"Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you." - Romans 16:16 |
 That mission is three-fold in nature and can be properly stated under the categories of Evangelism, Edification and Benevolence.
1. Evangelism The church is to preach the soul-saving message of the gospel to all nations (Matthew 28:18-19), to every creature (Mark 16:15). It is hard to imagine a weightier responsibility than that one. However, since God has placed this priceless treasure (Matthew 13:44-46) in the hands of the church, let us pray our hands are worthy of the task (I Corinthians 4:1-2).
2. Edification There is no fellowship on earth richer than that of faithful Christians (Ephesians 4:15-16). They have the love of God for a bond, the camaraderie of fighting the same enemy, the same longing for heaven. May we always strive to provoke one another unto love and good works (Hebrews 10:24).
3. Benevolence Christians have been given an unspeakable gift (II Corinthians 9:15). It is only natural that they themselves would be givers (Acts 20:35). "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10). |