Added To The Church 

Scripture Reading: Acts 4:1-12.

Memory Verse: "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls" (Acts 2:41).

Introduction: In any public and private organizations, membership is considered a "rite of passage" allowing individuals certain privileges and responsibilities not available to most. One might have to pay yearly dues, take an oath of secrecy or commitment, experience some type of initiation, and, when finished, sign a membership card to carry proudly in a wallet or purse. Once membership is completed, a member might have the responsibility to serve as president of the Rotary Club or help the Lions Club give food to needy families or participate in the Quota Club's yearly scholarship programs. While this may be acceptable for clubs and organizations, is this the design God intended for His Church?
  There are two aspects of church membership: Divine and human. Matthew speaks directly to the Divine side of Church membership (Matthew 16:13-19) and Acts speaks directly to the human side. While both exist, neither can be separated from or used against the other. The fact that man can be in Christ apart from a physical Body of believers cannot be used to conclude Church membership is unnecessary, along with its benefits, privileges, and responsibilities. Likewise, it cannot be concluded by the Word of God that every member of Christ's Body must possess a signed membership card with a local church to show he's in "good standing with the organization."
  Church membership must be seen from a biblical viewpoint. By the light of God's Word and the changing power of the Holy Spirit, membership can be unifying as well as a ministry to the Body of Christ and the unsaved world.
  In Isaiah 61:3, the Body is called ". . . trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord." When someone treats church membership lightly, threatening or deciding to withhold their presence from the local congregation during turmoil, the planting of the Lord is torn up. This results in pain, emptiness, division, and, worst of all, disobedience to God's Word. As one man said, "Leaving my Church during problems, or even at all, would be like divorcing the church and the people in it."

Lesson Questions:

1. In confronting the question of Christ's identity, how might Peter typify every believer? Matthew 16:13-19.
The meaning of "Simon Bar-Jona" (or Simon, son of Jona), is quite revealing. "Simon" means "hearing," and "son of Jona," means "son of a Dove." This reveals a spiritual sensitivity that comes through hearing the Holy Spirit, which is likened to a dove.

2. Examine Matthew 16:18 in light of the two different Greek words, "Petra" and "Petras," that mean rock. Simon was called "Petros," specifically signifying "a movable rock," or "stone." The rock Jesus said He would build on is "Petra," meaning a massive bed-rock. What is this solid bed-rock upon which the church is built? 1 Corinthians 3:11.

3. How is the Son of God revealed to every believer? Galatians 1:15,16; Matthew 11:25-27; Romans 10:13-17; John 6:44-46; Luke 10:22.

4. When we confess Christ, what does He do in return? Matthew 16:16-18a; Luke 12:8,9; Mark 8:34-38.

5. What is the first thing a man must do in bringing himself to Christ? Matthew 4:17; Mark 6:7-12; Acts 2:37,38; 26:19,20; 17:28-31; 2 Peter 3:9; Luke 13:1-9.

6. What important element must accompany repentance? Mark 1:15; 16:16; Ephesians 2:8,9; Hebrews 11:6; 6:1; Romans 10:9,10.

7. Is water baptism vital to entrance into the Body of Christ? Romans 6:1-4; Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Acts 2:37,38.

8. What else has God purposed for us to receive? John 1:33; 7:37-39; 16:7-14; Acts 1:4,5,8; 2:33; 19:1-7.