215. What are some of the privileges and responsibilities of memvers of the Church?
A. We should regularly receive the Word and Sacraments within the community of beleivers.
John 8:31-32 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in Him, "If you abide in My Word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
John 15:5 I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.
Colossians 3:16 Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
B. We should belong to congregations that confess and teach the pure Word of God.
Acts 17:11 Now these Jews [in Berea] were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the Word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.
2 Corinthians 6:14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?
2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
C. We should beware of and avoid false teachings, false teachers, and organizations that promote false teachings.
Matthew 7:15-16 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravening wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
Galatians 1:8 But even if we or an angel from Heaven should preach to you a Gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.
Romans 16:17-18 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
D. We should tell others about Jesus, participate in works of mercy and service, and support the ministry of the Church with prayer and financial gifts.
John 20:21 Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, even so I am sending you."
Luke 10:2 And He said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."
Galatians 6:6 Let the one who is taught the Word share all good things with the one who teaches.
Read Peter's words in Acts 2:17-39 and about supporting the ministry in Philippians 4:16-19. Read also 2 Corinthians 8-9 to show how St. Paul was collecting money for the poor saints in Jerusalem so that all might see that the Church is one.
Eventual commentary
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