1. The Lord’s Church “…the churches of Christ salute you…” Romans 16:16

2. The Lord’s Church “…the churches of Christ salute you…” Romans 16:16 Un- institutional

3. Institutionalism × There are several things that contribute to the unique nature of the Lord’s church. × One of those is the understanding that the Lord’s church is un-institutional. × “Institution” is defined: a society or organization founded for a religious, educational, social, or similar purpose. × This is not unrepresentative of the church…

4. A Specialized Organization × The Lord’s church is a religious organization designed, protected, and purchased by God. × Within this organization, there are other arguable institutions such as marriage, worship, etc. × However, the unique nature of the Lord’s church as instituted by God is in the fact that it is a spiritually-inclined organization with the mission of evangelism, benevolence, and edification.

5. Consider the Relationship × Evangelism, Benevolence, and Edification. × Evangelism is the purpose of the Lord’s church, and benevolence and edification support that purpose. × Such is not what you find in world religions where Evangelism and Edification support the purpose of Benevolence.

6. Consider Carefully × If Evangelism and Edification are done for the purpose of Benevolence, what becomes the PURPOSE? × The spiritual becomes secondary to the physical. × World religions now place themselves in the business of social welfare / support, political influence, and economic reformation. Can someone find the Scripture(s) for this?

7. The Noble Cause × Churches attempting to alleviate the pressures and inconsistencies of daily life for the public-at- large is a noble cause. × However, the local church is not to be the mechanism of such ventures. × Simply because the local churches cannot bear the burdens of such a huge undertaking and they are not authorized to.

8. The Facts Are These × While I could rage on and on regarding the fact that any local church supporting human organizations is a sin, and that is true, I prefer to keep things simple and reflective of what is revealed in the Scriptures. × Yes, missionary societies, orphan homes, schools and universities, social welfare programs, etc. supported by the local church treasury is sin.

9. The Facts Are These × However, I believe that brethren, children of God, members of the Lord’s church, are the best agents to carry these out in their personal lives. × Think of the lives you will help evangelizing to those outside the church (true missionary work). × Think of those you could foster to better lives overall by holding studies, being a refuge to the needy and aiding your fellow man.

10. Galatians 6:9-10 × To whom was Paul writing? To local churches who should dig into their treasuries to “do good?” No. He was speaking to the power of ONE as part of a whole: “…let us do good…” × Us who? The people of God. This is the same message as Matthew 25:31-46. Jesus NEVER taught the local church or some cooperative unit of churches could change the world!

11. Ephesians 4:28 / 1 Timothy 6:17-19 × Are these commands to church treasuries or to God’s people one and all? × The fact is, we get lazy, we get stingy, we get downright mean in the way we see our money, abilities, and other wealth we possess and we become the epitome of 1 Timothy 6:10 rather than the stark contrast to it. × That is the powerful sin of institutionalism!

12. Flee Institutionalism Listen to the Invitation of the Lord: Isaiah 55; Matthew 11:28-30. Listen to the Invitation of the Lord: Isaiah 55; Matthew 11:28-30. Believe the gospel of Christ: John 8:24; 20:30-31; Rom 1:16; 10:10 Believe the gospel of Christ: John 8:24; 20:30-31; Rom 1:16; 10:10 Repent or turn from your sins: Luke 24:46-47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30- 31 Repent or turn from your sins: Luke 24:46-47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30- 31 Confess your faith in Christ: Matt 10:32-33; Rom 10:9-10 Confess your faith in Christ: Matt 10:32-33; Rom 10:9-10 Be immersed in water: Matt 28:19; Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38; Rom 6:3-4; 1 Pet 3:21 Be immersed in water: Matt 28:19; Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38; Rom 6:3-4; 1 Pet 3:21 Live in obedient faith: 1 Peter 1:14; Rev 2:10 Live in obedient faith: 1 Peter 1:14; Rev 2:10

13. The Lord’s Church “…the churches of Christ salute you…” Romans 16:16