The Christians Obligations to the Local Congregation

Introduction:
We are all familiar with obligations.  They have become a part of our lives.  We are obligated financially to our creditors, obligated to our spouse & children to love and care for them, and obligated to our employers to do a good days work in exchange for our paycheck.  Most importantly, though, we are obligated to Jesus Christ and need to have a commitment in our lives to obey Him.  Eph. 4:11-16 gives us an example of the Lord's plan for edifying the church.
I.  Why are we obligated to Christ?
    A.  Because of salvation from past sins.
        1.  Rom. 5:8-9 - Christ alone saved us!
        2.  1 Pet. 1:18-21 - we have been saved through His blood.
    B.  Because there is no salvation without Christ - 2 Tim. 2:10
    C.  We made a covenant w/Christ when we obeyed the gospel!
        1.  Heb. 8:12-13 - Lord promises forgiveness of sin & hope of eternal salvation.
        2.  Mt. 7:21 - covenant agreement between two parties - are we fulfilling our agreement?
II.  How are we obligated to the local church?
    A.  Must be members of the local congregation.
        1.  Roving memberships not found in the New Testament.
        2.  Eph. 4:16 - each member to do his part!
        3.  Upon becoming a Christian - must follow through in Saul's example - Acts 9:26-30
        4.  Membership means more than affiliation with a congregation!
    B.  The Christian must attend all services.
        1.  Can't have fellowship when forsaking the assembling.
            a.  Many commands but one will work - Heb. 10:25-26
        2.  Important people draw crowds.  e.g., Bill Clinton, Bill Janklow, Troy Aikman
            a.  What about Jesus?
            b.  Mt. 18:20 - Jesus at all services - what about you?
    C.  We are obligated financially.
        1.  More about giving in Bible than any subject.
            a.  2 Cor. 8:7 - must abound in this grace.
        2.  Mal. 1:6-8 - God never satisfied with leftovers.
    D.  We are obligated to maintain the purity of the church.
        1.  Eph. 5:25-27 - Christ sanctified and cleansed the church.  This cost Him His life.
        2.  Responsibility of everyone to fulfill this obligation.
        3.  Col. 3:1; 1 Jhn. 2:13; Rom. 8:5-8 - our affections must be placed in spiritual realm!
        4.  We must have a love for the truth - for spiritual things.
            a.  Mt. 6:24 - we will love one or hate the other.
            b.  Mt. 12:30 - can't hate evil & desire it too.

We owe our obedience to Jesus!?
Are you fulfilling your obligation to the local church?