"Two thousand years ago when someone was baptized, publicly professing their faith in Christ, they were willing to die for the Lord. We don't have that situation today [in North America]; however, no one should be considered a member of the Lord's local church today who is not willing to live for Him. At FairHavens Baptist Church we require all members to be faithful to the services of the church. Potential members are taught that they have the same responsibility to the church that the pastor has. If the pastor misses a service to watch some sports activity on television or to visit family, the people should find a new pastor. If a church member skips church for something like that, the church member should be instructed to get in line or find a church that allows a cheap membership. Obviously, there are going to be times when the pastor or people will be away; however, if the church that Christ 'purchased with his own blood' is no more than an add-on in life, it is an insult to the Lord. At FairHavens Baptist Church members are required to be loyal to the pastor and to one another. That does not mean they will never disagree. It means they will disagree scripturally. It means if they have a problem they will 'go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone' (Matthew 18:15). Those who are guilty of 'sowing discord among the brethren' should be subject to church discipline." (Bob Kirkland, "Biblical Qualifications for Church Membership," Lifting Up the Standard, Sept. 1, 2014, www.fairhavensbaptist.net) Comments are closed.
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