The Importance of Becoming a Member

Wade Webster

For the last several weeks we have been discussing some things that we have learned or can learn about worship from the gym. I am convinced that in just a short time, we will all be in better shape spiritually. In the first lesson, we noticed that we usually feel better after we go to the gym/worship. In the second lesson, we noticed that going to the gym/worship helps us to make better choices. In the third lesson, we noticed that going to the gym/worship needs to be about growth and not about comparison. In the fourth lesson, we noticed that the gym/worship meets a number of needs. In the fifth lesson, we noticed the need to avoid clanging. In the sixth lesson, we saw that two are better than one. In the seventh lesson, we saw that there are a number of tests that will show whether or not the gym/worship are working. In the eighth lesson, we saw the importance of not skipping any part of working out or worship. In this lesson, we will focus on the importance of membership.

One of the first things that people think of when they think of the gym is membership. Although a gym might let a person visit a time or two to decide if they want to be a member, they will not let them do so indefinitely. For one thing, the gym would not survive very long without requiring membership. Gyms need members who attend regularly and contribute financially. An empty parking lot would not entice or produce new members. Empty coffers would not keep the doors open or the lights on. For another thing, it would not be fair to require membership of one person, but not of another. Next, it would discourage commitment. People who are not invested tend to drift and disappear. There is nothing to anchor or keep them attending. Finally, gym membership is about authority and accountability. When a person becomes a member, they agree to submit to the rules of the gym.

When we think of the church, we also think of membership. As you know, the church is described as a body that is made up of many members (Eph. 1:22-23; Rom. 12:4-5). Sadly, many today want all the privileges of membership without any of the responsibilities. They want to float in and out as the mood strikes them and throw a few dollars into the plate. The local congregation can’t count on their attendance (Heb. 10:25) or their contribution (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 9:7). They are not invested in the local congregation and feel no duty to it. This concept is foreign to the New Testament. God wants each congregation to have elders that oversee it (Tit. 1:5) and He wants each Christian to submit to those elders and to obey them (Heb. 13:17). Certain Christians were connected with certain congregations in New Testament times (Rom. 16:3-5; 1 Cor. 16:15; Col. 4:15; Phile. 1:1-2). If you are floating between churches, it is time for you to place membership. It is time for you to settle down for worship and work. It is time for you to let the elders and members know that they can count on you.

As we get ready to worship this week let’s focus on the blessings and the responsibilities of membership. People need to know that they can count on us.

Don’t Skip Leg Day

Wade Webster

For the last several weeks we have been discussing some things that we have learned or can learn about worship from the gym. I am convinced that in just a short time, we will all be in better shape spiritually. In the first lesson, we noticed that we usually feel better after we go to the gym/worship. In the second lesson, we noticed that going to the gym/worship helps us to make better choices. In the third lesson, we noticed that going to the gym/worship needs to be about growth and not about comparison. In the fourth lesson, we noticed that the gym/worship meets a number of needs. In the fifth lesson, we noticed the need to avoid clanging. In the sixth lesson, we saw that two are better than one. In the seventh lesson, we saw that there are a number of tests that will show whether or not the gym/worship are working. In this lesson, we will see the importance of not skipping any part of working out or worship.

People who work out often joke, “Don’t skip leg day.” Of course, the reason that this is funny is because we have all seen guys at the gym with huge chests and bulging arms walking around on tiny legs. They look comical; though, you might not want to say that too loud. Although, if necessary, you could probably outrun them and/or out climb them. After all, they have tiny, underdeveloped legs. Plus, they are top heavy and would probably topple over chasing you. They have put all of their time and attention into one area of their bodies to the neglect of others. They have skipped multiple leg days and it shows.

When it comes to worship, many people do the same thing. They focus on one area to the neglect of others. For example, some focus on the Lord’s Supper. Granted, the Lord’s Supper is extremely important. It is the reason why we come together on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). It is when we remember the death that Jesus died for us (1 Cor. 11:23-26). Yet, some emphasize it above all other acts of worship. In fact, I have known those who stayed in worship only until they had observed this act. Then, they left. In their minds they had done the most important thing. Spiritually speaking, they skipped leg day. I have known others, that didn’t sing or give. They watched others do these things, but they don’t join in (1 Cor. 16:1-2; Eph. 5:19). Spiritually speaking, they skipped leg day. Others bow their heads for prayer, but just listen to the man leading (Acts 2:42). They are not praying with him. The are not mentally adding in the names of the sick that they know or giving thanks for the blessings that they have received. They are skipping leg day. Finally, some are not engaged in the study of God’s word. They are not turning to passages to read along or to check to see if what the preacher is saying is correct (Acts 17:11). They are not taking notes to focus their attention or to retain the study for future reference. They are skipping leg day.

