1. The Works of the Local Church

2. Why Not Just Say “Evangelism, Edification, & Benevolence?” Pros & Cons: – Pro: Easy to remember. – Pro: Easy to categorize N.T. activities. – Con: Suggest we have much more general authority. – Con: Encourages one-sided thinking about works. We Need A More Detailed Appreciation For The New Testament Accounts Of Local Churches At Work. We Need A Recognition Of the Multipurpose Nature Of The Works God Has Planned For The Local Church. We Need A Better Understanding Of The Fruits Produced As Local Churches Perform Their Work.

3. 1.) To Worship God To Worship Under The New Covenant – John 4:23, Hebrews 8:6, 13:15 To Worship Joyfully & Reverently – Philippians 4:4, Hebrews 12:28 To Worship Decently & In Order – 1 Corinthians 14:40

4. 2.) To Teach The Gospel Teaching & Studying The Gospel Is Part of Our Weekly Worship & Daily Privilege – Acts 5:42, Acts 20:7 Teaching The Gospel… – Stirs Up One Another To Love & Good Works (Hebrews 10:24, 2 Timothy 3:17) – Offers Salvation To The Lost (Romans 1:16) – Equips & Matures The Saved (Ephesians 4:11-13)

5. 3.) To Share Information About The Work & Well-Being of Saints Personal Greetings & Updates Were Included In The Epistles Publicly Read – Colossians 4:12-16 Reports Were Given To The Church At Jerusalem – Led To A Fantastic New Local Church Starting (Acts 11:18-20) – Led To Restored Peace & Unity (Acts 15:4) 21 st Century Application: Announcements, Zimbabwe Report, Evangelist Reports On Bulletin Boards

6. 4.) To Select Saints For Service The Apostles & Elders Both Involved The Local Church In Selecting Servants. – Acts 6:3, Acts 15:22 The Local Church Selected Saints To Provide Financial Oversight. – 1 Corinthians 16:3 Elders, Deacons, Teachers, Evangelist, & Other Servants Benefit From The Involvement of the Local Church.

7. 5.) To Participate In Spiritual Discipline Because Sin Should Not Be Tolerated – 1 Corinthians 5:2,11 Because Sin Will Spread – Galatians 5:9 Because Division Is Tragic – Titus 3:10-11 Because We All Care For Our Brother or Sister – Matthew 18:17

8. 6.) To Financially Assist Saint In Need Saints In Need, But Not To Enable! – Acts 11:27-30, 1 Timothy 5:8, 2 Thessalonians 3:10-14 Widows Indeed – 1 Timothy 5:9-10 Elders Who Lead & Teach Well – 1 Timothy 5:17 Evangelist “Worthy of Their Labor” – 1 Corinthians 9:14, 1 Timothy 5:18, Philippians 4:15-16

9. The Works of the Local Church