1. 1 TIMOTHY 5:16 (NKJV) If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows.

2. (Part 1) (Part 1) “FELLOWSHIP HALLS, KITCHENS, SOCIAL MEALS…AND THE CHURCH”

3. WHAT IS NOT THE ISSUE The issue is not whether the building is “sacred”. This building we are assembled in is certainly built to be used for spiritual purposes, but should not be viewed in the same way we view the tabernacle or temple. The issue is not whether someone can eat something in a building owned by the church. (Example: Mothers can feed their babies; we have a water fountain)

4. THE QUESTION WE ARE TRYING TO ANSWER Is there N.T. authority for a local church to plan and provide resources for social activities in its program of work?  Is there a command?  Is there an example?  Is there a passage that implies that it should be done?

5. WHAT IS THE LOCAL CHURCH AUTHORIZED TO DO? To have an assembly of the saints (Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 20:7). In such an assembly, the saints should observe the Lord’s Supper on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:33). We are to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to the Lord, and by doing so, teach and admonish one another (1 Corinthians 14:23; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). The saints, when they are assembled together, should pray together (1 Corinthians 14:15-16).

6. WHAT IS THE LOCAL CHURCH AUTHORIZED TO DO? The church should be involved in teaching and preaching God’s word (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 14:26; Acts 11:26). On the first day of the week, saints should give as they have been prospered; to finance the work they do as a congregation (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). A local church should support the preaching the gospel—in a financial way (Philippians 1:5; 4:14-16; 2 Corinthians 11:8). A local church can provide for saints who may be in financial need (Acts 2:44, 4:34, 6:1, 11:29; Romans 15:25-26; 1Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:1).

7. Passages for your own study before next week…  Jude 1:12 (love feasts); 2 Peter 2:13 (may or may not be referring to same things). Do these passages grant authority for fellowship halls/ kitchens?  1 Corinthians 11:17-34; Acts 2:42-47; Acts 6:1-4; Ephesians 4:11-12 (some like to include “fellowship meals” under the work of edification).  Another commonly used argument centers around the word “fellowship.” SOME BELIEVE THEY HAVE FOUND SCRIPTURES THAT AUTHORIZE THESE THINGS…

8. OUR PROBLEM: SIN GOD’S SOLUTION: JESUS CHRIST Sin is explained and identified in the Bible (1 John 3:4; 5:17; James 4:17; Romans 14:5,23). Sin separates you from God (Isaiah 59:1-2) and dooms you to eternal separation in hell (Matthew 25:41). You cannot save yourself from sin by your own efforts (Matthew 19:23-26; Titus 3:4-7). God's amazing grace makes salvation from sin possible for you – but only through Jesus Christ (Isaiah 53:5; Hebrews 2:9; Ephesians 1:7).

9. ONLY THOSE SINNERS WHO OBEY GOD WILL RECEIVE SALVATION FROM SIN (MT. 7:21; HEB. 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 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). Eternal life in heaven awaits only those who are faithful/righteous (1 Pet. 1:3-5; Mt. 25:34).