Articles
Local Churches Can Only Do These Things
Most churches plan and finance many activities that are unauthorized in Scripture. As a result, they dilute the work God wants them to do and bear no resemblance to the churches we read about in the Bible.
Their pursuits, however noble, fall far short of the purpose for which Christ died. He gave His life on the cross to establish a spiritual body of people with a soul-saving mission. The work of the church is spiritual not carnal, God-centered not man-centered.
Local churches in the New Testament confined themselves to three areas of work. We must do the same today. I’ll use the acronym BEE to help us remember these areas: Benevolence, Evangelism, Edification.
Benevolence
This is the act of taking care of the necessities of others — in this context, destitute Christians. Whenever the New Testament speaks of church funds being used to help needy people, the individuals in question are always faithful Christians who cannot provide for themselves (Acts 11:27; 2 Cor. 8-9; 1 Tim. 5; et. al.). An act of love, church benevolence draws brethren closer and fosters an attitude of generosity and gratitude.
Evangelism
Teaching the gospel to the lost, is vital to the growth of Christ’s body. Churches engage in it by financially supporting sound preachers locally and abroad (Acts 11:19-22; Phil. 4:14-18; 2 Cor. 11:8) and by proclaiming the gospel during public worship.
Edification
Edification means to build up and strengthen brethren. Churches accomplish this by providing worship services, Bible classes, and devotionals to stir up brethren to love and good works (Heb. 10:24-25). Church leaders equip the saints for God’s work in order to build up Christ’s body (Eph. 4:11-16).
Conclusion
When churches add to these three approves areas of work, they not only neglect the spiritual work God has appointed, they also violate the authority He has established. The first century church pursued no other endeavors. As the 21st century church, let us follow this pattern with faith that God’s ways are higher than man’s.
