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THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST
INTRODUCTION:
- Glad to announce to you that the church which Jesus established is still in existence.
- It is a divine-human organization, not perfect.
- Cannot improve divine side . . . human side needs polishing.
- Denominational people think this a fatal admission. The denominational groups cannot claim any divine approval.
- Not talking tonight about denominations.
- Lord did not even mention them. I will not fool away my time on them either.
- Cannot talk about the missions of denominations and stay with the Bible.
- Judging by actions, their mission must be selling cakes, pies, barbeques, etc. to raise money to send a man overseas to sell cakes, pies, barbeques, etc. Must have qualified missionary! How qualified? Preach? No! Must be able to COOK!
- The church is simple, not mess of confusion.
- Simplicity causes some to stumble. 2 Cor. 11:3
- One scripture is enough to prove denominations not of God. That is I Cor. 14:33.
- ORGANIZATION OF N.T. church is simple, scriptural.
- DESIGNATIONS, or titles, of identification show ownership.
- MESSAGE is clear, pure, easy to understand. Just gospel.Gal. 1:8,9
- THE MISSION of that church is as clearly set forth. However, more to mission of church than some think.
- Carrying out this mission is not always easy.
- As surely as the sinners must obey the gospel we must carry out the mission of the church.
- What is the mission of the church?
- IT IS THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH TO PREACH THE GOSPEL. Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15,16.
- Need to set up Missionary Society? Yesl Have same one first church had. Col. 1:23. The Church was that Missionary Society!
- The church is:
- To hold forth the word of life. Phil. 2:15, 16
- The pillar and ground of truth. I Tim. 3:14, 15
- 1 Thess. 1:9; Eph. 3:10
- How can church obey this?
- Through individual acts 2 Tim. 4:1-5; Acts 8:4,5,12; Acts 20:20; 5:42
- Church can support preachers. Phil. 4:15,16; 1:5
- By churches cooperating, 2 Cor. 11:8 - I robbed other churches.
- Specifically: pulpit, radio, TV, printed page, person to person.
- IT IS THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH TO EDIFY THE SAINTS.
(to build them up, cause them to grow) Eph. 4:11, 12, 16; Acts 20:32.- Unless evangelize, no converts to edify. Unless edify, lose respect of community, no converts.
- Edification begins where evangelization stops.
- How get this done? Pulpit, class room, special training classes, home visitation, ANYWHERE!
- IT IS THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH TO MINISTER TO THE NEEDY Eph. 4:12; 1 Tim. 5:16.
- The F I E L D of its good works.
- The household of faith - Gal. 6:10 (Acts 6:1-7; 11:27-30)
- All men - Gal. 6:10; 2 Cor. 9:13
- The Purpose of good works.
- Lord expects it of us.
- Maintain respect - care for own.
- Opens door for gospel - to them and others - not show off.
- Will help those who serve - patient, merciful, sympathetic, and kind.
- Best advertising. Matt. 5:16
- The F I E L D of its good works.
- Glad to announce to you that the church which Jesus established is still in existence.