If we could actually abide by the principles of 1 st Corinthians 13, we would have completely healthy churches. Let’s examine a few of the principles…………… Love is:       

Patient Kind Does not envy Is not boastful Does not act improperly, is not selfish Is not provoked Does not keep a record of wrong

Proverbs 15:18/Ecclesiastes 7:8 Ephesians 4:31-32 Proverbs 14:30 Proverbs 8:13 James 3:14-16 James 1:19 Matthew 6:14-15

We are not to love fellow church members just because they are lovable. We are not to pray for and encourage our pastor just when they are doing things we like. We are not to serve the church only when others are joining. We are to serve even if we are alone in doing so. Church memberships is founded in love: Authentic, biblical, unconditional love.

Church Membership is Functional Membership In order to remain a member of a country club you have to pay dues; only then will others be available to serve you. How do you remain a biblical member of a church? Give abundantly and serve without hesitation. Don’t misunderstand the term biblical; see you, just like many others, can  have your name on the roll, but never show up and give 12

 give a nice chunk of change to the church, although you never lift a finger in service or ministry  even be a CEO (Christmas & Easter Only) member…….. But that type of membership is not biblical membership. That approach is manmade, man-centered, and man-maintained. It has no place in the church and is totally contrary to biblical precepts. Biblical church membership  gives without qualification.  views tithes and offerings as joyous giving. There are no strings attached.  serves and ministers as a natural way of doing things. That’s functioning membership! What are some other ways you can detect biblical membership? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Let’s look at 1st Corinthians 12 to gain a more in-depth understanding. Paul used the analogy of the body as the example to speak to the church for two reasons: a. The body is a unified whole b. The body is not only unified, it is made up of many parts. In verse 12-26, Paul refers to the following parts of the body: Foot Hand Eye Nose Eye Ear Each of these parts is supposed to function………

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Just as the parts of the body are to function, so must church members function also. The concept of an inactive church member is absurd and for all intense purposes an oxymoron. According to the bible, no such member exists. We are thus, exhorted to exercise our spiritual gifts for the sole purpose of building the body of Christ and transforming our community. The fact that we have so much diversity ‘IS’ our strength. Our gifts allow us to function differently from others and yet function differently with other people. One question worth asking yourself and God in prayer is: How can I best serve my church?.......Not: If you should serve your church. Remember… you are not your own…. 1st Corinthians 19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's. Romans 14:7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. 8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. 1st Corinthians 7:23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. 24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God My Commitment to God and my Church family You are making a pledge to be a member the way the Bible speaks and the way God designed it. You are committing to giving cheerfully and abundantly. You are committing to serving and ministering without hesitation You are pledging to be a functioning church member

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Let’s review the biblical basis for the church body: 1Co 12:12 ¶ For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? 18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 19 And if they were all one member, where were the body? 20 But now are they many members, yet but one body. 21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. 24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: 25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

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I like the metaphor of membership. It’s not membership as in a civic organization or a country club. It’s the kind of membership given to us in 1st Corinthians 12: “Now you are the body of Christ and individual members of it” (1st Corinthians 12:27) Because I am a member of the body of Christ, I must be a functioning member, whether I am an “eye,” an “ear,” or a “hand.” As a functioning member, I will give. I will serve. I will minister. I will evangelize. I will study. I will seek to be blessing to others. I will remember that “if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it” (1st Corinthians 12:26). Sign and date

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