Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry,
and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:35

Joining God's Family

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, ... but let us encourage one another."
Hebrews 10:24-25

1. Joining a church.

There are 3 steps in the Christian life:

A. Believing

"Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved." Acts 16:31

B. Belonging

"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." Romans 12:4-5

Paul here is talking about the different gifts with which Christians serve one another. He is talking to a local congregation (in Rome) about life in the local congregation. The practical way in which members can belong to one another is by joining a local congregation of God's people.

C. Becoming

"For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness [become like] of his Son...." (Romans 8:29)

Joining a church has to do with belonging. Notice in the diagram above that the becoming happens in the context of the belonging.

Earlier we thought about the Church and the church - the universal Church and the local church. Because of this practical distinction there's also a practical distinction to be made between becoming a member of the universal Church and becoming a member of the local church.

In a nutshell we can summarize it like this:

You become a Christian by committing yourself to Christ.
You become a church member by committing yourself to other Christians.

We can illustrate this way: a human being belongs to the human race by virtue of being born. But he can't possibly get to know, show love to or be loved by every single human being on the face of the planet. So his everyday life is lived in the context of a smaller body of people - his family.

In the same way when someone is "born again" they become a member of God's universal family. But in order to grow and be nurtured to maturity they must belong to a smaller group of people - the local church family.

To be a Christian is to be part of a family. A place to care and be cared for, to share and be shared with, to serve and be served.

2. So why join a church?

There are several reasons we should be eager to join a church. We can summarize what we've seen above by outlining the following reasons for and benefits of becoming a member of a local congregation of God's people. Some of the points below will be explained further as we go through this study. (These are all biblical reasons, but for variety they're put under different headings.)

A. Reasons for Membership.

1. A Biblical reason: obedience.

We are commanded by Christ to be involved in a local fellowship of believers. Hebrews 10:24-25. Joining a church is a way of saying you are going to take seriously the commands of Christ, and a way of "giving permission" to your fellow Christians to hold you to your promise.

2. A Cultural reason: commitment and accountability.

Joining a church shows character in an uncommitted culture. It also provides an environment for accountability and encouragement in a culture where "anything goes". Hebrews 10:24.

3. A Practical reason: leadership and care.

Joining a church identifies both the flock for whom the leaders are responsible to care, and the leaders whom the people are responsible to follow. Acts 20:28, Hebrews 13:17, 1 Peter 5:2.

4. Personal reason: maturity.

Joining a church nurtures spiritual growth. Ephesians 4:11-16. By joining a local congregation I'm formally acknowledging what God has already done for me. I'm stating that as a Christian I'm prepared to take my place and live with God's people in this particular area. No Christian can live in isolation from God's people - a new-born of any species would soon perish if left to itself. But with the care of a family it will grow to maturity.

B. Benefits of Membership.

Outreach/Worship
- gives Force for Stimulation.
Inreach/Ministry
- gives Function for Self expression.
- gives Family for Support.
- gives Foundation for Stability.
Outreach/Mission
- gives Focus for Significance.

C. Therefore...

Because being a Christian means belonging to a family it also means family privileges and family responsibilities. I must pull my weight as a family member for the glory of God our Father.

3. What are some of my privileges?

A. Power to live: God's Holy Spirit.

One of my first privileges as a member of God's family is that God has given me his Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. God's Spirit gives us the ability to understand and obey God's Word. He gives us guidance and convicts us of our sin. It means we do not have to be Christians in our strength alone. Ephesians 3:14-19.

B. Principles to Learn: God's Word.

You can only learn so much by yourself. Learning is a dynamic experience - we learn best when we're learning from and teaching others. Colossians 3:16. Also, we need other Christians in order to put into practice what we learn from the Bible. A godly and mature life is built only as we do God's Word (James1:22-25) in the context of our relationship with other people:

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:10.

Where is "good" defined? The Bible. Where is "good" practiced? Everywhere, but especially in the church.

