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38th Street Church of Christ 3904 38th Street NW Canton, Ohio 44718 330-492-5523 Fax: 330-493-7119 |
“To The Church On 38th Street ... Write” |
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I. Introduction.
A. What is the real purpose, real mission, of the church?
Question very relevant for us, today, as we work to meet
peoples’ needs, and, as we look forward to start of new
year, with goals in mind.1. People have many needs – individually and
collectively. In individual sense, needs vary
considerably, based on age, economic condition,
physical health, and many other criteria. As a
nation we’ve created many institutions designed to
meet various needs. But, no one institution is
designed to meet them all.2. The need for secular knowledge we assign to
schools; the need for health care we give to clinics
and hospitals; agencies, governmental and private,
look after people of different economic
classifications. Each institution is designed, and
structured, for a particular purpose.B. So, what is the purpose for which God designed, and
instituted, the church? The purpose of the church really is
three-fold, with one standing above the other two.1. The primary purpose of the church is to proclaim
the Gospel of Christ.a. Jesus described His Own mission, His Own
purpose as: “. . . to seek and to save that
which was lost.” (Luke 19:10).b. Evangelism – the teaching and preaching of
God’s great love for all people and His great
desire to have all people live with Him
eternally, is still the number one purpose of
His Church, His people.c. Matthew 28:19: “Go, . . .and make disciples
of all nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy
Spirit” (“Gospel Wheel”)2. Along with evangelism go two other purposes, both
related to the first. They are:a. To strengthen and encourage and teach
members of the church. To grow souls
already a part of God’s family.
(Matthew 28:20).b. And, to do the work of charity and
benevolence, within and without Christ’s
body.3. Under these three headings: evangelism,
edification, and benevolence, we can place all the
individual items that make up the purpose of the
church. Peoples’ most basic, and most significant,
needs can be met under these three headings.C. Can a church succeed in this mission? Some have; some
have not. Is 38th Street succeeding in this mission?1. Verses from Revelation 3 regarding message from
Christ to Christians at Philadelphia. Here was a
church that succeeded in carrying out its purpose –
while others, nearby, failed to do so.2. Of seven messages to churches of Asia, only two
did not point out faults and failures in meeting their
mission. There was:a. Ephesus, the “loveless” church – these
brethren had “left their first love.”
(Revelation 2:4).b. Pergamos, the “compromising” church –
they had accommodated brethren who had
abandoned the doctrine of Christ and
adopted the doctrines of Satan and the
world. (Revelation 2:14-15).c. Thyatira, the “corrupt” church – again,
allowing a false teacher to poison the church
and turn it away from its most important
mission (Revelation 2:20-22).d. Sardis was the “dead” church – while
retaining a good name among people, and
the appearance of spiritual health and
vitality, they were, really, spiritually dead.
The front was false; there was no substance
behind it, or life, within it.
(Revelation 3:1).e. Most well-known of group of failures is
probably Laodicea, the “lukewarm”
church – self-satisfied; comfortable; not
willing to stir up anyone, themselves
included, with gospel message. In fact, it
gave a little effort for the Lord and gave a
little to Satan. Tried to run a neutral course
in the spiritual war.3. Besides Philadelphia, church at Smyrna receives
commendation from Christ and no condemnation.
They too, were successful in carrying out purpose
for God’s people.D. Take a closer look at what Christ says to church at
Philadelphia and think about the church here, on 38th Street.II. A Successful Church.
A. Principal problem for church at Philadelphia was not pagan
opposition, but Jewish opposition (verse 9). (RE-READ).
B. Remembering the purpose of church – to evangelize, to
edify, to do benevolent work, here was church successful in
spreading gospel, in strengthening faith of members, in
showing love of Christ to world.1. Jesus says to them: “I have set before you an open
door, and no one can shut it: . . .” (verse 8). No
opposition could stop determined effort to teach
true gospel.2. In face of strong opposition: “. . .[you] have kept
My word, and not denied My name.” (verse 8).3. Brings promise of Christ to such a faithful,
charitable people: (verse 10). (READ).4. This is followed by the challenge of Christ for
future of church: (Read – verse 11). What
“crown”? Go back to Revelation 2:10.C. What application do these messages have for us?
(READ v. 13). These messages are to all churches; what
is said to one is said to all. How successful has this church
been in carrying out its purpose? What would Christ write
to 38th Street?
III. The Church Today.
A. If we’re going to really meet peoples’ needs, as the church,
today, we must accomplish same purpose, carry out same
mission as church in 1st century. Mission of church still
three-fold. Still God’s design – no more, no less. If we
fulfill our purpose, we will be pleasing to God, like
churches at Smyrna and Philadelphia.B. Preaching the Gospel of Christ. The church is the only
source of gospel teaching to the world. If it does not
teach truth – who will? Method for such teaching also
remains unchanged.C. Strengthening and Edifying The Church.
1. When a person obeys the Gospel call to repentance
and is baptized, one of the greatest challenges in the
church, always, is “keeping the saved saved.” Such
continued teaching and edifying is not only
necessary, but commanded, like evangelizing.2. Without this teaching, children of God might return
“. . . to the weak and beggarly elements,” of the
world, as some in unsuccessful churches in
Revelation did. (Galatians 4:9).3. The church is to provide teaching in God’s Word so
that Christians may: “. . . grow in grace, and in the
knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ . . .”
(II Peter 3:18).D. Doing The Work Of Christian Love And Benevolence.
1. Beyond all this, the church has always been
confronted with necessity to help see to both
spiritual and physical needs of hurting, sometimes
helpless, people.
2. Love is still reflected in benevolence, as it was from
earliest days of church.IV. Conclusion.
A. If church is working in these three areas of evangelism,
edification, and benevolence, it is doing what God expects
it to do and what God designed it to do.1. Are many different things we can do under each of
these headings.2. It’s not work of any one person or group of people –
purpose of church is purpose of those who are the
church.B. God invites everyone to join in this mission, fulfill purpose
for His church, His kingdom on earth.