“Upon this rock, I will build my church” Jesus said: Thus, this is the Lord’s church Thus, this is the Lord’s church Since Jesus is Divine – it is a Divine institution Since Jesus is Divine – it is a Divine institution Matt. 16:18

Old Testament New Testament Church Promised (Mt. 16:18) Church Built (Act 2:47) Thus, It is the New Testament Church! Not built upon OT (Mt. 5) Is built upon NT (2 Cor 3)

I. Jesus is the Only Head It’s Standard and Discipline II. OT is Not Her Law III. Bible (NT) is Her Only Guide IV. Application & Meaning

I. Origin of the NT Church Origin and Establishment II. Establishment of the NT Church

I. The Saved Its Nature II. The Church III. The Body IV. The Kingdom V. The House VI. The Temple VII. The Bride

I. The Term “Church” Used in Two Senses Its Organization II. Universally – No Organization III. Local Church Organization

Its Work

1.What is the work of the local church? 2.Obvious that some think – do anything that is good for mankind Feed the hungry Feed the hungry Doctor the sick Doctor the sick House the homeless House the homeless Entertain the bored Entertain the bored Educate the young Educate the young

The Term “Church” Used in Two Senses Universal All the saved over the world Matt. 16:18 Eph. 1:22-23 Local The saved in a certain locale 1 Cor. 1:2 Rev. 2-3

Universal Only one (Eph. 4:4) No organization No work as a whole No treasuryDistinctions Local Many (Rom. 16:16) Elders (Phil. 1:1) Work (Eph. 4:16) Treasury (1 Cor. 16:1-2)

I. Determining the Work Its Work

I. Determining the Work A.Must Be Authorized

How Authority Is Established Command / Statement Approved Example Necessary Inference Acts 15 VV – James appealed to direct statement from Amos 9 V. 12 – Paul & Barnabas appealed to example of their work & miracles VV – Peter appealed to events at Cornelius’ house – infers…

How Authority Is Established Command / Statement Approved Example Necessary Inference Illustrated with Lord’s Supper Observance (1 Cor. 11:23-24) Time of Observance (Acts 20:7) (Acts 20:7) Frequency of Observance (Acts 20:7) (Acts 20:7)

CommandExampleNecessary Inference We Are Asking For: Where Is The Passage?

I. Determining the Work A.Must Be Authorized B.Must Be Work of Church – Not Individual

1 Tim. 5:16 A Difference In The Individual & The Church If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.

“Christian” Acts 11:26 1 Pet. 4:16 Church of Christ Rom. 16:16 Own Widows 1 Tim. 5:16 Widows Indeed 1 Tim. 5:16 Buy & Sell Jas 4:13 Free will offering 1 Cor. 16:1-2

I. Determining the Work A.Must Be Authorized B.Must Be Work of Church – Not Individual C.Must Be More Than a Good Work Idea: If it is “Good” – church can do it In order for it to be a good work – First Be Authorized 2 Tim. 3: Jno. 9

I. Determining the Work Its Work II. Scriptural Work

A.Work God Gave the Church to do

II. Scriptural Work A.Work God Gave the Church to do B.The Church Can Do its Own Work Acts 6:1-6 1 Tim. 5:16

II. Scriptural Work A.Work God Gave the Church to do B.The Church Can Do its Own Work C. What the Church Can Do 1.Can send to a preacher (Phil. 4:15) 2.Can send a preacher (Acts 11:22; 13:1-ff) 3.Can help needy saints (1 Tim. 5:16) 4.Can send to another church in work of benevolence (Acts 11:27)

I. Determining the Work Its Work II. Scriptural Work III. Unscriptural Work

A.Social / Recreational

The Social Gospel: Church Kitchen Church Kitchen Fellowship Hall Fellowship Hall Ball Teams Ball Teams Recreation Programs Recreation Programs Day Care Centers Day Care Centers Gimmicks To Draw Crowds Gimmicks To Draw Crowds Etc… Etc…

The Church Is Not A Social Order Rom. 14:17 John 18:36 1 Pet. 2:5 The Gospel Is Not A Social Gospel John 6:26-27 Rom. 1: Cor. 1:18, 21; 2:2-5

Eating In The Building The Issue: Was Not: Is the bld sacred? Can one eat inside the Building? Can one eat on church property? Was & Is: Can the church have a common meal for social and recreational purposes?

CommandAid Eat Bread – 1 Cor. 11 Table, plates … Baptize – Matt. 28:19 Baptistry, heater Build an ark – Gen. 6:14 Tool, Animal Sing – Eph. 5:19 Books, Tuner Contribute – 1 Cor. 16 Basket, Account Meals for social & rec. purposes (???) Kitchen, Fellowship Hall Aids Are Authorized Within The Command Question: Where is the Authority?

Common Meals – Individual Matters 20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper. 21 For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. 22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. 1 Cor. 11 More than an abuse of the Lord’s Supper!

Incidental Matters While At Building Planned & Sponsored By the Church Talk about politics Sell / deliver a sold item See medical advice Eating on property Political rally Church in business Church hospital / clinic Church kitchen / dinner

III. Unscriptural Work A.Social / Recreational B.Business C.Entertainment There is no: CommandCommand ExampleExample Necessary InferenceNecessary Inference There is no: CommandCommand ExampleExample Necessary InferenceNecessary Inference

III. Unscriptural Work A.Social / Recreational B.Business C.Entertainment D.Work of another congregation

Local Church Local Church Local Church No Authority Local Church Autonomy Limitation of Elders’ Authority Elders Local Church Oversight Limited To This 1 Pet. 5:1-4 Acts 20:28 Cannot Oversee

I. Determining the Work Its Work II. Scriptural Work III. Unscriptural Work