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PSALM 104:1-35. Evidence of God’s Ability - Psalm 19:1 Everywhere His Wisdom is Manifest- Psalm 104:24 Great Wisdom Evident in Church – Ephesians 3:8-11. THE WORK OF THE CHURCH. Just one way to function – 1 Corinthians 4:15-17 God not the author of confusion – 1 Corinthians 14:33,36-38
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PSALM 104:1-35 Evidence of God’s Ability - Psalm 19:1 Everywhere His Wisdom is Manifest- Psalm 104:24 Great Wisdom Evident in Church – Ephesians 3:8-11
THE WORK OF THE CHURCH • Just one way to function – 1 Corinthians 4:15-17 • God not the author of confusion – 1 Corinthians 14:33,36-38 • Our duty not to mold church to our satisfaction – but learn God’s design for the church • Church to sound forth Word of God – 1 Thessalonians 1:8 • It is pillar & foundation of truth – 1 Timothy 3:15 • It does not create the Truth – it is its duty to support and uphold the truth
THE WORK OF THE CHURCH • Churches Spread Gospel By Sending Out Evangelists • Jerusalem sent a preacher to a new congregation- Acts 11:20-24 • Church directed to send out preachers- Acts 13:1-3 • Churches Supported Evangelists Working In Other Areas • Philippi supported Paul – Philippians 4:15,16 • Preachers expected to receive pay for their efforts- 1 Corinthians 9:14
THE WORK OF THE CHURCH • Local church generally expected to support preacher in their area – 2 Corinthians 11:7-9 • The Church Strengthens Its Members In The Gospel • Purpose of assemblies to edify – 1 Corinthians 14:26 • Members built into the likeness of Christ – Ephesians 4:11-13 • Edification – learning to be obedient to God- Hebrews 5:8 • Accomplished through Word of God- Acts 20:32
THE WORK OF THE CHURCH • Aid To Needy Christians • Each person expected to work – 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12 • Care for family members who cannot work – 1 Timothy 5:3,4; 5:7,8 • Christian expected to give aid to others who are needy- Ephesians 4:28 • Do good as opportunity arises – Galatians 6:10; James 1:27
THE WORK OF THE CHURCH • Aid To Needy Christians • There are “widows” and there are “widows” – 1 Timothy 5:5 • Even among true widows, churches responsibility is limited – 1 Timothy 5:9-16 • Is the church responsible to care for every widow? • No – Acts 6:1
THE WORK OF THE CHURCH • Churches Were Involved In Relieving Other Christians As Well • The needy among them – Acts 4:34,35 • Relief gathered for the brethren – Acts 11:28-30 • Money collected for support of saints – Romans 15:26,27; 2 Corinthians 8:1-4 • Service to the saints – 2 Corinthians 9:1,12-14
THE WORK OF THE CHURCH • Service to the saints – 2 Corinthians 9:1,12-14 • “Wait! It says TO ALL in verse 13.” • Greek πα̂ς – “all of the same kind.” • Greek κοινωνία “sharing, fellowship.” • 2 Corinthians 6:14 – “partners” • Those receiving service praying on their behalf. • Does this mean unbelievers pray for Christians? • Consistent pattern church relieving needy Christians
THE WORK OF THE CHURCH • Too Often Churches Leave Design of God to Add Additional Works • Some argue that it is a “good work” • “What is wrong with this service?” • God Is Glorified When The Church Accomplishes The Work God Gave It • Jesus gave glory to God – John 17:4 • Paul said not to alter God’s Word – Galatians 1:6-10