When the Roll is Called Up Yonder: Is Church Membership Biblical?
Confession: Heidelberg Catechism, QA 85; Belgic Confession, Article 28
Scripture: Psalm 87; Matthew 16:13-27, 18:18-20 (Read from ESV)
Preacher: Rev. David Inks
Sermon Outline:
Introduction
I. Earthly Rolls
II. Heavenly Rolls
III. The Rolls United
IV. The Rock and Rolls
Conclusion
Sermon Video:
https://youtu.be/N1XBPJu5J2k
The Heidelberg Catechism
Q&A 85
Q. HOW IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN CLOSED AND OPENED BY CHRISTIAN DISCIPLINE?
A. According to the command of Christ:
If anyone, though called a Christian, profess unchristian teachings or lives an unchristian life, if after repeated brotherly counsel, he refuses to abandon his errors and wickedness, and, if after being reported to the church, that is, to its officers, he fails to respond also to their admonition—such a one the officers exclude from the Christian fellowship by withholding the sacraments from him, and God himself excludes him from the kingdom of Christ.
Such a person, when he promises and demonstrates genuine reform, is received again as a member of Christ and of his church.
Belgic Confession:
ARTICLE 28. Every One Is Bound To Join Himself To The True Church
We believe, since this holy congregation is an assembly of those who are saved, and outside of it there is no salvation, that no person of whatsoever state or condition he may be, ought to withdraw from it, content to be by himself; but that all men are in duty bound to join and unite themselves with it; maintaining the unity of the Church; submitting themselves to the doctrine and discipline thereof; bowing their necks under the yoke of Jesus Christ; and as mutual members of the same body, serving to the edification of the brethren, according to the talents God has given them.
And that this may be the more effectually observed, it is the duty of all believers, according to the Word of God, to separate themselves from all those who do not belong to the Church, and to join themselves to this congregation, wheresoever God has established it, even though the magistrates and edicts of princes were against it, yea, though they should suffer death or any other corporal punishment. Therefore all those who separate themselves from the same or do not join themselves to it act contrary to the ordinance of God.
Scripture Reading:
Psalm 87 King James Version (KJV)
1 His foundation is in the holy mountains. 2 The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. 3 Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah. 4 I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there. 5 And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her. 6 The Lord shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah. 7 As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee.