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THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH

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Presentation on theme: "THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH"— Presentation transcript:

1

2 THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH

3 Lesson 22

4 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.

5 WHAT IS OUR MISSION? Evangelism Edification Benevolence

6 BENEVOLENCE Defined: “An inclination to perform kind, charitable acts…
A kindly act… A gift given out of generosity.” (Webster)

7 BENEVOLENCE Brothers, benevolence is beautiful.
Matthew 6:19-21 NKJV[19] "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; [20] but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Brothers, benevolence is beautiful. Benevolence is commanded by God. Benevolence helps us grow. Benevolence helps us understand how good is the God we adore. Benevolence accompanied with pure doctrine will help us enter heaven. 1 Timothy 6:18-19 NKJV[18] Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, [19] storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. Hebrews 13:16 NKJV[16] But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. 1 Timothy 6:17 NKJV[17] Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 NKJV[1] Cast your bread upon the waters, For you will find it after many days. [2] Give a serving to seven, and also to eight, For you do not know what evil will be on the earth. Matthew 5:42 NKJV[42] Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. Proverbs 19:17 NKJV[17] He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, And He will pay back what he has given.

8 BENEVOLENCE The Lord has equipped local churches to do the work that He has given them to do We do not ignore where and when God in His word is telling to do the work. We must find the way to fulfill this commandment as it is a work of the church, in order to be complete in the sight of God. Evangelism is beautiful, Edification is beautiful, but if there is NO benevolence, we will not be perfect in the sight of God!

9 BENEVOLENCE FELLOWSHIP BENEVOLENCE
A local church caring for those of its own number - (Acts 4:32-37). A local church Caring for its own widows – (Acts 6:1-8; 1 Tim 5:3-16 ). The church in Antioch sent to the brethren in Judea – (Acts 11:27-30). The churches in Macedonia, Achaia, and Galatia sent to the church at Jerusalem – (1 Cor. 16:1-3; 2 Cor 8:1-5; 9:1,2 ). FELLOWSHIP BENEVOLENCE

10 1) Money was laid at the apostles feet – thus a common treasury.
The Church Is To Engage In Benevolent Work Ac 4:32-37 A local church caring for those of its own number: 1) Money was laid at the apostles feet – thus a common treasury. 2) Distribution was made according to the need – and it was only among the believers. 3) None of them lacked so the effort was successful under the organization provided.

11 The Church Is To Engage In Benevolent Work
Acts 6:1-8; 1 Tim. 5:3-16 A local church caring for those of its own number: 1) There was a daily ministration – but some were being neglected. 2) The church was instructed to “seek out seven men to be appointed over this business; 3) Those taken into the number [to be cared for by the church] had to meet certain conditions.

12 BENEVOLENCE God has always been concerned about the poor.
Provisions were made for the poor under the law of Moses (Deut. 24:14-15; Lev. 23:22). Deuteronomy 24:14-15 NKJV[14] "You shall not oppress a hired servant who is poor and needy, whether one of your brethren or one of the aliens who is in your land within your gates. [15] Each day you shall give him his wages, and not let the sun go down on it, for he is poor and has set his heart on it; lest he cry out against you to the LORD, and it be sin to you. Leviticus 23:22 NKJV[22] 'When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not wholly reap the corners of your field when you reap, nor shall you gather any gleaning from your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and for the stranger: I am the LORD your God.'"

13 BENEVOLENCE God has always been concerned about the poor.
Examples in the New Testament: Acts 2:44-45 “sold their possessions” Acts 6 – Men appointed to take care of the widows. Various congregations sent aid to the saints in Judea. (Acts 11:27-30; Rom. 15:26; 1 Cor. 16:15).

14 BENEVOLENCE The church is admonished to be benevolent.
“do good to all” (Galatians 6:10) Galatians 6:10 NKJV[10] Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

15 BENEVOLENCE The church is admonished to be benevolent.
“visit orphans and widows” (James 1:27; 1 Timothy 5:16) James 1:27 NKJV[27] Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. 1 Timothy 5:16 NKJV[16] If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows.

16 BENEVOLENCE We are not to help:
Those who refuse to work (2 Thes 3:10). 2 Thessalonians 3:10-11 NKJV[10] For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. [11] For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.

17 THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH
Three areas: Evangelism Edification Benevolence The mission of the church is not… To entertain. Have fun and games. Sponsor ball teams, exercise or diet classes. Build gymnasiums. To cure all the social ills and injustices in the world.

18 THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH
Three areas: Evangelism Edification Benevolence NOT IMPOSSIBLE! “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:18)

19 May the Lord help us to understand the mission of the church.


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