If we can learn what works the early church were engaged in, and duplicate them, we can rest assured that we are doing the WORKS which God has assigned for the church.

Some churches (FALSE) have become money making institutions, while others have become welfare stations, and still others have become recreational centers. Churches (denominations) across the world have misunderstood their PRIMARY PURPOSE for being in existence.

Paul commended the church at Thessalonica for becoming followers of the churches of God in Judea (1 Thes 14). One of the works in which the early church discharged duties was that of leading the members toward spiritual maturity. The elders of the church at Ephesus were instructed to, “TAKE HEED therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Spirit hath made you overseers, to feed the CHURCH of GOD.” (Acts 20:28). The elders had the primary responsibility to feed the church in order to educate (TEACH) it enough in the Scriptures to PREVENT FALSE TEACHERS FROM DESTROYING THE FLOCK.

Participation in Bible studies, sermons, and gospel meetings are essential for the accomplishment of the perfecting of the saints. Also, another work for the early church was to help the needy saints. The early church pooled its resources to help the needy saints. When cases of necessity arose, the saints had all things in common (CHRISTIANS). Some members sold their property in order to feed the poor. (Acts 4:32-37)

As a CONGREGATION, the MEMBERS have a RESPONSIBILITY only to the SAINTS (CHRISTIANS). As INDIVIDUALS, the MEMBERS have a responsibility to all MEN, but especially to FELLOW SAINTS(CHRISTIANS).

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are the household of faith. (Gal. 6:10)

Another work of the church is to PREACH the GOSPEL to all the world, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)

Another work of the church is to SUPPORT GOSPEL PREACHERS while they spread the gospel to the world, 2 Cor. 1l:8, Phil. 4:15,1 Cor. 9:14.

There are also WORKS in which the church should not engage, “churches that are involved with RECREATION to such an extent that the church begins to look like a SOCIAL CLUB. Providing softball games, basketball games, teen outings, youth camps, youth groups are not the WORK of the TRUE CHURCH.

Clean recreation is not sinful, BUT the PARENTS, and not the CHURCH are the ones who are RESPONSIBLE for providing it to their children.

Also, the work of the church is NOT to sell clothes, food, provide hospitals, orphans homes, for all the world. The church has no responsibility to teach math, science, and etc. These obligations of educating CHILDREN are ones which BELONG to their PARENTS. The WORK of the TRUE CHURCH is “Go ye into all the world, and PREACH the GOSPEL. The GOSPEL is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes. The world in which we live continues to change day by day but, “THE WORD OF GOD HAS NOT CHANGED, it remains the same.

Does it concern you that your religion might not be acceptable to God?

If you have Bible questions, or a comment, please sent them to: Randall Phipps, P.O. Box 746, Clintwood, VA 24228.