Grace Gospel Church

Lesson Five - The Local Church

In order to have a healthy spiritual life, one should identify with a local church. The New Testament places a very strong emphasis upon the local church. Once again our authority for the local church does not come from a man-driven program, but God’s pattern and design for His people. The local church, in spite of her shortcomings can offer you as a believer, fellowship that you will not find elsewhere.

I. The importance of the local church.

The frequency of the use of the word in the local sense. (94 times).

Nine of Paul’s epistles were addressed to local churches.

Three of Paul’s epistles are called “pastoral” because they contain instructions relating to leadership in and instruction to local churches (1&2 Timothy, Titus).

Paul’s letter to Philemon was also addressed to “the church in thy house.”

The book of Revelation was addressed to seven local churches (Rev. 1:4).

II. The membership of the local church.

Necessity of membership is never questioned in the New Testament. It is taken for granted.

Conditions for church membership.

a) A regenerated heart. Romans 10:9,10; Acts 2:38-41
b) Believers baptism. Acts 2:41
c) Christian behavior. 2 Corinthians 5August 20, 2006. The ordinances of the local church.

Believers baptism

Lord’s Table (1 Corinthians 11:23-34)

IV. The responsibilities of the member of the local church

Faithfulness in attendance. Hebrews 10:25

Faithfulness in stewardship. 2 Corinthians 8,9

Faithfulness in service. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11

Please remember that the church is not an organization, but a living organism. It is established by the Lord and will ultimately be presented to Him as His bride. He will build His church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it! Matthew 16:18

Last Updated August 20, 2006