BIG IDEA:

The ‘new me’ belongs to the ‘new we,’ to help grow and mature the body of Christ

1^st Takeaway: We belong to each other NOT as independent, but as interdependent members.

2^nd  Takeaway: We belong to each other NOT as self-focused, but as empathetic members.

3^rd Takeaway: We belong to each other NOT as one-sided, but mutually committed members.

SERMON OVERVIEW:

Introduction: The Challenge of Consumer Christianity

Pastor Jason begins with a personal story of living in Asia, where supermarket choices were limited, contrasting it with America’s overwhelming abundance. Post-WWII America embraced a “get more, newer, better” mindset, shaping a culture of consumerism.

This consumer mentality easily seeps into the church: people shop for churches asking “What’s in it for me?”, and leave when dissatisfied. While it’s healthy to find a church that fits, the danger comes when faith becomes consumer-driven rather than commitment-driven.

Belonging to the Universal and Local Church

All believers are joined to the universal Church (the “Big C” body of Christ across all time and nations). Historically, the Universal Church has been defined by One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic Church.

But every Christian is also meant to belong to a local church (the “little c”), a visible, time-and-place expression of the universal body. Membership in a local church isn’t a bureaucratic invention—it’s the New Testament’s state of belonging, even if the exact procedures vary.

The Essence of Membership (1 Corinthians 12)

Paul’s image of the church as a body shows that:

Interdependence: We need each other like body parts need one another. No one is useless or superior.

Empathy: When one member suffers, all suffer; when one rejoices, all rejoice. True belonging means feeling with others, not just feeling for them.

Mutual Commitment: Membership is more than attending or voting—it’s discipleship. The New Testament’s many “one another” commands (love, serve, forgive, bear burdens, encourage) require shared responsibility and two-way commitment.

Conclusion: Why Membership Matters?

Church membership is not outdated but essential for spiritual growth. In a culture of untethered commitments, belonging to one another:

• Displays Christ’s love to the watching world,
• Strengthens the body so it matures in Christ, and
• Reflects Jesus Himself, who entered our pain and calls us to do the same.

Practical Applications

• Resist “consumer Christianity” bygiving rather than merely receiving.
• Exercise empathy: avoid minimizing others’ struggles (“at least…” statements) and intentionally enter their experiences.
• Practice mutual commitment: greet, serve, bear burdens, speak truth, and encourage others.
• Fellowship goes deeper than casual conversation; it involves spiritual care and intentional discipleship.