The following article is by Anthony Warnes, preacher for the congregation in Broken Bow. He has some really good thoughts here.
Four Functions Of The Church
It has been nearly 2000 years since the Lord established His church. Over this great deal of time, many might believe that changes have occurred, that new purposes and insights have been applied. If we look at the Scriptures, we see that over the 2000-year existence of the church, the function of His church that Jesus bought with a price has never changed. There are many functions that we could talk about, yet there are four functions that the Lord expects us to accomplish for one another.
First, we have the function of Reaching The Lost. In the great commission, Jesus told His disciples to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). We see throughout the book of Acts that his action of reaching the lost permeated the early churches’ time and energy. They were constantly putting their lives at risk, giving of their time, and giving of their resources in order to follow Jesus’ command.
Second, we have the function of Edifying the Members. Countless examples are given throughout the New Testament indicating that we must build one another up, not tear each other down (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Did you know that ‘one’ of the reasons we are commanded to sing praises to the Lord is for the edification of the saints? Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
Third, we have the function of Opposing Satan. Ephesians 6:11-12 says, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Our fiercest fight must be against the one who is trying to bring all of us to an eternal death. Use the energies of fighting wisely; it must be against Satan for the benefit of you and your brethren.
Fourth, we have the function of Exercising Vigilance Over The Flock. Galatians 6:1 says, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.” Once we join the family of God, it is paramount that we flee the ideology of, “It’s all about me.” This means comforting them, teaching them, and yes, even rebuking them on occasion. Keep it all in a loving manner and remember that there are souls at stake here.
Until next week, I love you all,
Dan
Four Functions Of The Church
It has been nearly 2000 years since the Lord established His church. Over this great deal of time, many might believe that changes have occurred, that new purposes and insights have been applied. If we look at the Scriptures, we see that over the 2000-year existence of the church, the function of His church that Jesus bought with a price has never changed. There are many functions that we could talk about, yet there are four functions that the Lord expects us to accomplish for one another.
First, we have the function of Reaching The Lost. In the great commission, Jesus told His disciples to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). We see throughout the book of Acts that his action of reaching the lost permeated the early churches’ time and energy. They were constantly putting their lives at risk, giving of their time, and giving of their resources in order to follow Jesus’ command.
Second, we have the function of Edifying the Members. Countless examples are given throughout the New Testament indicating that we must build one another up, not tear each other down (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Did you know that ‘one’ of the reasons we are commanded to sing praises to the Lord is for the edification of the saints? Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
Third, we have the function of Opposing Satan. Ephesians 6:11-12 says, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Our fiercest fight must be against the one who is trying to bring all of us to an eternal death. Use the energies of fighting wisely; it must be against Satan for the benefit of you and your brethren.
Fourth, we have the function of Exercising Vigilance Over The Flock. Galatians 6:1 says, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.” Once we join the family of God, it is paramount that we flee the ideology of, “It’s all about me.” This means comforting them, teaching them, and yes, even rebuking them on occasion. Keep it all in a loving manner and remember that there are souls at stake here.
Until next week, I love you all,
Dan
RSS Feed