As we get ready to worship this week, let’s focus on each of the acts of worship. Let’s not skip any of them or merely go through the motions in any of them. Let’s give each of them the attention that they deserve.

How Do We Know It Is Working?

Wade Webster

For the last several weeks we have been discussing some things that we have learned or can learn about worship from the gym. I am convinced that in just a short time, we will all be in better shape spiritually. In the first lesson, we noticed that we usually feel better after we go to the gym/worship. In the second lesson, we noticed that going to the gym/worship helps us to make better choices. In the third lesson, we noticed that going to the gym/worship needs to be about growth and not about comparison. In the fourth lesson, we noticed that the gym/worship meets a number of needs. In the fifth lesson, we noticed the need to avoid clanging. In the sixth lesson, we saw that two are better than one. In this lesson, we will see a number of tests that will prove if things are working.

How do you know if the gym is working? It seems to me that there are a number of tests that you can take. First, there is the mirror test. If the gym is working, the mirror will eventually show it. Muscle will appear and fat will disappear. Second, the scale test. Most of us probably hate stepping on to the scale. We hate it because the number is often going up instead of down. If the number is going down, it is much more enjoyable. I am speaking from personal experience. Third, there is the heart test. As you likely know, when doctors are looking for heart problems, they often put the patient through a stress test often involving a treadmill to see how their heart responds. If there are blockages or other problems they will usually show up. Fourth, there is the photo test. Most of us like the camera about as well as we like the scale. By comparing photos from before working out to a month or two in, it is easy to see the differences. Many people take a before and after picture. Fifth, there is the comment test. If the gym is working, people will often note that we look like we have lost weight. Obviously, this is very subjective. Sometimes, people will say what is clearly not so. I’ve had people say things about me having gained weight when I’ve lost weight or my losing weight when I’ve gained it. Still, the comments of people may reveal that things are working. Sixth, there is the strength test. When you are able to increase the weight that you are lifting from week to week or month to month that is proof that the gym is working. Seventh, there is the stamina test. When reps increase or we are able to extend the length of time that we walk or exercise, that is evidence that the gym is working.

How do we know that worship is working? No doubt, some of the same tests apply. First, there is the mirror test. Of course, the mirror is the word of God (Jam. 1:25). If we are growing in our relationship with God, then the mirror of God’s word will reveal it. Second, the scale will show it. Paul wrote, “But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (1 Tim. 4:7-8). If bodily exercise is profitable for a little, and we can see results from it, then we should certainly be able to see results from that which is far more profitable- godliness. Third, the heart will show it. Worship reveals if there are problems in the heart (Acts 8:20-21). Fourth, if worship is changing us, we should be able to see the difference between before and after. Fifth, if worship is benefiting us, others will likely notice it also (Acts 4:13). Sixth, if worship is changing us, then we will see growth in our strength (1 Cor. 16:13; Eph. 6:10). Seventh, we will see growth in our stamina (Heb. 10:36; 12:1).

As we get ready to worship this week, let’s take a few tests to see how worship is working in our lives. If we are worshipping consistently and correctly, it is bound to be making a difference.

Two Are Better Than One

Wade Webster

For the last several weeks we have been discussing some things that we have learned or can learn about worship from the gym. I am convinced that in just a short time, we will all be in better shape spiritually. In the first lesson, we noticed that we usually feel better after we go to the gym/worship. In the second lesson, we noticed that going to the gym/worship helps us to make better choices. In the third lesson, we noticed that going to the gym/worship needs to be about growth and not about comparison. In the fourth lesson, we noticed that the gym/worship meets a number of needs. In the fifth lesson, we noticed the need to avoid clanging. In this lesson, we will see that two are better than one.

