THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST

                INTRODUCTION:
                1. Glad to announce to you that the church which Jesus established is
                still in existence.
                a. It is a divine-human organization, not perfect.
                b. Cannot improve divine side . . . human side needs polishing.
                c. Denominational people think this a fatal admission.  The denomina-
                tional groups cannot claim any divine approval.
           2. Not talking tonight about denominations.
                a. Lord did not even mention them.  I will not fool away my time on
                them either.
                b. Cannot talk about the missions of denominations and stay with the
                Bible.
                c. Judging by actions, their mission must be selling cakes, pies, barbe-
                ques, etc. to raise money to send a man overseas to sell cakes, pies,
                barbeques, etc.  Must have qualified missionary! How qualified?
                Preach?  No!  Must be able to COOK!
          3. The church is simple, not mess of confusion.
                a. Simplicity causes some to stumble. 2 Cor. 11:3
                b. One scripture is enough to prove denominations not of God. That
                is I Cor. 14:33.
                c. ORGANIZATION OF N.T. church is simple, scriptural.
                d. DESIGNATIONS, or titles, of identification show ownership.
                e. MESSAGE is clear, pure, easy to understand. Just gospel.Gal. 1:8,9
                f. THE MISSION of that church is as clearly set forth. However, more
                to mission of church than some think.
          4.    Carrying out this mission is not alwayseasy.
                a. As surely as the sinners must obey the gospel we must carry out the
                mission of the church.
                b. What is the mission of the church?

         1.     IT IS THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH TO PREACH THE GOSPEL.
                Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15,16.
                A. Need to set up Missionary Society? Yesl Have same one first
                church had.  Col. 1:23.  The Church was that Missionary Society!
                B. The church is:
                1. To hold forth the word of life.  Phil. 2:15, 16
                2. The pillar and ground of truth.  I Tim. 3:14, 15
                3. 1 Thess. 1:9; Eph. 3:10
                C. How can church obey this?
                1. Through individual acts 2 Tim. 4:1-5; Acts 8:4,5,12; Acts 20:20;
                 5:42
                2. Church can support preachers.  Phil. 4:15,16; 1:5
                3. By churches cooperating, 2 Cor. 11:8 - I robbed other churches.
                4. Specifically: pulpit, radio, T V, printed page, person to person.
        11. IT IS THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH TO EDIFY THE SAINTS.
                (to build them up, cause them to grow) Eph. 4:11, 12, 16; Acts
                20:32.
                A. Unless evangelize, no converts to edify.  Unless edify, lose respect
                   of community, no converts.
                B. Edification begins where evangelization stops.
                C. How get this done? Pulpit, class room, special training classes,
                   home visitation, ANYWHERE!
            Ill.  IT IS THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH TO MINISTER TO THE
                NEEDY Eph. 4:12; 1 Tim. 5:16.
                A. The F I E LD of its good works.
                   1. The household of faith - Gal. 6: 10 (Acts 6:1-7; 1 1:27-30)
                   2. All men - Gal. 6: 1 0; 2 Cor. 9:13
                B. The Purpose of good works.
                   1. Lord expects it of us.
                   2. Maintain respect - care for own.
                   3. Opens door for gospel - to them and others - not show off.
                   4. Will help those who serve - patient, merciful, sympathetic, and
                      kind.
                   5. Best advertising. Matt. 5:16