[Biblemat] The Messenger Vol 003 Iss 029

Sat Aug 16 20:32:03 CDT 2008

      T

he Messenger 2008

Published Weekly by Main Street Church of Christ

306 West Main Street, Newbern, TN 38059   731-627-3514

Bulletin Editor: T. Sean Sullivan

VOLUME 003::ISSUE 029:: August 17, 2008  

ARTICLE ONE:  Why We Do What We Do #5

ARTICLE TWO:  Why We Do What We Do #6

Article One: Why We Do What We Do #5

In Matthew 21:23 the Chief Priests and the Elders confronted Jesus with a question.  A very important question, "By what authority are You doing these things?"  That question was valid then and it stands valid today. 

God has authorized certain practices for us and we must do only as He has authorized (oracles = authoritative words 1 Peter 4:11). As Christians we recognize that fully functional pattern of worship and practice that has been set for us as the scriptures-specifically the New Testament scriptures. We then look for God's authority-scriptural authority. 

If someone were to ask, "What are churches suppose to do?" They may be able to ascertain that churches are supposed to: feed people, supply daycare, organize inter-congregational sports leagues, Friday night bingo, and etc. Are these things really the work of the church? Where can we find the answer to this very serious question?

We need to know what God intended for the work of the church. The Bible reveals very specific areas of work that can be done by the Lord's Church. We are authorized to work in three areas. Let's open our Bibles and consider our work as a congregation of the Lord's Church.

Evangelism

We are to evangelize. This means to preach the gospel with the goal of converting souls to Christ. This is very specific work that we are responsible to accomplish properly. We are to win souls to Christ by the power of the gospel and nothing else (Romans 1:16; Galatians 1:6-8). 

The New Testament examples: The first day the church came into existence (Acts 2:14-40)-Peter proclaimed the gospel message. We also see that Paul preached the gospel in many congregations (Acts 14:21-22, 25 Derbe, Lystra, Iconium, Antioch of Pisidia, Perga, Attalia). Timothy and Titus were evangelists-commanded to "Preach the word" (2 Timothy 4:1-5; Titus 2:1). 

In evangelism we fulfill the command of Christ to preach and teach all things that He has commanded (Matthew 28:19-20). 

Edification

Edification is strengthening and encouraging. When we choose to become a Christian we choose a difficult way of life. Jesus spoke of the one true way as the narrow and difficult (Matthew 7:13-14). We need help along the way. This is where edification becomes necessary. 

New Testament Examples: Acts 16:40 Paul edified the disciples in the Lydia's house.

Acts 20:1-3 "Embraced them.encouraged with many words". 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Paul encouraged the brethren at Thessalonica to continue their practice of edifying one another. By edifying one another we accomplish the necessary relationship of brotherhood. God has seen fit that we would have this safety net of our brethren to help us along the way.  We are commanded to care for one another: Romans 12:4-15 "Giving preference to one another". Ephesians 4:25-32 "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving". "Be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus (Romans 15:5). "Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us" (Romans 15:7).  "Admonish one another" (Romans 15:14). "Greet one another (Romans 16:16). "Members should have the same care for one another" (1 Corinthians 12:25). "Greet one another "1 Corinthians 16:20. "Greet one another" (2 Corinthians 13:12). ".through love serve one another." (Galatians 5:13).

We are to work toward the building up of each other toward completion. Ephesians 4:13-16 ".growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love."

Benevolence:

Described: In attitude: a willingness to do good. In form: a generous gift or act of kindness. In function: taking care of those in need. 

The New Testament Examples: The first days of the church (Acts 4:34-37). The brethren's willingness to help the saints in Judea (Romans 15:25-27; 1 Corinthians 16:1-3; 2 Corinthians 9:1-7). According to these examples the collection of funds on the first day of the week is strictly for the saints. We are only authorized to help "the saints" with the Lord's money. We must also note the benevolence is never used as bait for evangelistic efforts. Individually, however, we can help anyone we want with           wisdom and within our ability.

Conclusion:

We have work to do. We have a responsibility to help lead others to Christ, to encourage and uplift one another, and to supply one another's needs. These are the only works that we are authorized to do.  This is what the church is supposed to do-nothing less, nothing more. Are you part of the Lord's church? ~tss

Article Two:  

Why We Do What We Do #6-The True Work of the Church

Introduction:

If someone were to ask, "What are churches supposed to do?"  They may be able to ascertain that churches are supposed to: feed people, supply daycare, have inter-congregational sports leagues, and put on the Friday night bingo. Are these things really the work of the church? Where can we find the answer to this very serious question?

