Lesson 6
THE CHURCH
The House of God
But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.
Anybody is welcome at the church. Jesus is edifying His church in all the earth to bless, help and protect the believers.
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
The Body of Christ
Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
The church is not a building or an auditorium, but it is important to have a place to get together with other believers. The Bible teaches us that the church is the body of Christ. We are the temple, or house of God.
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
The Meetings of the Church
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
We worship God as an expression of love. It is wonderful when children, youth, adults and the elderly together lift their voices and sing to God. As part of our worship, we present our tithes and offerings to the Lord. All the gifts are voluntary.
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
He that gives, receives and he that sow, reaps. The tithes are ten percent of our income. If we are faithful with our tithes and offerings, there will never be a lack of resources for the work of God. At the same time, God promises to bless and protect us.
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
The tithes and the offerings are used for activities and to pay for different bills such as light and rent etc. Most of the work of the church is done by volunteers, but it is right for the pastor and the staff to receive recognition for their labor.
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
By the message we learn about the Christian life. Prayer will also be offered for salvation and other needs.
The Organization of the Local Church1Co 12:28
”And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.”
The local church is directed and administrated by a pastor and other leaders. The ministers are preaching the Word of God and prepares the congregation for to fulfil the vision. In the church there is much to do, and it is important for all of us to find a place of service.
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
The Work of the Church
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Before going to heaven, Jesus commanded us to share the gospel with all the people in the world. Some people travel to other countries and cultures to minister. The rest of the church can be involved in missions by prayers and offerings.
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
All the members are important for the service in the local church. Together we serve God, the church members, and the world. We can help the sick and needy. We can also be a blessing to the people that are not members, showing them the love of God.
If the disciple wants to become part of the church, you can talk to the leaders. Show the disciple how they can give tithes and offerings. Help your disciple how to find a place of service in the church. To do this it is necessary to find out about gifts and talents and to present the disciple to the adequate leaders.
Summary
- In the church, the members are instructed, blessed, and protected.
- The finances of the church is based on the tithes and offerings.
- It is important to serve in the local church.
Goals for this lesson
The goals are written to the mentor, about the disciple.
- Invite the disciple to the church.
- Teach your disciple how to tithe and give offerings.
- Show the disciple the opportunities to serve in the church.