2. The Mission of the church This morning we discussed how the mission of the church is spiritual because its founder, builder, and Savior had a spiritual mission. The mission of the church is to save souls and edify the saints (an eternal purpose). The worship of the church is spiritual (praying, singing, partaking of the Lord’s supper, giving, and preaching). This evening, we will discussion what the mission of the church is not.

3. The Mission of the Church is Not Political The kingdom/church is not an earthly political force (John 18:33-36). The apostles did not advocate overthrowing the government but instead prayed for boldness when they were persecuted (Acts 4:17ff). We don’t tell people who to vote for. We don’t allow voting machines in our building. We don’t allow politicians in the pulpit in for a rally in order to get votes.

4. The Mission of the Church is Not Political Does this mean an individual Christian cannot be involved in politics? We are all subject to the government which has been established by God (Romans 13:1f). But as citizens of the USA, we have the freedom to vote and liberty to uphold God’s word on moral issues (Ephesians 5:11). (sexual purity vs. promiscuity, sobriety vs. drinking alcohol, pro-life vs. abortion, God’s definition of marriage vs. gay marriage, etc.)

5. The Mission of the Church is Not Economical Jesus threw out the moneychangers for making His Father’s house a place of business (Jn. 2:15-16). The only way that the church can raise funds for its mission is the freewill offerings of its members (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). The church is not authorized by the Lord to have a restaurant, raffle, bake sale, sell books, or real estate to finance the work of the church. An individual Christian can go into business but the church cannot.

6. The Mission of the Church is Not in Secular Education Did the church set up schools to educate children and adults in the 1 st century? If so, where? As an individual, the apostle Paul taught the disciples the word of the Lord on a daily basis at the school of Tyrannus (Acts 19:9b). Private schools or colleges do not have authority to receive support from the church because it is not a spiritual work.

7. The Mission of the Church is Not Social “The Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking.” (Romans 14:17) But didn’t Jesus feed the 5,000? Yes, Jesus fed the hungry and healed the sick but it was for the purpose of proving that He is the Son of God (John 6:35; 20:30-31). Those who followed Jesus because of the loaves and fishes turned away when He taught them the truth (John 6:26-27, 60-66).

8. The Mission of the Church is Not Social What command is obeyed when a church builds a gym (family life center), kitchen (fellowship hall) or uses its facilities for social activities? Paul rebuked the Corinthians, “Do you not have houses to eat and drink in” (1 Cor. 11:22). Individual Christians ate together at their houses but it’s not the mission of the church (Ac 2:46). Recreational activities, meals, and help for all people were not provided by the church.

9. Conclusion Christ built, purchased, and died for the church and its mission is to save souls & edify saints. The mission of the church is destroyed when it is used for political, economic, secular, or social reasons. Let us not forget our mission! Let us not allow the church to be burdened with these physical, fleshly things (cf. 1 Tim. 5:16). Are you a member of the blood bought body of saved people? If not, obey the gospel today! Are you a member of the blood bought body of saved people? If not, obey the gospel today!