Three Seasons Community Church– 5-27-07

Are you Rowin’, Roastin’ or Rockin’ this boat called Three Seasons Community Church.

Our prayer is that you would commit to rowin’ with us to accomplish what God has called us to do.

The Membership Commitment [Class 101] is a commitment to Christ and Three Seasons Community Church

The Maturity Commitment, [Class 201] is a commitment to the habits necessary for spiritual growth.

The Ministry Commitment [Class 301] is a commitment to discovering and using my God-given gifts and abilities in serving God and others.

The Missions Commitment [Class 401] is the commitment to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others.

Why do we have these commitments? We become what we're committed to!!

1. A Biblical Reason. Christ is committed to the church and it shows obedience to what He is committed to.

Ephesians 5:25 says, "Christ loved the church and gave His life for it."

The Bible has many other references to the Church: A Building– 1 Corinthians 3:9; Christ The Builder– Matthew 16:18; Christ The Cornerstone– Ephesians 2:19-20; A Living Body– 1 Corinthians 12:27; Christ The Head– Colossians 2:19; A Flock– Luke 12:32; Christ The Shepherd– John 10:11; A Bride– Revelation 21:2; Christ The Bridegroom– John 3:29; Branches Of The Vine– John 15:2; A Temple– 1 Corinthians 3:16; Christ The High Priest– Hebrews 4:15

2. A Cultural Reason. It is an antidote to our society.

We live in an age where very few people want to be committed to anything ... a job, a marriage, a church, a country.

People want to and need to be connected to a healthy church family since so many people come from dysfunctional or non-existent biological families!

3. A Practical Reason. It defines who can be counted on.

4. A Personal Reason. Membership produces spiritual growth.

James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

Acts 2:46 (NIV) Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,

You can't be accountable when you're not committed to any specific church family.

Are we the Perfect Church? NO

Will we hurt one another– yes Is that our intention– no

When hurt happens we must go to one another and work it out!

Matthew 18:15-17 "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. [16] But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' [17] If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

Hebrews 12:1 (NLT) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us.

Col. 3:8-10 (CEV) But now you must stop doing such things. You must quit being angry, hateful, and evil. You must no longer say insulting or cruel things about others. [9] And stop lying to each other. You have given up your old way of life with its habits. [10] Each of you is now a new person. You are becoming more and more like your Creator, and you will understand him better.

Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV) Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. [32] Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

Membership Commitment: "Having received Christ as my Lord and Savior and been baptized, and being in agreement with Three Seasons statements, strategy, and structure, I now feel led by the Holy Spirit to unite with the Three Seasons church family. In doing so, I commit myself to God and to the other members to do the following..."

1. I will protect the unity of my church by:

acting in love toward the other members

refusing to gossip

following the leaders.

2. I will share the responsibility of my church by:

praying for its growth

inviting the unchurched to attend

warmly welcoming those who visit.

3. I will serve the ministry of my church by:

discovering my gifts and talents

being equipped to serve

developing a servant's heart. Take 301.

4. I will support the testimony of my church by:

attending faithfully

living a godly life

giving regularly. Take 201.

Am I Rowin’, Roastin’ or Rockin’ this boat called Three Seasons Community Church.

Am I willing to begin or continue Rowin’ and commit to membership in Three Seasons Community Church?

Have I signed up for a 101 Class?