It’s true that every Christian is a “member” of the “church” universal, but what about, local? Actually in the Bible that’s how a Christian “member” is defined(1Cor.1:2). A Christian is not only a member of the church universal, but also local.
So what does a member look like?
Some churches have “formal memberships” to their church — while this is not the case at Calvary Chapel — we do believe in being a “member” of the church. That’s why we’re encouraging every Christian to be a “N.T. Member In 2011” which stands for a “New Testament Member In 2011!” That’s what we want to be at CCA(Calvary Chapel Auburn) to the glory of Jesus Christ, the King and Lord!
#1 “N.T. (CCA) Member 2011” Commit to be trained for Christian growth (Discipleship!) (John 8:31-32; Acts 2:42; Romans 10:17; Eph 4:11-16)
#2 “N.T. (CCA) Member 2011” Grow in love with our/your Father, the Heavenly Father. Have your identity, value, and security in nothing else than the Father in Christ. Cut out the thinking that God is a “means to an end!” (I Jn 3:1-2; Rom 8:15; Col 3:3)
#3 “N.T. (CCA) Member 2011” “PLANT A TREE:” invest in the “Soil” of the community. “Volunteer” short term or long term! “…joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” (Eph. 4:16).
#4 “N.T. (CCA) Member 2011” never tear believers apart! Be a responsible local Christian and global Christian. Understand that differences will exist among Christians. Commit to “Unity in diversity”. “In the essentials, unity. Non-essentials, liberty. In all things, love!”(Jn 13:35; 1Cor 1:10-13; Rom 16:17)
#5 “N.T. (CCA) Member 2011” see Placer County as a Mission Field. Be Missional. Be a part of planting the “seed” of the Gospel in this generation. The church that fails to evangelize will fossilize! e.g. “Don’t be the Dead Sea!” (Matt 28:18-20; Matt 9:37-38; 1 Cor 3:9)
#6 “N.T. (CCA) Member 2011” add your voice to the praise of the King. “If Jesus led a hymn would you sing along?” (Heb 13:5; Matt 26:30; I Tim 2:8)
#7 “N.T. (CCA) Member 2011” support the ministry of the church financially! (1Cor 16:1-2; 2 Cor 9:7; Mal 3:10)
#8 “N.T. (CCA) Member 2011” turn from all secret sin because you are linked to others and your influence will either add to the ministry of the Gospel or it will weaken it. (Acts 5)
#9“N.T. (CCA) Member 2011” make a genuine profession of faith in Jesus Christ and to be baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Matt 28:18-20; Acts 2:38; Rom 6:4)
#10 “N.T. (CCA) Member 2011” make the profession “I am a Jesus Christ follower!” Be His hands and feet to help meet Physical, Emotional and most important, Spiritual needs! (Matt 16:24; Matt 9:37-38)
Are you in?
100% !!! best teaching on what a Christian is and what it means to be a member of the church that i’ve heart. incredible. the Lord is blessing!!
I’m in! Praise the Lord!!!
I love, “I am a Jesus Christ follower!”
So needed and what an opportunity the church has in 2011.
“Speaking with a loud voice for all to hear:
I am a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit Power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I won’t look back, let up, back away or be still I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, worldly talking, cheap giving and dwarfed goals. I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, promotions, positions, possessions or popularity.
I don’t have to be right, first, recognized, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence and labor by His love. I will not be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed.
My past is forgiven, my future is secure, my face is set, my goal is heaven, the road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, but my Guide is reliable, and my mission is clear.
I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
And when Jesus comes for His own He will have no problem recognizing me in a crowd; for my banner will be clear!!! I LOVE JESUS. JESUS LOVES YOU!”
These truths are essential for every genuine believer. Those believers are part of a local “flock of God.” Peter used this phrase for membership he exhorted the Elders to shepherd.
Shepherd the flock of God which is among you…
Greg
God bless you for calling us out. Julie and I stand with you, though we may stumble the Lord will not let us go.
So, it is easy to be in the crowd of Jesus followers [like those throughout Luke’s Gospel] but not so easy to carry the cross.
After we “come in” and find salvation (Luke 14: 23); We must “come to” Him for our cross (Luke 14:26); & then “come after” Him in obedience to His will (Luke 14:27)
Lord i believe- help my unbelief. Lord I have faith- increase my faith.
Lord I love you- help my forsake all else for you alone!
HELP ME GOD! TO BE WHAT YOU WANT ME TO BE!
He/she looks like us! Calvary Chapel of Auburn. We are the body of Christ!
NOT BY MIGHT NOR BY POWER BUT BY YOUR HOLY SPIRIT,LORD , may we acomplish YOUR work. Amen.
I am a follower of Jesus Christ. You lead ,Lord, and I’ll follow YOU.
marsha- submitting His comment
I’m thankful to be a part of a church with such Godly vision!! Continue to preach Jesus…
I am proud to say I’m a Jesus Christ follower, he is my teacher and my master!!
Can’t wait to serve along side the people of cca this year!!
Hi Pastor Greg! It’s Kristin Avila 🙂 I heard this song on the radio today and totally thought of your sermon on being a follower of Christ. It is like you took the words of your sermon from this song! I was blessed to hear it and go deeper into the meaning of being a follower of Christ. Thanks for painting such a wonderful picture of what it means to FOLLOW Christ.
Here are the lyrics to Chris Tomlin’s “I Will Follow”
Where you go, I’ll go
Where you stay, I’ll stay
When you move, I’ll move
I will follow…
All your ways are good
All your ways are sure
I will trust in you alone
Higher than my side
High above my life
I will trust in you alone
Where you go, I’ll go
Where you stay, I’ll stay
When you move, I’ll move
I will follow you
Who you love, I’ll love
How you serve I’ll serve
If this life I lose, I will follow you
I will follow you
Light unto the world
Light unto my life
I will live for you alone
You’re the one I seek
Knowing I will find
All I need in you alone, in you alone
In you there’s life everlasting
In you there’s freedom for my soul
In you there joy, unending joy
and I will follow
Blessings to all of you great believers in Our Passover Lamb. Passover is coming, a lovely time to learn and soak in Christ and join our Jewish brothers and sisters in God’s Holy Feast. April 19th I think. Mitch’s Passover letter in Jews for Jesus.com says it so sweetly. Welcome back home Sarah! God’s richest blessings to you all. Your sister in Him, Pat