1. “TRENDS” What are we allowing to influence us? Are brethren seeking to change “how we do things”?

2. The Social Gospel

3. What is the Work of the Church? What is the church? Ekklesia, ejkklhsiva “a calling out” (Strong’s) “a gathering of citizens called out of their homes into some public place; an assembly” (Thayer) Cf. Acts 19:39

4. What is the Work of the Church? What is the church? Universal – the body of all who are saved, Matt. 16:18 Local – A group of saints that join together to do the work of the Lord in a given location 1 Cor. 1:2, Gal. 1:2

5. What is the Work of the Church? Evangelism – Acts 20:7 1 Tim. 3:15 Phil. 4:15-18 1 Thess. 1:7-8

6. What is the Work of the Church? Edification – Ephesians 4:16 Worship - cf. Col. 3:16 1 Cor. 14:26, 12

7. What is the Work of the Church? Benevolence – Acts 2:44-45, 11:29-30, 2 Cor. 8:1-4 ALWAYS toward saints and temporary NEVER a tool to introduce the gospel!

8. What is the Social Gospel? A movement beginning in the late 1800s which believed it was the work of the church to eliminate human suffering and “social injustice” through social reform, political advocacy & catering to “the whole man”

9. What is the Social Gospel? It was established in reaction against capitalism which left many in poverty, crime and widespread labor abuse. The rise & endorsement of socialism Rejection of idea the that work of church was evangelism & obedience (ideas mocked as “fundamentalism”)

10. What is the Social Gospel? Church owned gymnasiums, sponsored ball teams, youth activities, and other recreation provided by the church Church sponsored Soup kitchens, food pantries and desires relieve poverty Counseling services, day care centers, schools, etc. Church organized political events BUT is this what God intended the church to be?

11. What is Wrong with the Social Gospel?

12. The Social Gospel Misunderstands the nature of the church/kingdom Church & Kingdom are the same Matt. 16:18,19 Mark 9:1 NOT a social organization

13. The Social Gospel Misunderstands the nature of the church/kingdom Nature of Kingdom spiritual John 18:36 Luke 17:20-21 Romans 14:17

14. The Social Gospel Perverts the mission of Christ and His church Mission? To save the lost (NOT reform society) Why Jesus came – Luke 19:10, 1 Tim. 1:15

15. The Social Gospel Perverts the mission of the church HOW are sinners saved? Mark 16:15-16, 2 Tim. 2:2, 1 Tim. 3:15 The Social Gospel perverts the mission of the church

16. The Social Gospel Underestimates the power of the Gospel ONLY gospel preaching will TRULY convert the soul! 1 Cor. 15:1-2; Rom. 1:16,17; 1 Thess. 2:4

17. The Social Gospel Underestimates the power of the Gospel The social gospel implies that gospel alone is not adequate to reach the lost! John 6:26-29 IF it takes the social gospel to win someone, what will it take to keep him?

18. The Social Gospel Clouds distinction between individual and the church Christians have personal responsibilities beyond work of church - Gal. 6:10, James 1:27 NOTE who these passages addressed to!

19. The Social Gospel Clouds distinction between individual and the church Work of church is much more limited 1 Timothy 5:16 1 Cor. 11:22, 34 Let us NOT pawn off OUR personal responsibilities on the church!

20. The social gospel has been tried and it has FAILED! There is still poverty and social injustice! It has NOT reformed society! John 12:8, “The poor you have with you always.”

21. How does the Gospel change lives? By converting the lost to the teachings of God’s word!

22. Let us in all we do trust in God’s ways and His word to accomplish His will!