We need to know what God intended for the work of the church. The Bible reveals very specific areas of work that can be done by the Lord's Church. We are authorized to work in three areas. Let's open our Bibles today and consider our work and a congregation of the Lord's Church.

What is the Work of the Church?
Evangelism: We are to evangelize, this means to "sound forth" the gospel with the goal of converting souls to Christianity. This is very specific work that we are responsible to accomplish properly.  We are to win souls to Christ by His doctrine not to anything different. The New Testament examples: The first day the church came into existence Acts 2:14-40; Paul preached the gospel in many congregations (Acts 14:21-22, 25 Derbe, Lystra, Iconium, Antioch of Pisidia, Perga, and Attalia). Also, Timothy and Titus were evangelists "Preach the word" (2 Tim. 4:1-5; Titus 2:1) 3.        In evangelism we fulfill the command of Christ to preach and teach all things that He has commanded (Matt. 28:19-20)
Edification: Edification is strengthening and encouraging. When we choose to become a Christian we choose a difficult way in life. Jesus spoke of the one true way as the narrow and difficult (Matt. 7:13-14). Of necessity we need help along the way and this is where edification becomes necessary. We have New Testament examples: Acts 16:40 Paul edified the disciples in the Lydia's house; Acts 20:1-3 "Embraced them.encouraged with many words". Also 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Paul encouraged the brethren at Thessalonica to continues their practice of edifying one another.   

Benevolence: Benevolence in attitude is a willingness to do good. In form it is a generous gift or act of kindness. In actions it is taking care of the need of benevolence. We have New Testament example: The first days of the church (Acts 4:34-37); the brethren's willingness to help the saints in Judea (Romans 15:25-27; 1 Corinthians 16:1-3; 2 Corinthians 9:1-7). According to these examples the collection of funds on the first day of the week is strictly for the saints. 

We are only authorized to help the saints with the Lord's money. Individually we can help anyone we want with wisdom and within our ability. 

What about Recreation, Entertainment, and Community Benevolence?

Many have "justified" the need for "Recreation, entertainment, and far-reaching benevolence" by stating "whatever the individual can do the church can do".  The scriptures however, make a clear distinction between "individual responsibilities" and "church responsibilities".  Consider 1 Timothy 5:16 "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." 

There are several individual responsibilities that the church cannot do. Working to make money, to care for his family (1 Timothy 5:8). Engaging in business (1 Thessalonians 4:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:10; James 4:13-17). Raising children (Ephesians 6:1-4).   Marital Responsibilities (1 Corinthians 7).

Many justify Recreation, Entertainment, and Community Benevolence by claiming it is for the greater good of evangelism. Evangelism is explained in Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; 2 Timothy 4:1-5. None of these places indicate a "baiting" process of recreation, entertaining, or benevolence. Teaching them, preaching the gospel, and preach the word-these actions are evangelism. 

Many justify Recreation and Entertainment as "fellowship: and therefore "edification". Every indication of fellowship in the scriptures is strictly spiritual-never is it associated with "parties, potlucks, or ball games".  Fifteen references (Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Corinthians 10:20; 2 Corinthians 6:14; 2 Corinthians 8:4; Galatians 2:9; Ephesians 3:9; Ephesians 5:11; Philippians 1:5; Philippians 2:1; Philippians 3:10; 1 John 1:3, 6, 7) all spiritual in context and meaning. 

What about Social Needs?

The work of the church is focused on the spiritual needs of mankind. We are to evangelize: ".to make disciples of every nation". We provide edification: to spiritually strengthen Christians young and old. We offer benevolent care for the truly needful Christians, so they are not hindered from spiritual growth. 

As for social needs, we as individuals need to be actively involved in one another's lives so that we are encouragement for one another. As individuals we can care for one another's social needs separate from the church and the church's finances. 

The young people need more time together? Plan something as individuals, invited them to participate.

Conclusion:

The church has authorized work to do. We, as the church, have a responsibility to help lead others to Christ; encourage and uplift one another; supply one another's benevolent needs. These are the only works that we are authorized to do. This is what the church is supposed to do: nothing less, nothing more-the authority of God must be respected. 

Today's needs do not change the truth. If today's people need more togetherness the church's responsibilities do not change to meet those needs. We as individuals, have the flexibility to provide those needs if we are able. ~tss

If you are enjoying The Messenger and you know someone else who would like to receive it. Please forward it to them or send me their email address and I will add it to the list.   

Sean

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