Paul Smithson
With the variety of activities churches are involving
themselves, it is easy to see there are differing ideas as to
what the work and mission of the Lord's church is. Let us
consider what the Scriptures teach concerning what the work of
the church is, who is to do it, and how it is to be done.
Most have turned the Lord's church into something more
social than spiritual. The result is many people are involved
in and enjoying the social activities and facilities that
churches are providing, yet they are lacking in the spiritual
benefits of the truth. The church of Jesus Christ, however, is
spiritual in nature and not social. Jesus' statement before
Pilate plainly shows the nature of His kingdom. He said His
"kingdom is not of this world" and that He came into the world
"to bear witness of the truth" (Jn. 18:36-37). The purpose and
work of the redeemed individuals that make up Christ kingdom is
spiritual in nature. The "house of God, which is the church of
the living God" is "the pillar and ground of the truth" (1Tim.
3:15). Jesus came to bear witness of the truth, a mission
neither social or recreational. His church is the pillar and
ground of that same truth and its purpose is also one that is
spiritual. Banquets, bazaars, rallies, lock-ins, ball games, are
enjoyable and have a place in life, but their place is not in
the purpose and work of the Lord's church; for its nature is
spiritual, not social. In Rom. 14:17, though the context is
speaking of the principles of conscience, it is plain to see
from the apostle's statement what the nature of the church is.
"For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking; but
righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit." The
kingdom of Christ is made up of blood bought people (Acts 20:28;
Rev. 5:9-10; Col. 1:13-14), and Christ blood was shed for a
higher and holier cause than to establish a social club, civic
organization, or recreational facility.
The work and mission of the church is spiritual, but who is
to do the work of the church? The answer is simple, the church.
Yet, many say the church must build and or donate to separate
institutions such as hospitals, benevolent homes, missionary
societies, colleges, etc., to do the work of the church. These
are not the church, nor are they overseen by the church; yet,
they receive financial support from churches. Many contend that
such institutions allow the church to do things that God would
have done that the church could not do by itself. But again,
who is to do the work of the church? If one believes that the
church is "the fullness of Him who fills all in all" (Eph.
1:23), they believe without a doubt that the church is
sufficient to do what ever work God has for it to do, whether it
is conccerning evangelism, edification, or benevolence (Eph.
3:10,11; 4:11-16; 1Tim. 3:15). When men allow the church's work
to be done through a human institution the church loses its
autonomy and becomes a fund raising organization. The church
is to do its own work and that work is set forth in the
Scriptures. There is no biblical authority for a church to
build or support separate institutions.
How is the work of the church to be done? The Scriptures
teach it is to be done by autonomous congregations on a local
basis, with elders whose oversight is limited to their own
congregation (Ac. 14:23; 20:28; 1Pet. 5:2). There is no biblical
authority for joint or sponsoring church efforts with
centralized control and oversight. The church today will be able
to accomplish its work the same way it did in the first century,
if it follows God's plan; a plan that has not changed.
In the Scriptures God has told us what the work of the
church is, who is to do it, and how it is to be done. We must
simply have faith in and follow His divine direction to
accomplish that work.
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