“Why Join a Church?”
Ephesians 5:25

“ Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;”

I. Because Jesus loves His Church

A) He gave himself for it

• Sacrifices will be made for something you love
• We are to follow our great example (Jesus)

II. We should follow other good examples

A) The New Testament Church

• Acts 2:41
• First, Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: In other words...they heard the word of God preached, felt convicted by the Holy Spirit, were saved and baptized.
• Secondly, and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. Now they joined the church.
• Thirdly, And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Here is the hard part. They continued to unite without fail in every service, prayer, bible reading, fellowship of all sorts.

III. We Can Identify with that Church

A) I agree with their beliefs

• Verse 47... Praising God, and having favour with all the people.”
• When you join a church, a club, a committee, a group, a league, then you are saying... “I'm one of them.”

IV. Because of the Love

A) For each another

• Love one another with a Christ-like love. John 17:20,21
• “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us:”
• When you love something, you want to be a part of it.
• I John 3:16 Make sacrifices for our brethren

B) The Love for God

• I John 5:3 Keep his commandments
• Deuteronomy 30:16

V. Because All Should Know of Christ

A) A true church will support missions

• Matthew 28:19 Go ye, or send ye.
• How will they know about Christ if we don't send someone?

VI. To Enjoy True Fellowship

A) Both good and pleasant Ï Psalms 133:1-3