123 Church Work

Church Work THIRD YEAR—SUBJECT 16

Church Work (READ Colossians 3) 1. Preaching. Mark 16:15.

2. Teaching. Matthew 28:20.

3. Study. Acts 17:14.

4. Singing. Colossians 3:16.

5. Exhortation. 1 Timothy 6:2.

6. Giving. 2 Corinthians 9:7.

7. Charity. Acts 10:38.

While many of the above items can hardly be separated from worship, yet they properly come under the head of church work. Any one can do each or a ll , of these items and at the same time not worship God. Yet no one can properly do the items mentioned in the preceding lesson, viz., praising God, thanksgiving, prayer, and breaking bread, without worshipping God. I make the distinction to more forcibly teach the lesson.

God ordained the church with power and authority to preach the gospel to all the world. After men were converted, then they were to be taught to observe "all things” commanded by Christ. To enable them to know these things the church had to study them. In their study and work they were to teach and admonish each other by singing and making melody in their hearts, to exhort one another to love and good works. All, not some, were commanded to give as they had been prospered, and as they had opportunity they were commanded to do good unto all men.

Each act of work and worship mentioned in the above two lessons can be done as acts of faith because God commands them. "Whatsoever is not of faith is sin," and many things are practiced today which are sins because not commanded of God.

QUESTIONS 1. Who are commanded to preach?

2. What must they preach?

3. What woe is pronounced upon a man who does not preach the gospel?

4. What must a church be taught to observe?

5. Mention the "all things."

6. What should we study? Why?

7. Why should we sing?

8. Can we sing as an act of faith?

9. Why?

10. Who should give?

11. How much must we give?

12. When should we give?

13. How must we give?

14. Why should I give?

15. What blessing does God promise to a man who gives liberally?