Being a Covenant Member of God’s Church

We are honoured and grateful to witness the induction of many new members into Hills Bible Church (HBC) this Sunday. It is really inspirational to witness this significant ceremony of welcoming new brothers and sisters as active partners of HBC. New member inductions glorify God’s name and demonstrate the unity of Christ’s body. In addition, membership induction services are also times when we may receive the Lord’s encouragement through the Holy Spirit as we renew our covenant commitments to the Lord and to one another.

So then, as a covenant member of God’s church, what must we be committed to?

In short, we must commit ourselves to living in obedience to the Lord’s teachings in Scripture and resolve to participate in church activities. In particular, we must be committed to the church’s vision, purpose, statement of faith and constitution without any hesitation. And then we must be committed to living according to the Church Covenant which is contained in the constitution.

Also, what does it mean to be a covenant member of God’s church?

Firstly, as covenant members, we are called to be united in the faith and the truth of the gospel with all other covenant members as the one body of Christ (Ephesians 4:4-6). We must walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which we were called, with all humility, gentleness, patience, bearing with one another in love, and be eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:1-3).

Secondly, as covenant members of HBC, it means that we will receive a double blessing. The first blessing is that we will be equipped to be disciples of the Lord Jesus through the ministry of our pastors, elders and many co-workers, for the building up of the whole body. The second blessing is that we will have the privilege of serving the Lord as we take on the responsibilities and meet the needs of the Lord’s church. We are no longer just bystanders or spectators, but have become active participants for the strengthening of the church and the advancement of the gospel.

Thirdly, as covenant members, we will be blessed by the fellowship, support, and prayers of other covenant members as we participate together in the life of the family of God. We will not walk alone but will have the shared joy of God’s people. While we will inevitably fail from time to time, our covenant commitments, through the enablement of the Holy Spirit, will continue to serve as our roadmap and goal.

Finally, I may use God’s Word to bless all covenant members of God’s church:

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2 Corinthians 13:14).