Lesson 5:IntroductionIn this lesson we emphasize the importance of understanding and respecting New Testament instructions relative to the functions of a local church.WorshipSing (Colossians 3:16)Pray (Acts 2:42)Study the Word (Acts 20:7)Take the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7)Give into common treasury (I Corinthians 16:1-2)Support the preaching of the wordTo edify the saved (Acts 20:28, 32)Elders are to feed the flock.Elders should teach, but do not have to do all the teaching themselves. They do oversee all of the teaching, though.The food is the Word of His grace.This will build up.The primary purpose of the local church is for the edifying of its members.To save the lost (Philippians 4:15-16)Benevolence under restricted circumstances (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35; 6:1-6; 11:27-30; Romans 15:25-31; I Corinthians 16:1-4; II Corinthians 8, 9; I Timothy 5:16)From these passages we learn:Preaching the Word is placed before benevolence (Acts 6:3-4)Benevolent work of the church is under apostolic control (Acts 4:37)The benevolent work of the church is the fruit of Christianity, not to produce it (Romans 15:27)Saints were the objects of church benevolence (said seven times in above passages)The basis of this relief to saints was NEED (II Corinthians 8:13-14)When one church had more needy members than it could relieve, other churches sent alms to enable it to care for its own needy (I Corinthians 16:1-3; II Corinthians 8, 9)
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