The same thing can be said about those who are “passive” as members of a congregation, those who really are not much more than mere “spectators,”—“Just along for the ride,” so to speak. When one “places membership,” one should do so with the intent of being an actual functioning member, and not a mere “appendage”of the Body of Christ. “Placing membership” involves making real commitments to that local congregation. Because of the seriousness of these real commitments, we should pray for other Christians, especially those who are members of our congregation.

And then, “placing membership” involves submitting to the elders of that local congregation. It also involves and includes attending and participating in the assemblies of the congregation. As the Hebrew writer says, “and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, but encouraging one another,” Hebrews 10:24 and 25. [“and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 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.” (Revised Standard Version)] We can’t escape the “corporate nature” of our gathering together. As we do that, as we “stir one another up,” as we “encourage one another”by our attendance, by our being present, by our participation in the worship service, then we each one benefit from that. Assembling together should not merely be a routine to perform, but rather, assembling together should be recognized as a God-given provision for our spiritual good.

As we are a part of a local congregation—as we are members of that local church of Christ—we are also then to contribute financially to the work of that congregation. We are also to engage personally and directly in the work of the congregation. We should help maintain the unity of the congregation. We should extend courtesy and hospitality and we should do our very best to find an individual role to fulfill where we might be a functioning—an active—part of that local Body of Christ.

There is much more that we could say about the togetherness, about the connection that we have as Christians, but let me point out that much of the joy of being in Christ comes from our relationship with other Christians. We see that John had great joy when he heard of others walking in the Truth, 3 John 3, verse 4. [“For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the Truth that is in you, just as you walk in the Truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in Truth.”] And Paul had joy when he remembered his fellowship with others, Philippians 1, verses 3 through 5. [“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the Gospel from the first day until now.”]

Can we not see the importance of being connected together—of being connected to other Christians?!! This connection is not only crucial to having joy, but to remaining faithful to the Lord, experiencing all the blessings that the Lord provides for his servants, and being encouraged by others to be diligent in fulfilling our responsibilities as Christians.

Let me close the lesson this morning with these questions for you to consider:

Are you at this time a functioning part of the Body of Christ?

Do you feel that you are really connected with other Christians?

If the answer to one or both of those questions as you honestly consider them is “No,” then I ask you to consider, “Why not?” Why don’t you feel as though you are a functioning part—a member, remember—a limb of the body? Why don’t you feel as though you are a functioning member of the Body of Christ? Why don’t you feel that you are connected to other Christians? Is it that you have allowed yourself to become disconnected or disassociated with the Body of which you were once a part?

If that describes your condition, then won’t you decide today to make a commitment? Make a commitment to the Lord—make a commitment to this Body of Christ that meets here in this place—to return to your rightful place within the Body.

If the answer to your question as to whether or not you feel as though you are a functioning part of the Body of Christ and connected to other Christians is “No,” then is it that you have never joined with this local Body of Christ? If that is your situation, then will you not this very day decide to stop trying to live and to function as an independent appendage of the Body. Join yourself to this Body of Christians and become an active and working member of this congregation.

If you are here today and you have not yet been obedient to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, then won’t you this day come? Come believing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, willing to confess His Name before men, willing and ready to repent of your sins, and then obediently and willingly be baptized for the remission of your sins. Then you will be joined by God Himself to the Body of Christ, to that universal Body of Christ, and we will embrace you, then, as a part of this local fellowship!

Consider these questions today.