• Lesson 5:
    • Introduction
      • In this lesson we emphasize the importance of understanding and respecting New Testament instructions relative to the functions of a local church.
    • Worship
      • Sing (Colossians 3:16)
      • Pray (Acts 2:42)
      • Study the Word (Acts 20:7)
      • Take the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7)
      • Give into common treasury (I Corinthians 16:1-2)
    • Support the preaching of the word
      • To edify the saved (Acts 20:28, 32)
        • Elders are to feed the flock.
          • Elders should teach, but do not have to do all the teaching themselves. They do oversee all of the teaching, though.
        • The food is the Word of His grace.
        • This will build up.
        • The primary purpose of the local church is for the edifying of its members.
      • To save the lost (Philippians 4:15-16)
    • Benevolence under restricted circumstances (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35; 6:1-6; 11:27-30; Romans 15:25-31; I Corinthians 16:1-4; II Corinthians 8, 9; I Timothy 5:16)
      • From these passages we learn:
        • Preaching the Word is placed before benevolence (Acts 6:3-4)
        • Benevolent work of the church is under apostolic control (Acts 4:37)
        • The benevolent work of the church is the fruit of Christianity, not to produce it (Romans 15:27)
        • Saints were the objects of church benevolence (said seven times in above passages)
        • The basis of this relief to saints was NEED (II Corinthians 8:13-14)
        • When one church had more needy members than it could relieve, other churches sent alms to enable it to care for its own needy (I Corinthians 16:1-3; II Corinthians 8, 9)