C. People to love: God's family.

As part of a body, we have many other members in our Christian family. You're not the only Christian in the world or even in your community. This means you will have opportunities for fellowship and service, people to encourage you, and to pray for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

D. Place to liturgize (worship): God's "house".

Finally, we can meet with other members of our Christian family. "Liturgy" is the New Testament Greek word for worship, and, collectively speaking, God's people are his "spiritual house" who gather to worship him. 1 Peter 2:5.

When we meet as God's people to worship we form the "house of God" full of "holy priests" who are "offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ". 1 Peter 2:5. It is in this "spiritual house" or "temple" where his Holy Spirit is present in a special way. 1 Corinthians 14:24-25.

We are commanded to meet together on a regular basis. Hebrews 10:24-25. This is one reason why we meet together for weekly worship. It also looks forward to the time when the whole family of God will be gathered together in heaven.

4. What are some of my responsibilities?

In the Introduction we said that becoming a member of the church is the easiest thing you can do. Why? Because it only involves two very simple things.

Baptism. Either as an infant or as an adult. Baptism is explained later in this book.
Profession of Faith. That is, three public statements in front of the congregation. These statement combined are called our Profession of Faith. They spell out what we believe and the responsibilities we take upon ourselves when we become members. Notice the Profession of Faith comes in three parts:

I confess my faith in God as my heavenly Father, Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord, and in the Holy Spirit as my Sanctifier.
I promise in dependence on Divine grace, to serve the Lord and to walk in his ways all the days of my life.
I promise to make diligent use of the means of grace, to share dutifully in the worship and service of the church, submitting myself to her authority and guidance, and to give of my substance, as the Lord may prosper me, for the advancement of his kingdom throughout the world.

The principle of a public profession of faith is found in Romans:

"The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Romans 10:9-10.

It's important to realize that it is a vow you are taking, and as such it is just as serious in the eyes of God as any other vow you might take, such as a marriage vow. It means that when you join a church and make these promises you're making yourself accountable for keeping or breaking these promises. On the one hand, this may sound a bit scary but it's not meant to be that way. It's meant to be a reminder to people that it is no small thing to make a promise to God. Ecclesiastes 5:2-7.

That is one of the reasons why so many Christians attach so loosely to a local church and fail to take up responsible, accountable membership. However, such a person is the poorer, for to be part of such a community, to know the support and care and love of Christ in Christian fellowship is a wonderful experience and a great privilege. Also, by making these promises you are publicly giving other Christians permission to help you in the Christian life, especially when you're finding it hard going, and even when you're going backwards. James 5:19-20.

Let's have a look at the three different parts of the Profession and what the words are actually getting at.

A. Saved by God.

I confess my faith in God as my heavenly Father, Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord, and in the Holy Spirit as my Sanctifier.

Here you're confessing your trust in God as our Savior, the one who forgives us for our sin and brings us back into a personal relationship with himself at his own initiative.

We are also recognizing that God is a Trinity: God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. This is vital part of our understanding of who God is and what he has done and still does in our lives today.

B. Depending on God.

I promise in dependence on Divine grace, to serve the Lord and to walk in his ways all the days of my life.

1. A Dependent life: God-centered Living.

In the second part of this vow you promise that the whole of your life will be Godward in direction. You're saying that God's will, God's purposes, and God's glory are of first importance in every area of your life. This doesn't mean that life will become a slavish, joyless existence. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Jesus said,

Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30.

The gospel of John tells us that Jesus came that we might have full and meaningful lives. John 10:10. It's this truth that led the writers of the Catechism to say,

"The primary purpose of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever." (Q.1)

2. A Dependable God: Keeping Power.

In making this vow you acknowledge that keeping it is only possible with God's help. His "divine grace" is his almighty, sovereign power. Such help is assured so that no Christian ever has an excuse for wrong behavior. John 14:16, 1 Corinthians 10:12-13. As God's people we have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, and it's through his presence in our lives that we have the ability and power to keep this vow.

The Scriptures teach that if anyone claims to be without sin, that person is a liar. 1 John 1:8-10. What we are saying is that we will endeavor to practice a godly lifestyle with all God's strength that works in us. Philippians 2:12-13.

C. Living for God.

I promise to make diligent use of the means of grace, to share dutifully in the worship and service of the church, submitting myself to her authority and guidance, and to give of my substance, as the Lord may prosper me, for the advancement of his kingdom throughout the world.

