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NASB | Hebrews 10:25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Hebrews 10:25 not forsaking our meeting together [as believers for worship and instruction], as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more [faithfully] as you see the day [of Christ's return] approaching. |
Subject: Church membership scriptural? |
Bible Note: Hi Messiah's child, My sister became a member of her church for the purpose of serving in the Sunday School. She does not believe in "church membership", as such, but does not consider it to violate her faith. Since she believes that God led her to that particular congregation, and that God wants her to serve in the Sunday School, and that congregation has by-laws which require church membership in order to serve in the Sunday School, she became a member. The reason that her church requires membership to qualify someone to serve is that it gives the church leadership greater legal control in the eventuality of someone mis-using their position, or showing themself to be reprobate. So it is ultimately for the protection of the sheep. My congregation does not have formal membership, and sometimes its a wonder that we get anything done, and yet much is done. So my thought is, if you have to go through some ritual as a prerequisite to serve where God has put you, so long as it doesn't go against your faith, its a small thing to do. If if goes against your faith, don't do it. Pray. Pray. Pray. I hope this adds something to this discussion! Love in Christ, Mark |