Disputing at Antioch

Acts 15:1-2 -Dispute arises in Antioch
Acts 15:3-5 -The question is put before the apostles
Acts 15:6-21 -The dispute is discussed
Acts 15:22-29 -Directed by the Holy Spirit, the apostles give answer
Acts 15:30-35 -The answer is received gladly and joyfully

Unity by God’s Word
First, we must recognize that we are to be united in God’s word. We can all be united, and be wrong. We must all be united in following that which the Lord has said.
Philippians 4:2-3 -Be of the same mind in the Lord
II John 7-11 -Abide in Christ’s teaching
I John 1:5-2:11 -Walk in the light as he is in the light, love brethren

Unity by Love
We must also recognize that we must be united in love. Our attitude must be one whereby we want to be united and are willing to put in the effort to stay that way, even if at personal cost.
Romans 15:1-13 -Bear other’s burdens, be like minded, for God’s glory
Philippians 2:1-4 -Be like minded, look to the interests of others
Ephesians 4:1-6 -Be diligent to keep unity

The Church Must Teach the Lost

Over the next few weeks, we are going to consider some things about the church. We will strive to not be looking at generalities, but instead to try to examine the work here in Springhill in comparison to God’s word, and see what we need to improve on, that we can better serve the Lord.

Often when we begin looking at the work of the church, we spend a lot of time considering the common practices of religious groups in our society, and showing that there is no Scriptural authority for them. Then we consider the work of the church in terms of what is authorized. Brethren, the work of the church is not just authorized! It is authoritatively required! It is not optional!

This week we will consider the work of the church in terms of evangelism.

Direct Statements
The church is, as a collective, working together and united, to engage in evangelism. It is not to be only an individual work, but a collective act as well.
I Timothy 3:14-15 -The church is the pillar and ground of the truth
Ephesians 3:8-13 -The wisdom of God made known through the church

Approved Examples
In addition to simple statement, we have examples of churches doing just that: of working as congregations to spread the gospel of Christ.
I Thessalonians 1:1-10 -The word of the Lord sounded forth from the church
II Corinthians 11:5-15 -Other churches paid Paul to preach
Philippians 4:14-20 -Philippian church sent support to Paul
Acts 12:25-13:3 -Paul and Barnabas sent out
Acts 14:21-28 -Paul and Barnabas return (v. 26)

We Are told How
Even more specifically, we are given a pattern as to how churches are to spread the gospel. They are permitted to use funds directly (sent straight to the preacher) or to send people out to do the work.
I Corinthians 9:3-14 -The Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel
Acts 11:19-26 -Jerusalem sends Barnabas to preach

Why
We must remember why we are teaching the lost. It is not to just increase the number of people in the building. It is not to increase the contribution. It is to save souls, whether near or far!
I Corinthians 3:1-8 -The gospel preached not for personal glory, but God’s
Romans 1:16-17 -The gospel is the power of God unto salvation
I Corinthians 9:15-23 -That I might by all means save some
Acts 8:1-13 -Philip preaches the gospel, Samaritans are saved