What it means to be a

1. What it means to be a Christian

2. In this study we will notice: • What is a Christian? • Becoming a Christian • What hinders me from becoming a Christian? • Growing as a Christian • What hinders me from growing? • The Christian and the body of Christ • The Christian and others • Am I done yet? What it means to be a Christian What it means to be a Christian?

3. The Body of Christ & the Christian

4. What is the church? • Not a building, but relationship • Universally, all who are saved • Locally, descriptive of a group of the saved who join together in an “ordered, arranged and organized” way work and worship as the local church. The church, the body of Christ The body ofChrist & the Christian

5. What is the church? • As we join together we become a body of His people – Ephesians 1:22-23, 4:15, 5:23, Colossians 1:18 The church, the body of Christ The body ofChrist & the Christian

6. The body of Christ • A body is a unified entity in which every part functions with other parts 1 Corinthians 12:12-27Romans 12:4-5 • As Christians we are part of His body! We have a function! The church, the body of Christ The body ofChrist & the Christian

7. Why should I be involved? • Because of what the church is: • Ephesians 3:10, 11, a part of God’s eternal purpose • Matthew 16:18-19, built by Jesus • Acts 20:28, purchased with His own blood The church, the body of Christ The body ofChrist & the Christian

8. Why should I be involved? • God wants me to be part of a local church • Much of the NT written to local churches • There are many things to be done collectively by the church • Many of these letters addressed to churches and the saints that make them up – 1 Corinthians 1:2, 10Colossians 4:15-16 The church, the body of Christ The body ofChrist & the Christian

9. Why should I be involved? • Other than temporary circumstances, you do not find those simply choosing to be saints without being part of a local church • Consider Paul – Acts 9:19, 25-26; 11:25-26, 13:1 The church, the body of Christ The body ofChrist & the Christian

10. Why should I be involved? • Some may hesitate to identify with a local congregation • Some don’t know enough about the congregation – this is only valid for so long! • Some don’t want to be under the authority of elders. Hebrews 13:17 1 Thess. 5:12-13 • Why would you NOT want to be built up? The church, the body of Christ The body ofChrist & the Christian

11. Why should I be involved? • As part of the body, I must do my part! • Ephesians 4:16, 11-121 Corinthians 12:25-27cf. Hebrews 10:24-25 • I will be accountable for this – 2 Corinthians 5:10,cf. Galatians 6:5 The church, the body of Christ The body ofChrist & the Christian

12. Why should I be involved? • The future of the church depends on it! cf. Luke 18:8 • For the sake of her purity1 Timothy 3:15Cf. 1 Corinthians 5:1-7Revelation 2:12-17, 18-23 The church, the body of Christ The body ofChrist & the Christian

13. Why should I be involved? • Because I want to grow as a Christian! • To choose to neglect the church in one’s life does so at a spiritual loss. You miss the strength she can provide and a family that cares for your soul The church, the body of Christ The body ofChrist & the Christian

14. Realize this is not a suggestion! • Realize you can do something! • You can let your light shine – Matthew 5:13-16, Titus 2:11-12 • You can attend as often as possible • You can worship properly – John 4:24, 1 Corinthians 14:15 Growing within the body of Christ The body ofChrist & the Christian

15. Realize you can do something! • You can give • You can build up your brethren • You can study and pray – as you grow personally, you grow within the congregation! Cf. Hebrews 5:12-14, 1 Peter 3:15 Growing within the body of Christ The body ofChrist & the Christian

16. How important is the church to me? • Our mindset helps determine this. You MUST see this spiritual body as important.Something worth investing in. • A spiritual investment – devoting time, resources, talents and energy for her Growing within the body of Christ The body ofChrist & the Christian

17. How important is the church to me? • Invest with your material things – 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 • Where you put your resources will increase your concerns and desire to see her succeed. Growing within the body of Christ The body ofChrist & the Christian

18. How important is the church to me? • Invest in Bible classes – • A quality of a strong church • To grow, attend classes! • To REALLY grow, invest time and efforts. Cf. Ezra 7:10 Growing within the body of Christ The body ofChrist & the Christian

19. How important is the church to me? • Invest in Bible classes by teaching – • The greatest growth will come if you seek to teach according to your ability. 2 Timothy 2:2 • Consider Hebrews 5:12, “By this time you ought to be teachers” Growing within the body of Christ The body ofChrist & the Christian

20. How important is the church to me? • Invest in Bible classes by teaching – • You ARE needed! If all who can will teach, others are relieved from being overly burdened. • Yes, it is a challenge and a sacrifice, but the rewards are tremendous, including growing as a Christian! Growing within the body of Christ The body ofChrist & the Christian

21. How important is the church to me? • Invest in your brethren – • They are your greatest source of strength when you are struggling. • Make them your spiritual family! Be there for one another – Romans 12:9-13, 1 Thessalonians 5:14, Hebrews 3:12-13 Growing within the body of Christ The body ofChrist & the Christian

22. The strength of the Lord’s church tomorrow depends upon how strong we make her today! What if everyone were like me? What would happen to this church?

23. How important is this church to you?