This vow builds on the previous one. Having said you'll serve the Lord all your days, you're now stating, in some detail, the specific ways in which you will go about doing just that. You're saying that your service to God will include at least these things and possibly more. So let's take a moment to look at this vow in smaller, more manageable parts so that we can really understand what you're committing yourself to.

1. The "Means of Grace": Spiritual Power Tools

...to make diligent use of the means of grace...

"Grace" here is really just another way of speaking about God's keeping power. The "means" are the things or ways God has given us to use in order to bring his strength to us. The means of grace then are the ways in which God empowers us to remain faithful to him.

The means of grace are God's Word (the Bible) and the sacraments (Baptism and the Lord's Supper - which we look at later in the manual). The reading and study of God's Word goes hand in hand with prayer. We read the Bible prayerfully - relying on God's Spirit to help us understand what he's written. And we pray according to God's will - praising God in the way that pleases him, and asking primarily for those things that God wants to give us.

You're promising to make diligent or careful and regular use of these means as opposed to occasional or careless use. They are to be part of your everyday experience and not simply a thing you do when you find yourself in personal difficulty. See 2 Timothy 3:16-17 & Ephesians 6:18.

As a guide to personal prayer and Bible study/reading you could use the following ideas.

a. Appointments with God.

Make time every day to spend in prayer and in the Bible. You keep appointments with people, so why not make and keep appointments with the most important Person - Jesus Christ. Just pick 15 minutes in the day when you can be completely alone and uninterrupted. You may find that's not enough. But it's something.

One thing every Christian should be aware of is that spending time each day with God is a discipline. Paul tells his young colleague, Timothy, "train yourself to be godly". 1 Timothy 4:7. And training is often hard work.

And because Satan and sin are both at work against God all the time, there'll be all sorts of reasons come to mind about why you shouldn't pray or read the Bible. You have to be disciplined, resolute, enduring. And don't give in to rationalizations (like "I'll catch up on it tomorrow", or "missing one day won't hurt", or "I don't feel like it today, God mustn't want me to pray"). Don't be fooled.

The only way to form a habit is to keep doing it. Create good habits like keeping your spiritual appointments with God.

b. Talking to God - Prayer.

You might find it helpful to use the Lord's prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 as a pattern or model for your own personal prayer - especially if you're struggling for words. Take Jesus' words and use them to form your own thoughts and ideas.

Worship God - 6:9.
Submit to God - 6:10. (Pray this for yourself and others)
Depend on God - 6:11. (Pray this for yourself and others)
Ask God's forgiveness - 6:12. (See also, 1 John 1:9, 2:1-3)
Ask God's protection - 6:13. (See also, Ephesians 6:10-20)

Also, the Psalms are very helpful for worshipping God. You can personalize the words of the psalms. They cover a variety of different emotions. They remind us that we can be honest with God.

As you read through the Bible you'll find many prayers of God's people that will help you to know how to and what to pray.

c. Listening to God - Bible Reading/Study.

Paul calls the Word of God the "sword of the Spirit". Ephesians 6:17. He recognizes that living the Christian life is like living on a battle field and our primary weapon is this Sword. The Bible is called the Sword of the Spirit because it's the Holy Spirit who guided those who wrote the Bible. 2 Peter 1:19-21. And it's the Spirit who helps us understand and put into practice what is written.

A great example of the use of God's Word as a sword is in the life of Jesus when he was tempted by Satan in Matthew 4:1-11. Every time Satan tempted him Jesus just pulled out a part of the Scripture that he had taken into his heart and life to slay the efforts of the Tempter. The psalmist used it in a similar way in Psalm 119:11.

But the Bible also has a positive use - it teaches us and builds us in the knowledge of God. The Bible is to our spiritual life what food is to our physical life. 2 Peter 3:16, 1 Peter 1:22 - 2:3. We get to know God through the Bible. It's in the Bible that God makes himself known. Also, the Bible teaches how God wants us to live. 1 Timothy 3:16-17, James 1:22.

