THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH

Lesson 21

THE CHURCH HAS A MISSION May seem impossible. Requires participation of each member. Requires each doing his/her part. Christians are left on this earth because we have a mission.

WHAT IS OUR MISSION? Evangelism Edification Benevolence

THE CHURCH HAVE TO BE EDIFY We worship God when we come together as a church. But the will of God is for the church to grow. For the church to face the adversities of life with faith and courage. For the church to help those who will need encouragement in his Christian life. For the church to be ready for the final day. There will BE NO HEAVEN, if we are not ready!

THE CHURCH HAVE TO BE EDIFY So in order for us to be ready spiritually for that great and final day, where are we suppose to be in order to receive our Edification? At work? At home? On Holidays (vacations) (like that show “on the road again”!) Making money day and night? At church with the saint whenever the church gather together! Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:41-42.

EDIFICATION Original Greek Words: “oikodome” (noun) - “The act of building (a home); this is used only figuratively in the N.T. in the sense of edification, the promotion of spiritual growth (Rm. 14:19; 15:2; 1 Co. 14:3, 5, 12, 26) (Vine’s word studies). 1 Corinthians 14:12 NKJV[12] Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel. 1 Corinthians 14:26 NKJV[26] How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 1 Corinthians 14:5 NKJV[5] I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification. Romans 15:2 NKJV[2] Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. Romans 14:19 NKJV[19] Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. 1 Corinthians 14:3 NKJV[3] But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.

EDIFICATION Original Greek Words: “oikodomeo” (verb) – “to build, whether literally, or figuratively… (Mt. 21:42; Mk. 12:10; Lk. 20:17; Ac. 4:11… is used metaphorically, in the sense of ‘edifying,’ promoting the spiritual growth and development of character of believers, by teaching or by example, suggesting such spiritual progress as the result of patient labor (Ac. 9:31; 1 Co. 14:4; 8:1; 10:23; 14:17; 1 Th. 5:11). (Vine’s word studies). Acts 9:31 NKJV[31] Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.

EDIFICATION Building a house demands The blueprint. The right material. The right tools. The right builders. This is true of building up the church.

EDIFICATION Building up the church demands The blueprint. The right material. The right tools. The right builders. The word of God contains the blueprint, materials, and tools for building up the church. Word of God

EDIFICATION (Acts 20:32) "So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified." the word of His grace, is able to build you up Is Paul saying that we need something else in order to edify the church? If there is something else, where is the book, chapter and verse for it? If is an invention that sounds good, we don’t want it and won’t follow it!

EDIFICATION The word of God contains the blueprint, materials, and tools for building up the church. Those who are to use these tools are Christians. If we are going to build up the church, then we must use the right tools God has already given to us.

EDIFICATION The word of God contains the blueprint, materials, and tools for building up the church. Those who are to use these tools are Christians. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing." edify one another,

EDIFICATION The word of God contains the blueprint, materials, and tools for building up the church. Those who are to use these tools are Christians. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Romans 14:19 "Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another." one may edify another.”

EDIFICATION The basic elements. Who has the responsibility of building up the church among us? Many people believe that NO ONE! Some say Elders, but because we don’t have elders then no one can edify the church! And some are saying that if the Preacher is not coming from a secular “well known” institution, then he cannot edify the church. Let see God given basic element to build the church.

EDIFICATION (Ephesians 4:15-16) "but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head; Christ; from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love."

EDIFICATION (Ephesians 4:15-16) "but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head; Christ; from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love." speaking the truth in love,

EDIFICATION The basic elements. Speaking the truth in love. Why is important to speak among us only what is true? Well God is true and he want for you and I be like him! If we do not speak what is right, then we will not please God at all! Can we edify the members if we speak lies?

Him who is the head; Christ; EDIFICATION (Ephesians 4:15-16) "but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head; Christ; from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love." speaking the truth in love, Him who is the head; Christ;

EDIFICATION The basic elements. Speaking the truth in love. Submitting to Christ as Head. See, we have to respect the HEAD! There will be NO edification if do not listen to Christ (the Head) and His Word (The Bible) Jesus build the church, He died for the church, He shed His blood for the church and all that compels us to follow only His lead!

Him who is the head; Christ; the whole body, joined and knit EDIFICATION (Ephesians 4:15-16) "but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head; Christ; from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love." speaking the truth in love, Him who is the head; Christ; the whole body, joined and knit together

EDIFICATION The basic elements. Speaking the truth in love. Submitting to Christ as Head. Practicing unity. When I understand that I need all my brothers in order for me to grow, then UNITY will come to the whole body. When we are worshipping God in unity, Edification will come! Is it logic or not? When there are fight, arguments, discrepancies, unhappiness, selfish attitudes… THERE IS NO GROWTH!

Him who is the head; Christ; the whole body, joined and knit EDIFICATION (Ephesians 4:15-16) "but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head; Christ; from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love." speaking the truth in love, Him who is the head; Christ; the whole body, joined and knit together

EDIFICATION (Ephesians 4:15-16) "but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head; Christ; from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love." speaking the truth in love, Him who is the head; Christ; the whole body, joined and knit together what every joint supplies, every part does its share,

EDIFICATION The basic elements. Speaking the truth in love. Submitting to Christ as Head. Practicing unity. Every member doing his/her part. Jesus did not died on the cross for you and I to be just EXPECTATORS in church. Many think that this is the case and they will not change “even if Lord Jesus come to Northside in person”. That’s ok, the bible says that the days is coming and in the parable of the wheat and the tares Jesus explains what the outcome will be of those who do not love the truth!

EDIFICATION The basic elements. Speaking the truth in love. Submitting to Christ as Head. Practicing unity. Every member doing his/her part. CAUSES GROWTH IN THE BODY OF CHRIST

EDIFICATION We are edified by… When and by what are we edified? Worshipping/studying together We are edified by… Working/serving together Facing trials together

EDIFICATION Results? The body is strengthened (Col. 1:10-11). Colossians 1:10-11 NKJV[10] that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; [11] strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy;

EDIFICATION Results? The ability of the church to reach the lost is multiplied (1 Tim. 2:2). 1 Timothy 2:1-2 NKJV[1] Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, [2] for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.

EDIFICATION Results? The care we have for each other and for the lost builds (1 Cor. 12:24-26). 1 Corinthians 12:24-26 NKJV[24] but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, [25] that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. [26] And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

EDIFICATION Results? We are mutually exhorted to faithfulness (Heb. 13:12-14; 10:24). Hebrews 13:12-14 NKJV[12] Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate. [13] Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach. [14] For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. Hebrews 10:24 NKJV[24] And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,

EDIFICATION Edifying the church will come from: The Elders. The Preacher The members—> Eph 4:16 Always understanding that the word of God must be the number one source for our edification.