The Mission & Work of the N.T. Church

I. The Mission of the N.T. church

Mission ‘The mission of the church is the mission of Christ – The saving of lost souls.”

Mt. 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost…

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

1 Tim. 1:12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;

1 Tim. 1:11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust

II. The work of the N.T church

1. Evangelism – preaching/teaching the gospel

Mk. 16:15-16 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

2 Tim. 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

2 Tim. 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

Acts 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

Those who are ignorant of God’s will or who do not obey it, will be lost 2 Thess. 1:7-9

“We will never bring all the world into Christ until we bring Christ into all the world.”

How we can do this great work? Personal evangelism Bible correspondence courses Internet work Sending printed & electronic material Local teaching and preaching VBS Gospel meetings Mission work Tract rack Invite people to worship - etc.

2. Benevolence – helping the poor and needy The early church was concerned about benevolence Acts 2 Acts 6

Rom. 15:25-26 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.

1 Cor. 16:1-2 (How the church gets money) Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye…

Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come

Gal. 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

2 Cor. 9:12-13 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God…

while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men

Js. 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Benevolent works are a way of reaching people with the gospel “As Christ has provided for our needs, so ought his children to provide for the needs of others.”

Some who need our help The fatherless The hungry The homeless The sick The unfaithful Those in prison The hopeless Etc. The hungry The sick The aged The mentally ill The distressed The jobless

Edify = to build up, strengthen, encourage, 3. Edifying the church – to help the members of the church grow spiritually “The Bible emphasizes the importance of each Christian growing spiritually” Edify = to build up, strengthen, encourage,

Rom. 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another

Eph. 4:11-12 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

1 Thess. 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

Acts 9:31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

We can edify and be edified through: Worship Teaching Fellowship Association with brethren Helping one another Good works Showing love to one another Etc.

2 Pet. 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever.

This is our mission and work! Jn. 9:4 “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”

Lk. 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.