In your efforts to train yourself to be godly, you could make it your aim to read at least one chapter of the Bible a day, starting in the New Testament. After you've read a chapter jot down what God has taught you along with those things you don't understand (and can ask the pastor, or elder, or another Christian).

2. "Worship": Upreach.

To share dutifully in the worship...of the church...

Worship here is joining together for the worship of God and for fellowship with his people, both in the larger public meetings and the smaller home group meetings. Hebrews 10:24-25, Acts 2:42-47, 5:42, 20:20. This means that, as far as is practically possible, you should not allow other things to keep you from getting to worship with other Christians.

3. "Service": Inreach and Outreach.

To share dutifully in the ... service of the church...

Again, we are promising to be faithful and regular with respect to the service of the church - the task given to it by God. Primarily this means building up the body of Christ through every member exercising his or her God-given gifts for this task.

a. Every member a minister - Spiritual Gifts.

We seen that Jesus Christ, as the Head of the Church, has commissioned the Church.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them..., and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.... Matthew 28:19-20.

So what does this have to do with service? Talking about service answers the question, "how do we fulfill Christ's commission?" The answer is simply that Christ has given every Christian the gifts and abilities to fulfill his commission.

...Christ has given each one of us special abilities - whatever he wants us to have out of his rich storehouse of gifts (The Living Bible). Ephesians 4:7

The reason Christ gives these "special abilities" is

...so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ (4:12-13, NIV).

But this is only achieved

...as each part does its work (4:16).

No one can fulfill Christ's commission by him or herself. That's why God created the Church to be a body with many members. 1 Corinthians 12. That's why Christ continues to build his Church by the addition of many people. Matthew 16:18, Acts 2:47b, 4:4 etc..

The leadership at GPC is thoroughly committed to the task of helping Christians discover what their spiritual gifts are so that we as a church can fulfill Jesus' commission together. As a member you'll eventually take part in our Spiritual Gifts Program.

b. "One-anothering" - Supporting and Encouraging

The phrase "one another" occurs over 50 times in the New Testament. Promising to share dutifully in the service of the church includes supporting and encouraging one another. It means you have a responsibility to look out for other Christians' welfare and well-being.

We're to support and encourage one another as we go about our lives. Everyone gets tired, frustrated, stressed, sick, discouraged. Everyone loses their way now and then. Fellowship at times of worship and at other times is a vital part of Christian experience, to build each other up. Acts 2:42-47.

While this certainly involves words it also involves actions. Providing a meal, visiting someone who's sick, mowing a lawn, buying groceries and other things are all ways that we can demonstrate love and encourage one another. Galatians 6:10. This is not the sole responsibility of the pastor but is everyone's responsibility.

c. "One-anothering" - Hospitality and Friendship

Another very important part of service is reaching out to new people with friendship. We will often (Lord willing) have new people visiting our church for various reasons. Non-Christians may be looking for meaning or trustworthy relationships in their lives, Christians may be looking for a new place to call their spiritual home.

Hospitality and friendship is the responsibility of every member, and means looking out for the lonely, inviting people home for coffee or a meal, just being warm and welcoming to new faces introducing them to others, getting them a cup of coffee. Everyone is encouraged to share in this part of the church's ministry. 1 Peter 4:9, James 2:1-12, Colossians 4:5-6.

d. "One-anothering" - Visiting

Part of serving one another is the ministry of visiting. As well as being a key ministry of the pastor and elders, visiting is, again, the responsibility of every member, as we care for and encourage one another. In fact, when God's people visit one another this can at times have a greater impact than when the pastor or elder visits; after all "that's what they're supposed to do isn't it?"

Practically speaking, visiting someone may involve either a phone call, an arranged meeting with someone for morning/afternoon tea down the street, or a personal visit in their home. It may also involve inviting the person to your own home. It may include but is not restricted to your dropping in (announced or not) at that person's home.

Also, because the point of visiting is to keep in touch with people to encourage them, don't wait for a reason or excuse to call on them, just think one up. For example, if they missed the worship service, call them and tell them you'll drop round to their place with a copy of the weekly news sheet. Be creative.

e. Sharing the Housework

You may also like to consider how much time you can give to the practical things that we do to keep our ministry functioning efficiently - such things as working bees, hospitality rosters, cleaning, setting up for and cleaning up after worship on Sunday, etc.

f. Sharing the Good News.

