The Work of the Church - Evangelism (2) The New Testament Church 2017

Previously We addressed what is the church and noted how each congregation is to be autonomous (self-governing) and independent (not relying upon another congregation)

Previously Both the universal church and local congregations are a part of His plan! Much of the NT pattern is directed toward local congregations. His plan WILL work and if all respect and follow it, we CAN achieve unity!

What is the work of the church? Evangelism – seeking the lost Edification – building up the saints Benevolence – relieving material needs of the saints Worship – praising God together as He prescribes

What is the work of the church? Churches DID cooperate… It was always concurrent – working toward a common goal while maintaining their autonomy and independence It was NOT collective – pooling resources together with oversight surrendered to another congregation or organization

The church and evangelism A primary function of the church The church of the first century continually grew through evangelism – supporting the preaching of the gospel Romans 1:16,17, 10:14-17

The church and Evangelism Churches and evangelism 1 Thessalonians 1:8 Acts 11:22-23 Acts 13:1-3 1 Timothy 3:14-15 The survival of the church depends upon this!

How Churches evangelized They edified the saints – built them up spiritually to teach Ephesians 4:11-16 2 Timothy 2:2 cf. 1 Peter 3:15 In reality, reaching the lost is about individuals learning and sharing!

How Churches evangelized They supported efforts to preach the gospel - locally 1 Thessalonians 1:8 They did what they could to reach the lost. Letters and the message were read and circulated, etc.

How Churches evangelized They supported efforts to preach the gospel - locally The “great commission”(Mark 16:15, Matthew 28:19-20) authorizes us to engage in activities (while respecting God’s limitations) to reach others – today that would include tracts, media efforts (social and traditional), gospel meetings, websites, etc. (Generic authority)

How Churches evangelized They supported efforts to preach the gospel - locally Jerusalem and its growth Paul – Ephesus for 3 years, Acts 19:10, 20:31

How Churches evangelized They supported efforts to preach the gospel - locally Paul in Corinth Acts 18:11. Cf. 1 Corinthians 9:3-14, while addressing the support of a preacher, Paul made the case for supporting a preacher locally

How Churches Evangelized They supported efforts to preach the gospel - abroad Philippians 1:3-5, 2:25-30, 4:14-20 They supported Paul in Thessalonica and perhaps elsewhere

How Churches Evangelized The support of Phillipi No human organizations (i.e. missionary societies) or sponsoring churches. Funds sent directly to Paul (not to a local church) They maintained independence and autonomy Paul at Thessalonica Phil. 4:15-16 Philippi Paul in Thessalonica $

How Churches Evangelized Philippi was NOT a sponsoring church! Consider Phil. 4:15, “shared” and Phil. 1:4, “fellowship” BOTH words are from the Greek κοινωνία, (koinonia) which means “fellowship”.

How Churches Evangelized IF Phillip was a Sponsoring Church Phil. 4:15-16 Philippi Paul in Thessalonica $ Church 1 Church 2 Fellowship NO Fellowship Philippi was NOT a sponsoring church! IF Philippi was a SC, then other congregations had NO “fellowship” with their resources which defeats the arguments being made.

How Churches Evangelized Paul at Corinth 2 Corinthians 11:7-8 Ephesus Paul in Corinth $ Thess. Philippi They supported efforts to preach the gospel - abroad 2 Corinthians 11:7-8 While in Corinth, more than one church supported Paul

Examples today In this electronic age there are churches that are doing good works with websites, television and radio programs, social media, etc. as well as more conventional ways of reaching the lost IF a local work takes on such an effort by itself, it is authorized.

Examples today BUT, there are also churches that have chosen to “sponsor” works larger than itself In Search (searchtv.org, Edmond, OK) gbntv.org (Southaven, MS) Apologetics press (Palm Beach Lakes Church of Christ, FL) Such violates scriptural examples of autonomy! Sponsoring Church Elders of Southaven Church of Christ Southaven, MS GBNTV.ORG Grant Church of Christ, Grant, AL Centergrove Church of Christ, Gainesboro, TN $ Where in Scripture?

Sponsoring Church oversees work Examples today Sponsoring Church In a Foreign Land Sponsoring Church oversees work Local Church $ Preacher Other examples: Sometimes churches might “sponsor” the evangelism of a particular country. They hire and send preachers. They solicit funds from individuals and other churches. WHERE is the Biblical example? Where in Scripture?

Examples today NOTE: That what these churches are doing is good works is NOT disputed! They may even be teaching the truth! BUT WHERE is the authority?

Is It A Big Deal? Respect authority – such are additions, NOT aids It is NOT the pattern of NT! Such things tamper with autonomy of the local church Does the end justify the means? Cf. Romans 3:8, 1 Corinthians 4:17

Is It A Big Deal? Such practices are divisive – history shows this! Often, when we disregard God’s pattern in one area, it will lead to the same attitude in other areas

Is It A Big Deal? Respect for authority Such gives one congregation too much power. Example – all support a preacher needs sent by one congregation. WHAT if error is involved? Costs of running programs often huge. Solicitation for funds

Is It A Big Deal? Respect for authority In time, the truth is often sanitized with the works They denominationalize the church Where does it end?

Thoughts: NOTE: There are churches that are failing to carry out their responsibilities in evangelism! They do not encourage members, or engage in what efforts they can! But such is no excuse for going outside of God’s boundaries (1 Corinthians 4:6)

Final note ANYTHING a church does that is authorized in scripture… IS no substitute for each of us carrying our own load!

Will we respect His pattern in what we do? God’s way WILL work! Will we respect His pattern in what we do?