The New Testament Church - 5 The Work of Evangelism

What is the work of the church? Evangelism – seeking the lost Edification – building up the saints Benevolence – relieving material needs of the saints Worship

Evangelize Evangelize – to convert one to another religion (Webster) to convert one to Christianity (Random House) Evangelist – Acts 21:8, Eph. 4:11, 2 Tim. 4:5

Evangelize ε ὐ αγγέλιον (euangelion) Gospel, “to tell the good news” (L&N, ) “God’s good news to humans, good news as proclamation” (BDAG) Some 77 times in NT

Evangelism A primary function of the church The church of the first century continually grew through evangelism

Evangelism It is through the preaching of the gospel that man is saved – Rom. 1:16,17, 10:14-17 James 1:21, 1 Cor. 1:21

Evangelism The Great Commission – Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16 Cf. Acts 1:8, 8:4, 5-13, 2 Tim. 2:2 Evangelism is important

Evangelism Christians are to evangelize – Acts 8:4 1 Peter 3:15 2 Corinthians 5:10-11 Philippians 2: Peter 2:9 Every example of conversion!

Evangelism Churches and evangelism 1 Thessalonians 1:8 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

How Churches Evangelized They supported efforts to preach the gospel - locally 1 Thess. 1:8 Paul – Ephesus, Acts 19:10, 20:31 Jerusalem and its growth

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 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. IF Phillip was a Sponsoring Church Phil. 4:15-16 Philippi Paul in Thessalonica $ Church 1Church 2 $ $ Fellowship NO Fellowship

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

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 Truth in love Broadcast (ttil.tv, Bedford, TX) In Search (searchtv.org, Edmond, OK) gbntv.org (Southaven, MS) Such violates scriptural examples of autonomy! Sponsoring Church Elders of Southaven Church of Christ Southaven, MS GBNTV. ORG Brown Trail, Bedford, TX Centergrove Church of Christ, Gainesboro, TN $$ $ Where in Scripture?

Examples today 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?

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 They divide brethren 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 Cor. 4:6 )

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

God’s way WILL work! Can He count on us to do our part His way?