Last week we looked at the seven things a person must believe to be saved. This coming Lord’s Day, as the Lord allows, I will preach on the “Second Tier” of doctrinal triage on what a person must believe to be a member of a local church.

1. Of course, to be a member of a local church a person must be saved – therefore, they must believe the seven things you have to believe to be saved:

– The existence of God! Cf. Hebrews 11:6

– The deity of Jesus Christ! Cf. John 8:24

– The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead! Cf. Romans 10:9

– The necessity of repentance! Cf. Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 17:30

– The necessity of a present and active faith in Jesus Christ! Cf. John 3:18, 36

– Jesus Christ as the only possible source of salvation! Cf. John 14:6; Acts 4:12

– Salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone Cf. Ephesians 2:8-10

2. I am speaking, of course, as the Pastor of a Local Baptist Church; so, the things I believe one must believe to be a member of a local church means “a local Baptist Church!” So, think about these questions and how they apply to the requirements for local church membership:

– What should a member of a Baptist Church believe about the nature and authority of the Holy Scriptures?

– Why is it important that we agree on who “runs” the local church and how we relate to other churches?

– How should members see their role within the life and work of the Church? Who is primarily tasked with doing the work of the church?

– Christians differ over what some call “sacraments” and others call “ordinances.” What is your view on these subjects? What are they and how many of them are there?

– Who has the right to tell church members what to believe? How much conformity should the church impose, if any?

– What is the basic, bottom line, number one requirement for a church member? What would be number two?

– Who are the God-appointed leaders of a local church?

– How should the local church relate to government?

3. Why do you think (if you do) that a person who wants to be a member of a Baptist Church should agree with the doctrinal statements in the Baptist Faith and Message 2000?

– Do you think it is OK for members of a Baptist Church to believe more than the things listed in the Baptist Faith and Message 2000?

– Do you think it is OK for members of a Baptist Church to believe less than the things listed in the Baptist Faith and Message 2000?

I truly think that this will be a very profitable study for you and your family. I hope to see you Sunday with a smile on your face, your Bible in your hand, and your family and friends by your side!