[Biblemat] Bulletin article

[Jimmy R Mickells]

INDIVIDUAL OR CHURCH?
 
     I was recently given a bulletin with an article in it that asked
this question: “Â
where does the Bible make a distinction between the
individual member and the church in the work of the Lord?” May we notice
together that the word of God answers this question very clearly? The
reason that some contend that there is no distinction between the two, an
individual and the church, is that they want to practice something for
which the church has no authority. There are differences between what a
church is authorized by God to do and what an individual can do.
 
     In 1 Timothy 5:16, Paul made this statement, “If any believing man
or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be
burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows.” This passage
very clearly makes a distinction between what the individual is to do,
the believing man or woman that has widows, versus the responsibility
that the church has, let not the church be burdened. The church was to
help those who were “really widows.” Notice the stipulation that the
apostle gave before she was to be taken into the number. “Do not let a
widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not unless she
has been the wife of one man, well reported for good works: if she has
brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the
saintsÂ’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently
followed every good work” (1 Timothy 5:9,10). This is the answer to the
question above.
 
     As an individual, I can give money to the Red Cross, support the
American Cancer Society, help Alive Hospice, contribute to a political
party or candidate, etc. As long as what IÂ’m doing is not evil, I can
spend my money (given to me by God) in whatever way I deem best. This is
not true with the church. It can only act as authorized by God. He gave
her a work to do. Can the church contribute to the Red Cross, American
Cancer Society, etc.? Absolutely not! Why? It has no authority at all to
use the funds collected on the first day of the week, by free will
offering, to be used for something other than what we read about in the
Bible.
 
     Many churches of Christ today are using the LordÂ’s money to provide
things for members (and non-members) that the individual should be
supplying. It is not the work of the church to provide entertainment,
gyms, camps, social meals, etc. As a parent, IÂ’m to provide these things
for my children. I have responsibilities that I must fulfill and I cannot
and should not expect the church to do what the Lord requires me to do. 
 
     Is there a difference between what an individual can do and what the
LordÂ’s church can do? Paul says there is! Will you accept the answer that
is given? We must never be guilty of involving the church in some work
that God has not authorized it to do. Remember the words of John,
“Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does
not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father
and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do
not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him
shares in his evil deeds” (2 John 9-11).
                                                                         
                                                                         
                                                                Jim
Mickells
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