“The Mission of the Church” Ephesians 4:12

The church is the result of God’s eternal purpose The revealing of God’s wisdom was made known in the preaching of the gospel of Christ and the very existence of the church was part of God’s plan from the beginning (Ephesians 3:8-10). Purposed and planned of God from before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 3:4; 11).

God’s pattern must be respected God gave Noah a pattern for the ark (Genesis 6:13- 22). Noah followed the pattern and was saved (Genesis 6:22, 7:5; 1Peter 3:30; 2Peter 2:4-5; Hebrews 11:7). Noah was given a pattern to follow. He did all the Lord commanded. He was moved by godly fear.

God’s pattern must be respected Moses was instructed to build the tabernacle according to the pattern God gave him. (Exodus 25:9- 40; Exodus 26:30; Numbers 8:4). “According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it.” (Ex 25:9)

God’s pattern must be respected God gave the pattern for transporting the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:14; Exodus 37:5). David did not follow the divine pattern and Uzzah lost his life when he touched the ark (2 Samuel 6:3-6). David acknowledged his mistake and sought to rectify it (1 Chronicles 15:11-15).

God’s pattern must be respected Israel departed from the pattern God gave and was condemned as a result (Acts 7:37-44). This principle is applied to the church (Hebrews 8:1- 6; 1Corinthians 3:9-17). The divine pattern represents not only divine planning -- but divine will -- which cannot be overlooked. God’s pattern must be respected and followed.

God’s pattern must be respected Hebrews 8:1-5, The church (the true tabernacle) was built by Christ in harmony with God’s purpose and plan. Jesus said in Matthew 16:18, “I will build My church”. The church is the result of God’s eternal purpose, and it is still ruled by divine will and authority. All authority belongs to Jesus Christ in this age (Matthew 28:18-20) He is the head over “all things to the church” – which means there is no other authority in the church but His (Ephesians 1:15-23). Whatever the church is and does, Christ must have willed it. We should still have a godly fear that moves us to do all that the Lord has commanded; just as He commanded.

There is a divine plan for the church in accomplishing the Father’s objectives Ephesians 4:8 “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men” Ephesians 4:11 “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers” Ephesians 4:13 “till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;”

The church has been given a divine plan concerning work and activity (Eph 4:12) “…for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ…”

The church has been given a divine plan concerning work and activity (Eph 4:12) “…for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ…”

The church has been given a divine plan concerning work and activity (Eph 4:12) “…for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ…”

What the mission of the church is not… The mission of the church is not social. We do not read in the N.T. of Christianity taking on social reform or providing social guidance. If a man was converted as either a slave or master, becoming a follower of Christ would make him a better master or slave. (1Corinthians 7:20-22). God taught that the church is not to be the center of social activity (1Corinthians 11:20-22). Serving refreshments to attract greater attendance requires a dismissal of verses such as 1 Corinthians 11:20-22 and John 6:26-27.

What the mission of the church is not… It is not the business or work of the church to provide for and serve as a guide in recreational activity. Making money is not the function of the church. God gave the pattern for raising the funds to do the work of the church (1Corinthians 16:1-2). It should be respected. The church is also not a school or courtroom for domestic relationships.

What the mission of the church is not… Secular education; the teaching of secular subjects like science, math, history, English literature. Those things do not come within the scope of the mission and work of the church, and should be made no part of its work. Political issues – They do not belong in the church. God ordained civil government to meet such issues and resolve them. Political issues should be left up for the civil government to deal with (Romans 13:1-7; 1Peter 2:13- 17).

“The mission of the church…” The church is the result of God’s plan that He had from the beginning. There is a divine plan for the church to accomplish God’s objectives. (A divine pattern) The church has been given a divine plan concerning work and activity. Equipping the saints Serving Evangelizing

Only those sinners who obey God will receive salvation from sin (Matthew 7:21; Hebrews 5:9).   You must hear/read the gospel of Jesus Christ (Rom 10:14, 17). You must believe in Jesus Christ (Acts 16:30-33). You must repent of all of your past sins (Acts 17:30-31). You must confess your faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 8:35- 37). You must be baptized (immersed in water) into Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38; 8:38; 22:16). After becoming saved, you must live a faithful/righteous life to remain saved (1 Tim 4:16; 1 Jn 1:7).