A Faithful Church Member
Overview
A Faithful Church Member analyzes the purpose of church membership and the 15 characteristics that make up a faithful church member. In it, Joel R. Beeke shows us, through Ephesians 4:10–16, that membership in the church is all about Christ. He focuses on Christ’s word, his person, his people, his cause, and his image, and examines what it means to be a faithful member of Christ’s body in three areas of life: personal, public, and practical. This volume includes Bible study questions, making it perfect for individual or group study.
The Logos Bible Software edition of this volume is designed to encourage and stimulate your study and understanding of Christian traditions. Scripture passages link directly to your English translations and to the original language texts, and important concepts link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. In addition, you can perform powerful searches by topic and find what other authors, scholars, and theologians have to say about church membership, the Lord’s Supper, and evangelicalism.
- Addresses the purpose of church membership
- Discusses what it means to be a member of Christ’s body in personal, public, and practical means
- Includes bible study questions
- The Problem
- Mark One: Receiving Christ’s Word
- Mark Two: Union with Christ’s Person
- Mark Three: Connected to Christ’s People
- Mark Four: Serving Others for Christ
- Mark Five: Growing into Christ’s Image
- Be Faithful to Christ and His Body
Top Highlights
“The primary tool the Carpenter-King uses to build the House of God is his Word, first of all as taught by the pastors and teachers of his church. Therefore, the first mark of a faithful church member is receiving Christ’s Word—not merely as an individual reading his Bible at home but also as a church member listening to the Word proclaimed by the pastors and teachers of a local church and applying it to his life.” (Pages 11–12)
“As you go to church, remind yourself that you are going to the throne of God to hear him speak. John Calvin (1509–1564) wrote: ‘Whenever the gospel is preached, it is as if God himself came into the midst of us.’3 What an awesome thought! When you sit before a preacher, stir up your mind to listen actively, as one who hears the living voice of God.” (Pages 13–14)
“Obedience is the best expression of love for Christ” (Page 20)
“Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:10–16 that membership in the church is all about Christ” (Page 9)
“ the strength of the church depends upon the strength of our friendships.” (Page 28)
This concise account of what it means to be a faithful church member is exactly on target. All of us (yes, you too) need to see God’s central design for our lives as including ‘church.’ Too often, the church is a Cinderella figure: ignored and forgotten. Dr. Beeke’s summary will challenge all who read it to both reflection and repentance. Essential reading.
—Derek W. H. Thomas, professor of systematic and historical theology, Reformed Theological Seminary
This is an enriching study of what it means to be in membership of the church. Joel Beeke’s careful, Bible based study of this important theme will go a long way to addressing the prevalent culture of casual church membership, and will be a useful resource both for current and prospective members who want to be serious about their commitment to Christ.
—Iain Campbell, pastor, Point Free Church, Isle of Lewis, Scotland
I am delighted to commend this short but very relevant booklet of Dr. Beeke on the duties and privileges of church membership. If these principles are taken to heart they will revolutionize the attitude of modern Christians to the real meaning of church membership and could lead to the revival which we should all be praying for.
—Maurice Roberts, minister, Greyfriars Congregation, Inverness, Scotland
- Title: A Faithful Church Member
- Author: Joel R. Beeke
- Publisher: Evangelical Press
- Publication Date: 2011
- Pages: 48