Ripe for Harvest

304 • R IPE FOR H ARVEST

V. There is only one Body of Christ, meeting in different gatherings or assemblies (Eph. 4.4), and all believers in Christ are members of it. You become a member of the Body of Christ by accepting Christ as Savior, and being baptized in obedience to His commandment. How do the following Scriptures help us understand this process?

A. John 1.12-13

B. Eph. 2.8-9

C. Acts 2.38-47

D. Matt. 28.18-20

Being a member of a local church is important if we are to grow up into maturity in Him.

• Christ commands our place in His body • Our task demands all members of the body • Our church understands its significance

VI. Three essential commitments exist in order for membership in the Body of Jesus to be effective.

A. Commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord, with confession and accompanying lifestyle.

B. Commitment to be baptized in Jesus Christ.

C. Commitment to participate in a local body of believers for edification and growth, Eph. 4.11-16.

VII. We are also called to receive those who . . .

A. Are weak in the faith, those unduly scrupulous about things of moral indifference, Rom. 14.1.

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B. Receive without respect of persons (James 2.1-5), regardless of socio-economic background, race, culture, nationality, or ethnicity.