I go to the gym alone. I always have. However, I see many who don’t. They come to the gym with someone or meet up with someone at the gym. I can see some definite advantages to this approach. On days when you might not otherwise go to the gym, having someone to remind you or to push you to go can make the difference. Not only can someone help us get to the gym, they can make the whole gym experience more enjoyable and profitable. For one thing, they make the time pass faster. Time always passes faster with good conversation. For another thing, they provide additional motivation. Friends encourage us and push us to be better. They know us and they hold us accountable. Finally, having a gym partner saves us when the weight becomes too heavy for us. One of the most encouraging things at the gym is seeing one person lifting weights and another person spotting for them. If the person lifting has trouble getting the weight up, the spotter steps in to help them.

Like the gym, two are better than one when it comes to worship. In the long ago, Solomon wrote, “Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls,

For he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.

And a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (Eccl. 4:9-12). Although Solomon wasn’t specifically talking about worship in this text, his words easily apply. There are benefits to having a buddy, whether it’s in the gym or in worship. Friends make us better. In the book of Proverbs, Solomon wrote, “As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend” (Prov. 27:17). Friends push us to go to worship and to grow in our walk with Christ. In Hebrews, we read, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Heb. 10:24-25). There are few things more comforting in life than to know that you have a brother or sister to help you when the burdens of life become too heavy for you. Again, Solomon wrote, “A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity” (Prov. 17:17). The Apostle Paul added, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2).

As we get ready to worship this week, let’s invite someone to go to worship with us or to meet us there. While we are there, let’s seek out someone that we can encourage and who can do the same for us.

Don’t Clang

Wade Webster

For several weeks we have been discussing some things that we have learned or can learn about worship from the gym. I am convinced that in just a short time, we will all be in better shape spiritually. In the first lesson, we noticed that we usually feel better after we go to the gym/worship. In the second lesson, we noticed that going to the gym/worship helps us to make better choices. In the third lesson, we noticed that going to the gym/worship needs to be about growth and not about comparison. In the fourth lesson, we noticed that the gym/worship meets several needs. In this fifth lesson, we will notice the need to avoid clanging.

There is this guy at the gym who clangs. Every repetition is followed by a clang. There is a clang about every three seconds. One, two, three, Clang! One, two, three, Clang! One, two, three, Clang! I could kind of understand the clanging if he was lifting the equivalent of a small car. Some do, but he isn’t. In fact, he is lifting about what I lift, which isn’t much. It is certainly nothing to clang about. Yet, he does. I try to ignore the clanging. I really do. However, it is really hard to ignore. It breaks my focus. Maybe, I am the only one that notices. Maybe, I am the only one that it bothers. However, I don’t think so. Maybe, he doesn’t know that he clangs. Surely, he would stop if he did. Maybe, he thinks that everyone clangs. This must be what he thinks. However, they don’t! In fact, most people put forth great effort not to clang. Maybe, he knows that he clangs and just doesn’t care what others think. I suppose this could be true, but I don’t think so. I think that he is oblivious to the fact that he is clanging when those around him are not.

You may recall that Paul spoke of clanging in First Corinthians. He wrote, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal” (1 Cor. 13:1). Did you catch that? A clanging cymbal! Without love, even the great Apostle Paul would have been a clanger. Obviously, Paul was only using himself as an example. Few, if any, had more love for God or man than Paul did. In the second epistle to these same Corinthians, he would write, “And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved” (2 Cor. 12:15). Although Paul was no clanging cymbal, some of the Corinthians were. Instead of coveting love, the best gift, they were coveting lesser gifts - spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12:31). Instead of choosing the eternal (love- 1 Cor. 13:13), they were choosing the temporary (spiritual gifts - 1 Cor. 13:8-10). They seem to have especially been drawn to the gift of tongues. However, had they been able to speak with the tongues of men and of angels, they would have still been clangers without love. Of course, the same is true of us. Without genuine love for God and for one another, we will clang loudly (Mat. 22:37-39; 1 John 4:20-21). Likely, without love, we will make it hard for others to focus in worship. Imagine what they hear as they are trying to worship. One, two, three, Clang! One, two, three, Clang! One, two, three, Clang! Of course, worst of all, this is what God hears when our hearts are not filled with love for Him, for His word, and for His children.

As we get ready to worship this week, let’s make sure that our hearts are filled with love. Without love, we will clang in our worship and distract others.