1. It identifies you as a genuine believer.
“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,” (Ephesians 2:19, ESV)
“…in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another.” (Romans 12:5, HCSB
2. It provides a spiritual family to support and encourage you in your walk with Christ.
“Brothers, if someone is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so you also won’t be tempted. Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:1–2, HCSB)
“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24–25, NLT)
3. It gives you a place to discover and use your gifts in ministry.
“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” (1 Corinthians 12:4–7, NLT)
4. It places you under spiritual protection of godly leaders.
“Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.” (Hebrews 13:17, NLT
“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.” (Acts 20:28–29, NIV84)
5. It gives you the accountability you need to grow.
“And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21, NLT)
NextSteps Membership Class will be offered August 17, 2014 from 4:30-7:00 p.m. Childcare is provided. Call the church office (904-642-2288) to register or use the Communication Card in your Sunday bulletin. Take the Next Step in your spiritual journey by becoming a member of this congregation.