MEMBER

The first Christians did not merely join the church. They became the church.

Acts 2:42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

Acts 2:43-47  And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

You don’t participate in the church in order to earn your place in the family of God.

We don’t participate so that we can belong.

We participate because we belong.

CELEBRATE – CONNECT – CONTRIBUTE – CARRY

Am I a member of MCC technically or practically?

Why does gathering together matter so much?

In regards to this family… “I want to be a consumer more than I want to be a member.”

Don’t wait till a famine to realize you need a family.

“I’m not a good person”

“There’s got to be more to life than this”

“I need help”

Luke 14:18-19 – I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’

Guilt

Management

System

We gather because something happened that deserves a celebration.

Familiarity can turn a miracle into the mundane.

Entitlement begins when yesterday’s miracle becomes today’s expectation.

Slide- “WHAT DID I GET OUT OF IT ?”

Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

1. You need the church

2. The church needs you.

3. Jesus ministers among his people.

You are not merely a recipient when you gather with the church.

You are a participant.

“Do I need to go this week ? ”

“What if somebody needs me?”

Church attendance is not only about what happens when you attend.

It’s also about what doesn’t happen through you when you stay home.

1 Corinthians 12:12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.

Luke 15:32 – It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”