recalling and learning from a previous generation’s work

 are some “non-institutional” churches falling into the same patterns seen years ago?  such patterns are common across generations  perhaps a contributing factor is a lack of understanding of what the issues were  support of human institutions, sponsoring churches, fellowship halls, and open benevolence  younger generations may know these are wrong, but do they know why they are wrong?

 support of human institutions  sponsoring churches  fellowship halls (social gospel)  open benevolence  many might look at this as list of restrictions  (that’s where the term “anti” originated)  however, the real issue is in what context can we do these things, as an individual or as the church?

 if authority not established, then worship is in vain (Col. 3:17)(Lev. 10:1-3)  “by those who come near me, I must be regarded as holy, and before the people I must be glorified”  “make all things according to the pattern” (Heb. 8:5-6; 2:1-3)  silence can not authorize! (Heb. 7:11-14)

can a church support wholesome institutions, e.g., orphan’s homes?

 the pattern concerning the local church’s support of efforts of evangelism/edification  directly to preachers (Phil. 4:15-16; 2:25)  similar pattern of benevolence  directly to local church with saints in need (Acts 11:27-30)(Rom. 15:25-26)(1 Cor. 16:1-4)

preacher local church $$$

preacher local church $$$ missionary society / preacher school missionary society / preacher school $$ $

local church $$$ to the elders to distribute to their needy brethren

orphan home / food bank orphan home / food bank local church $$$

 the pattern concerning the local church’s support of efforts of evangelism/edification  directly to preachers (Phil. 4:15-16; 2:25)  similar pattern of benevolence  directly to local church with saints in need (Acts 11:27-30)(Rom. 15:25-26)(1 Cor. 16:1-4)  can we improve upon God’s pattern?

can one church improve its abilities by accepting support from others?

local church abilities local door-knocking limited mail-outs part-time preacher members $

local church sponsoring church $$$ abilities community ministries professional marketing full-time preachers overseas work etc… members $

local church large church w/ many ministries $ local church $ $ $

 while being able to do more is a desirable goal, are these means authorized?  violates local church autonomy  just as an eldership should not hand their duty to an institution, they should not hand it to another congregation or eldership (1 Pet. 5:2-3)  God never instructed churches to act outside their means – what they could do was enough (2 Cor. 8:1-5)(2 Tim. 3:16-17)

what is the authorized purpose of our gathering as a church?

 our purpose of coming together as a church  sing and pray (1 Cor. 14:15-19)  teach and take Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7)  take up the offering (1 Cor. 16:1-2)  do we see saints assembling for common meals? yes, but…  not as a church, “from house to house” (Acts 2:46-47)  when as a church, it was condemned (1 Cor. 11:17-22)

17 Now in giving these instructions I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse. 18 For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. 19 For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you. 20 Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper. 21 For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk. 22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you. (1 Corinthians 11:17-22) pattern is social meals at home, not at the assemblies

if individuals have the right, then does the church?

 pattern of authority only for aid of needy saints  from the birth of the church (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35)  care for the widows among disciples (Acts 6:1-4)  in response to famine in Judea (Acts 11:27-30)  to the poor saints in Jerusalem (Rom. 15:25-26)  collection on first day of week (1 Cor. 16:1-2)  gave for ministering to saints (2 Cor. 8:3-4; 9:1, 12-13)  support only “true widows” (1 Tim. 5:3-16)

 other verses represent individual action  (Gal. 6:10)(James 1:27)  if ok for individuals, isn’t it ok for the church?  defies common sense (marriage, business, etc.)  biblical distinction as well (1 Tim. 5:3-16) ▪ if Christian widow met qualifications and had no family, then she could be supported by the local church ▪ yet if an INDIVIDUAL family member existed, then the CHURCH DID NOT have the right to support her ▪ then, individual’s rights were different from the church’s

 if these battles and divisions took place years ago, then why spend time on them now?  because the main issue, how to establish authority, is so fundamental, yet little understood  when your generation are the pillars in the church, will you know how to judge the authorized from the innovation?