We've just been looking primarily at service within the church - to one another. But as members of God's family we will also have opportunities to serve those outside the church structures. Galatians 6:10. Our faith in Christ is something we want to "give away" to others who don't have it. This is important so that the church of God can grow. We see the principle in Matthew 28:18-20 and the practice in Acts 2:42-47. There are two ways in which we serve non-Christians for Christ.

Works. People must see that our actions and the life we lead are honest and consistent with what the Bible teaches. Matthew 5:16.

Words. When we have opportunity we can explain what it means to be a Christian and how others too can become a Christian. 1 Peter 3:15.

As a church we have a variety of 'tools' to help you in the task of giving away your faith. In order to help our members fulfill their responsibility we as a church will offer regular opportunities for training and encouragement in the "how-to" of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others - family, friends, neighbors.

4. "Submission": Following the Leaders.

Submitting myself to her authority and guidance.

We've seen that in the Presbyterian Church we are ruled by Jesus Christ through chosen leaders called elders. By making this vow you're saying that you'll listen to them and respect the role these elders play within the life of the church. Hebrews 13:7, 17.

You can turn to them for advice, help, prayer, guidance etc. Their job, just like everyone else in the church, is to serve the church. Their task is to encourage you in your walk with God, to be a friend and spiritual guide. In order to help them carry out this task pray for them, and encourage them in their work as they encourage you. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13.

5. "Stewardship": Giving back to the Giver.

...and to give of my substance, as the Lord may prosper me, for the advancement of his kingdom throughout the world.

Here the word substance refers to your personal resources, energies, money, possessions, etc. Ultimately all these come to you from God's hand. Your task is to exercise good stewardship - to use them for his service. This involves more than mere giving but is an attitude of the heart, a right perspective on all you have and own. 1 Corinthians 9:6-8, Mark 12:41-44.

This, in part, includes regular, weekly giving of money to the Lord. It's important to understand that the offering is not given to the church but is rather a direct monetary giving to the Lord. Philippians 4:14-19. This giving is strictly between you and God. The Bible gives us certain principles to guide us in the matter of giving.

a. Attentive giving - Regularity.

God's Word is clear that our giving should be regular. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2. Thus we have a weekly offering. Practically speaking, this allows the church to budget.

Of all the principles for giving we consider this one of the most important. Some folk don't give for the weeks they're not present. We encourage people to decide in their hearts what they're going to give each week and give it every week (52 weeks/year). Absence from worship isn't the way God wants you to save a dollar.

b. Attitude of giving - Cheerfulness.

This is an important attitude of giving. 2 Corinthians 9:7-8. Even a million dollars given ungratefully will not please the Lord. We give out of thankful hearts, showing gratitude for all God has done for us in saving us and in providing for us day by day. Mark 12:41-44.

c. Amount of giving - Tithing.

While there's no amount set in the New Testament, many Christians follow as a principle the Old Testament law of giving a tithe. This sets a regular amount of 10% of our income for the Lord's work. Some may be able to give more - this isn't discouraged. Ultimately, each person must search his or her own heart before the Lord on this matter.

But always remember: "You can't outgive God". See Malachi 3:6-12.

d. Accounts of giving - Three Examples.

The following three examples are given special recognition by God, and commended for their willingness to sacrifice in the matter of giving. The final example of Jesus giving his life for our sakes is our supreme example and pattern for giving. God wants our giving to reflect his.

The Poor Widow.

"She, out of her poverty, put in everything - all she had to live on." Mark 12:41-44.

The Struggling Churches

"And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints." 2 Corinthians 8:1-5.

The Rich Savior

"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." 2 Corinthians 8:9.

Conclusion

These promises must only be made when you understand them and are sure you will honor them. We all have to give an account of ourselves to God one day and that includes the manner in which we have kept these promises and the responsibilities that accompany them.

Having appreciated and experienced how good and generous the Lord has been to us these vows make sense and are an appropriate response for us to make. They are our way of saying "thank you" to God.