Introduction

• Colossians 3:17
• Hebrews 10:25
• I Corinthians 14:23
• Acts 20:7
• We have authority to assemble and need a place to do so.
• John 4:21

Classrooms for Biblical teaching

In the New Testament, we find authority for churches to be involved in the teaching of God’s word.

• Acts 15:35
• Acts 13:1
• Acts 18:4, 8, 11
• I Corinthians 4:17
• I Corinthians 14:26
• Acts 20:28, 32 – Arranging Bible classes is one way that elders can shepherd the flock.

As far as I know, there are two main arguments against classes:

• First, some object to classes by saying that it divides the assembly, and we have no authority to divide the assembly (Hebrews 10:25; Acts 15:30; 11:26).
• Another objection to Bible classes is that it involves women in an unscriptural way.
  • I Corinthians 14:34-35
  • I Timothy 2:11-12

No kitchen or fellowship hall

The church building is not sacred like the temple was.

As a local church, we need to abide by what the New Testament authorizes us to do as a church.

• Provide for needy Christians
  • Help needy saints in the local church (Acts 6:1-6)
  • Help needy saints in other churches (Romans 15:26)
• Preaching the gospel
  • Sound forth the word (I Thessalonians 1:8)
  • Support preachings in other places (Philippians 4:15-16)
• Worship and edification
  • Add/subtract members (Acts 9:26-28; I Corinthians 5:13)
  • Assemble to worship God and edify each other (I Corinthians 14:23-26)
  • Have elders (Acts 20:28)
  • Have deacons (I Timothy 3:8-13)
  • Make decisions (I Corinthians 16:3)
  • Help sinners repent (Matthew 18:17)
  • Partake of the Lord’s Supper (I Corinthians 11:17-24)
  • Sing spiritual songs (I Corinthians 14:26)
  • Pray (I Corinthians 14:15)
  • Teach God’s word (I Corinthians 14:26)
  • Collect money (I Corinthians 16:2)

There is no passage that gives a church authority to provide facilities for regular meals.

• Churches can provide for needy Christians
  • Acts 6:1
• Churches can provide for the Lord’s Supper
  • I Corinthians 11:17-22, 34

The difference between an individual and the church

• Matthew 18:15-17
• Philippians 4:15 – Sometimes the church acts via money.
• Acts 4:32-5:4
• I Timothy 5:16
• Matthew 9:10
• Acts 16:34
• Acts 2:46-47

Can’t the church practice fellowship?

• (share, contribute, participate)
• Philippians 4:15
• Luke 5:19
• I Corinthians 10:16
• I Timothy 5:22
• I John 1:7
• Acts 2:42

We can make the same point about edification

• Acts 20:32; I Corinthians 14:26; Ephesians 4:11-12