Local churches are authorized to provide for the preaching of the gospel, continued

Observation: The gospel was taught.

• II Corinthians 11:7
• I Corinthians 15:1-5
• Matthew 4:23
• II Thessalonians 1:8
• I Peter 4:17
• Matthew 28:18 – Compare Mark 16:15-16.
• It’s possible to think of the gospel as less than it is or more than it is. Many today see the church as a kind of community improvement project.
  • Romans 1:13
• We have the joy of spreading God’s message to others.

Observation: Encouragement of preachers was important (not just money).

• Acts 13:1, 2; 14:26-28

Local churches are authorized to provide for worship and edification

The local church is a group designed for mutual encouragement as we serve God together.

• The benefit of a group.
  • I Corinthians 14:3-6, 12, 17, 26, 31
  • Atheist mega-churches?
• Lord’s Supper
  • Acts 20:7, 16, 6 – Paul made extra effort to be with them.
• Studying/preaching
  • I Corinthians 14:26
  • I Timothy 4:6, 16; II Timothy 4:1-5
• Giving
  • I Corinthians 16:1-2; II Corinthians 8:1-7; 9:1-2