THEME: THE CHURCH TOPIC: ITS MISSION

GIFTS TO THE CHURCH CHRIST HAD GIVEN FIVEFOLD GIFTS TO THE CHURCH (Eph. 4:8-11) Apostles-as eye-witnesses to testify of and reveal Christ to the world Prophets-to reveal and teach Evangelists-to preach the gospel of Christ Pastors-to watch, protect and feed the flock Teachers-to instruct everyone in the church

GIFTS TO THE CHURCH CONTD. The miraculous power that was to accompany those with these gifts had a terminal date- till we all come in the unity of the faith…(Eph. 4:13) These gifts were given to the church for obvious reasons (Eph. 4:12-14) The apostles acted as Judges, as their testimony revealed the Christian’s only guide-the New Testament.

GIFTS TO THE CHURCH CONTD. In a sense, the apostles still guide the church now through their teachings and testimonies recorded in the New Testament. Today, the church can take advantage of these gifts by continually studying and teaching faithful brethren to be able to teach others who would in turn teach others. This way, the pool of brethren with these gifts will not be depleted (2 Tim. 2:2, 15).

THE CHURCH IS TO EDIFY THE SAINTS To edify means to “build up”, and to “strengthen”. Elders are specifically saddled with this responsibility (1 Pet. 5:1,2). How this is to be done is clearly spelt out (1 Thess. 5:14, 15). New converts were edified by exhortation and teaching, prayers, fasting and physical encouragement (Acts 14:22, 23; 15:41).

THE CHURCH IS TO EDIFY THE SAINTS CONTD. The first church grew by continuing steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine…(Acts 2:42). Specifically, Barnabas stood out as a great exhorter of the Jerusalem church (Acts 4:36). Barnabas was sent to Antioch, and the result was that through his exhortation, much people were added unto the Lord (Acts 11:22-24).

THE CHURCH IS TO SUPPORT THE NEEDY The needy in the early church were supported with proceeds from individual members’ willing contributions (Acts 2:45; 4:32-35). The church in Antioch sent material items to relieve the needy in Judea (Acts 11:29, 30). The exemplary acts of Dorcas in sewing garments and coats to the needy widows in Joppa is worthy of emulation (Acts 9:36-39).

THE CHURCH IS TO SUPPORT THE NEEDY CONTD. Paul as an apostle to the Gentiles not only exhorted the brethren to support the needy, but he led the way in doing so (Gal. 2:8, 10). The brethren in Ephesus were admonished to work with their hands so as not to steal, and to ably support the needy (Eph. 4:28). James describes pure and acceptable religion as amongst other things, visiting the orphans and widows in their affliction (James 1:27).

THE CHURCH IS TO PREACH THE GOSPEL, DO EVANGELISM The church is described as the House of God, the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Tim. 3:15). The Great Commission given by Christ to the church and to every Christian is variously recorded (Matt. :28:18-20; Mark 15:16; Luke 24:46-49). This was to be done beginning from when and where the church started in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and unto all parts of the earth (Acts 1:8).

THE CHURCH IS TO PREACH THE GOSPEL, DO EVANGELISM CONTD. Each church is to do the sending out of the brethren to this noble work (Acts 13:1-3). It is recommended that each Christian learn to continually memorise Romans 10:14, 15. Of note for our emulation is the church in Antioch which became the radiating center of the gospel of Christ (Acts 14:26, 27).

THE CHURCH IS TO PREACH THE GOSPEL, DO EVANGELISM CONTD. Of note also was the Thessalonian church in carrying out the Great Commission that they were able to sound out the word of the Lord in Macedonia, Achaia and even beyond (1 Thess. 1:6-9). The church in Philippi was the only one that supported the apostle Paul even from their lean resources as he laboured in Thessalonica (Phil. 1:14-16). For this, he so highly commended them for having done so from the very first day (Phil. 1:3-5). No congregation can be regarded as a model that is not mission minded.

EVERY CHRISTIAN IS TO UNDERTAKE PERSONAL EVANGELISM At the first wave of persecution of the first church, the scattered disciples were involved in preaching everywhere they went (Acts 8:1, 4). The zeal for personal evangelism led Andrew to brought his brother Simon Peter to Christ (John 1:40-42). Philip likewise sought and brought Nathaniel to Jesus (John 1:45-49). Philip was so zealous and effective that multitudes were converted including Simon the sorcerer in Samaria (Acts 8:5, 12, 13).

EVERY CHRISTIAN IS TO UNDERTAKE PERSONAL EVANGELISM CONTD. The apostles undertook much of their personal evangelism by teaching publicly, in the temple, and going from house to house daily (Acts 5:42; 20:20). One should go all out to identify with prospects in their circumstances in a bid to save them (1 Cor. 9:20-23). Even while the apostle Paul was in bonds, he was even more motivated to preach to the guards and all in the palaces (Phil. 1:12, 13). It is of note that Paul converted Onesimus while in prison (Philemon 10). Finally, note that Christians are salt of the earth and light of the world (Matt. 5:13, 14).