Work of the Church – 1

by Bryan Gibson

New Testament churches were taught the same doctrine—the apostles’ doctrine, or the doctrine of Christ. So whatever they did in terms of organization, work, and worship, they were taught to do so, and their instruction came from the Lord (1 Corinthians 4:17; 7:17; 14:34-35; 16:1-2; Colossians 4:16; Acts 2:42; 20:26-27; 1 Corinthians 14:37; Galatians 1:11-12; 1 Thessalonians 4:2; 2 Thessalonians 3:6).

Note: So what these churches did is still binding on us today. They were following the Lord’s instructions, and if we plan to do the same, we must do as they did.

New Testament churches were warned against following any other doctrine (Galatians 1:6-9; Ephesians 4:11-16; Colossians 2:8, 19, 22-23; Revelation 2:14-15).

Note: How can we remain a “church of Christ” if we do not follow the doctrine of Christ?

New Testament churches were given work to do, and they were not to be burdened with the work assigned to individuals within the church (1 Timothy 5:16).

Note: We must study carefully to distinguish between the work given to individuals within the church and the work given to the church collectively.

New Testament churches raised money for their work by the voluntary contributions of their members. Their work was not funded by those outside the church (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7; 11:8; Philippians 4:15-16).

Note: Churches today have come up with endless schemes to make money, but we must be content with what the Lord told us to do.

New Testament churches had regular worship assemblies, and these were conducted according to the instructions of the Lord. Home activities were to be kept separate from “church activities” (1 Corinthians 11:20-22, 34; 14:34-35).

Note: Recreational programs have become popular in many churches. This is just one example of how “home activities” have been confused with “church activities.” God has clearly defined what should be done by the church or “in church” (the assembly). Just because something is fine for the home to do doesn’t mean that it is fine for the church to do.

 

See the follow-on article “Work of the Church – 2” for a more precise definition of the work of the church as given in the New Testament.