Jean Oathout asks the question, What is
the value of Church Membership?

Many people have no idea what Christ's
thoughts were about it.

What does the Bible tell us about this subject?

A Biblical Reason: Christ committed to the church.

“Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” Eph 5.25

A Practical Reason: Membership defines who can be counted on.

Every team must have a roster. Every school must have an enrollment. Every army must have an enlistment.

Even our country takes a census and requires voters registration. Membership identifies our family.

A Cultural Reason: Membership is an antidote to our society.

We live in an age where very few people want to be committed to anything – a job, a marriage, our country. This attitude has even produced a generation of “church shoppers & hoppers”.

Membership is contrary to the current attitude of consumer religion. The commitment of membership is an unselfish decision which serves others and builds character.

A Personal Reason: Membership produces spiritual growth.

The Bible places a major emphasis on the need for Christians to be accountable to each other for spiritual growth. You cannot be accountable when you’re not committed to any specific church-family.

The difference between attenders and members can be
summed up in one word: Commitment!

(Taken from cfconline.org, Ministries | Christian Fellowship Center
my home church's website. At the top of the page, notice MINISTRIES, and scroll down to membership.

(Google image and emphasis added)

Father, it's evident that church membership is
a commitment and a responsibility. May I take it seriously, and may my own life be a witness to others as to its importance to me.
Open my eyes to opportunities to serve my church in ways that will make a difference, and which will also challenge me.
May I begin to use the talents You've given me.
Thank You for helping me understand that it's
important to You that I join a body of believers to get involved, and to be open to learn from others, as well as to share what You've done in my life.

I ask this in the precious Name of Jesus. Amen.

Today’s Bible verse: Is. 40:31 "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint."

Our quotes for today: Frances Pasch - "Even though our schedules are often filled to the brim, let’s make sure that God
is not left out of the picture. The world is full of distractions, but if
God is not a part of our daily life, we miss valuable opportunities
of communicating with Him. Just as we like to keep touch with our family and friends, God wants regular contact with each of us."
Frances Pasch devotions and poetry

Jentzen Franklin - "Some Christians are tumbleweed Christians, just blowing from church to church. Tumbleweeds are rootless and fruitless, but a tree is planted. Ps. 92:13-14). Be a tree, not a tumbleweed!" (Taken from his book, The Spirit of Python, pg 22)

Some thoughts today: God wants to bless us beyond your usual ways of doing things. He won't give up on you, so you're not to give up either!

- Get ready for God-directed opportunities, so when they come, you can get busy!

- Do you try to "pay your dues" to gain entrance into heaven? It won't do any good, as Jesus paid what was owed by us all! Have you adopted "perfection"? It can become an illness, as it can take control of you and everything you do.

Time to Put Your Foot Down by Sharon Jaynes on 2/27/15

"But almost every time God performs a miracle in the Bible, He requires men and women to participate in that miracle. To take hold of the miracle. To put their foot down.

Raise your staff. (Exodus 14:16)

Throw in a branch. (Exodus 15:25)

Set your foot in the water. (Joshua 3:13)

March around the walls. (Joshua 6:15)

Blow the trumpet. Smash the jars. (Judges 7:20)

Make a cake of bread. (1 Kings 17:7-24)

Gather empty jars. (2 Kings 4:3) ...

(Go to Sharon's page and check out all of them).

(Bold emphasis added)

(Jean's note: We should take a lesson from these biblical folks when it comes to acting upon the salvation Jesus provided by His Crucifixion.

Will we just believe He made a way, and be guilty of neglecting to actually receive His salvation by confessing our sins, receiving His Spirit into ours, and inviting Him to be Savior and Lord of our lives?

I hope not!

If you haven't acted on Christ's invitation, please do it right now. You won't be sorry, as He offers us everything He has in return. Ask Him to lead you to a Bible-believing church, where you'll receive instruction, friendship, and the help you'll need in living out your new faith.

Spend time praying, reading the Bible, and seeking His presence. God is Faithful, my friend. He will not disappoint you!

The Gifts of the Spirit You might want to check out one of these books to help you in your Christian walk.

9th- Tuesday’s post: #69 Maturing in Holiness
C. Peter Wagner

11th- Thursday's post: #70 Reasons for Outward Standards
C. Peter Wagner

13th- Saturday's post: Wisdom Seekers
Joe Stowell

14th- Sunday evening's post: Joy
Ann Wallace