PSALM 104:1-35 Evidence of God’s Ability - Psalm 19:1 Everywhere His Wisdom is Manifest- Psalm 104:24 Great Wisdom Evident in Church – Ephesians 3:8-11

THE WORK OF THE CHURCH Just one way to function – 1 Corinthians 4:15-17 God not the author of confusion – 1 Corinthians 14:33,36-38 Our duty not to mold church to our satisfaction – but learn God’s design for the church Church to sound forth Word of God – 1 Thessalonians 1:8 It is pillar & foundation of truth – 1 Timothy 3:15 It does not create the Truth – it is its duty to support and uphold the truth

THE WORK OF THE CHURCH Churches Spread Gospel By Sending Out Evangelists Jerusalem sent a preacher to a new congregation- Acts 11:20-24 Church directed to send out preachers- Acts 13:1-3 Churches Supported Evangelists Working In Other Areas Philippi supported Paul – Philippians 4:15,16 Preachers expected to receive pay for their efforts- 1 Corinthians 9:14

THE WORK OF THE CHURCH Local church generally expected to support preacher in their area – 2 Corinthians 11:7-9 The Church Strengthens Its Members In The Gospel Purpose of assemblies to edify – 1 Corinthians 14:26 Members built into the likeness of Christ – Ephesians 4:11-13 Edification – learning to be obedient to God- Hebrews 5:8 Accomplished through Word of God- Acts 20:32

THE WORK OF THE CHURCH Aid To Needy Christians Each person expected to work – 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12 Care for family members who cannot work – 1 Timothy 5:3,4; 5:7,8 Christian expected to give aid to others who are needy- Ephesians 4:28 Do good as opportunity arises – Galatians 6:10; James 1:27

THE WORK OF THE CHURCH Aid To Needy Christians There are “widows” and there are “widows” – 1 Timothy 5:5 Even among true widows, churches responsibility is limited – 1 Timothy 5:9-16 Is the church responsible to care for every widow? No – Acts 6:1

THE WORK OF THE CHURCH Churches Were Involved In Relieving Other Christians As Well The needy among them – Acts 4:34,35 Relief gathered for the brethren – Acts 11:28- 30 Money collected for support of saints – Romans 15:26,27; 2 Corinthians 8:1-4 Service to the saints – 2 Corinthians 9:1,12-14

THE WORK OF THE CHURCH Service to the saints – 2 Corinthians 9:1,12-14 “Wait! It says TO ALL in verse 13.” Greek πα̂ς – “all of the same kind.” Greek κοινωνία “sharing, fellowship.” 2 Corinthians 6:14 – “partners” Those receiving service praying on their behalf. Does this mean unbelievers pray for Christians? Consistent pattern church relieving needy Christians

THE WORK OF THE CHURCH Too Often Churches Leave Design of God to Add Additional Works Some argue that it is a “good work” “What is wrong with this service?” God Is Glorified When The Church Accomplishes The Work God Gave It Jesus gave glory to God – John 17:4 Paul said not to alter God’s Word – Galatians 1:6-10