Just what is its purpose for existence? The mission of the
church is three-fold: (1) evangelism (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark
16:15-16); (2) edification (Acts 14:21-23; Acts 16:1-5); and
(3) benevolence (James 1:27; Acts 6:1-7). Or, the mission of
the church might be stated as follows: the mission of the church
is the same as that of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, which
is to save souls. And in so doing, the three areas of involvement
for the church are evangelism, edification, and benevolence.
At Luke 19:10, our Lord declares concerning His mission: “For
the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
In the work of evangelizing, the church is to strive to reach
out to everyone who has not obeyed the gospel with the saving
message of salvation. At Acts 5:42, the scripture informs us
that, “…daily in the temple, and in every house
they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” And
after persecution was brought upon the church at Jerusalem,
“…they that were scattered abroad went every where
preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). Within the first century
A. D., the gospel of Christ had been preached throughout the
civilization around the Mediterranean Sea, especially the Roman
Empire (Colossians 1:3, 23). Not everyone in whom we come in
contact with the gospel will obey it; nevertheless, we are responsible
to reach out to them with the saving message of salvation (Ezekiel
3:17-21).
In the area of edification, it is essential that we keep the
saved saved and to continue to strengthen and build up their
faith. Notice in the Great Commission that we must not only
convert those who have not become children of God by teaching
them the gospel of Christ and baptizing them, but we are also
to teach those precious souls what is necessary to remain a
faithful Christian (Matthew 28:19-20).
Benevolence is an important ministry of Christians as individuals
and collectively as congregations (James 1:27; Galatians 6:10;
Romans 15:24-27). The term benevolence, as used in this way,
means to show kindness and generosity in looking after the physical
needs of our fellowman. After all, we will be judged on the
Day of Judgement in this matter as to whether or not we showed
compassion in looking after the dire physical needs of others
(Matthew 25:31-46). However, there have been those who place
greater emphasis upon mankind’s physical needs over the
spiritual. They talk about the “felt needs” of man
rather than his spiritual welfare. This is wrong! Regardless
of a person’s physical needs, his or her eternal spiritual
welfare takes priority.
--Dub Mowery
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