Introduction

  • II John 1:9
  • We want to simply look at the Bible and do what it says.

Local churches are authorized to provide for the preaching of the gospel.

  • Acts 11:21-23 – “they sent Barnabas”
  • Acts 13:1-3 – “teachers … they sent them”
  • Acts 14:26-28 – “commended … they began to report”
  • Acts 15:1-3 – “sent on their way by the church”
  • I Corinthians 9:1-18 – “get their living from the gospel”
  • I Corinthians 14 – “for edification”
  • II Corinthians 11:7-9 – “I robbed other churches”
  • Philippians 1:3-5; 4:14-18 – “participation in the gospel”
  • I Thessalonians 1:6-10 – “sounded forth from you”
  • In the New Testament, churches sent money directly to the preacher. There was no “sponsoring church” arrangement.
  • In the early days of the church, the pattern from the New Testament was followed. Over time, a hierarchy developed in some local churches, which eventually led to the Catholic organization, with one Pope over all Catholic churches.

Local churches are authorized to provide for needy Christians.

Churches are authorized to provide for needy Christians. Individuals are authorized to provide for anyone.
Acts 2:44-45 Matthew 5:42
Acts 4:32-35 Matthew 25:35-40
Acts 6:1-3 Luke 10:30-37
Acts 11:27-30 Luke 19:8
Romans 15:25-27 I Timothy 5:8
I Corinthians 16:1-3 I Timothy 6:18
II Corinthians 8:3-4, 14 Ephesians 4:28
II Corinthians 9:1 James 1:27
I Timothy 5 I Peter 4:4
I John 3:16-18

Local churches are authorized to provide for worship and edification.