Now and then, a member of the church is heard to say, "I don't go to church

anymore, because I had some business dealings with a man of the church and he didn't

treat me right."  Or…  "One of the biggest hypocrites I know goes over there."

   Shame!  Shame!  What is the matter with you?  Of course, in a congregation

of any size you will find a few who are not all that they should be...But what has that

to do with your citizenship and worship?  You know that the church does not

endorse hypocrisy or crookedness on the part of anyone.  This is clearly demonstrated

in your case.  We know you are acting foolishly and sinning in the sight of God when

you let someone else keep you from doing your duty.  Now, if the church is not able to

control you,  why do you object so loudly and strenuously because it has not always

controlled a few others?

     The easiest thing in the world is just to quit, but I think you know as well as

anyone -  what the Bible says will happen to quitters.  The picture that John saw of

the redeemed wearing the white robes and walking the streets of heaven was not

a picture of a quitter.  They had tribulations a plenty, but they endured in spite of them.

They did not quit!

     One of these days the shades will be drawn in your room and people will tiptoe and

whisper.  Then the undertaker will drive up in his funeral car and the preacher will be

sent for.  Those flashy excuses you have been using will not do you one bit of good

when you stand before the judge of all the earth.                             Author Unknown

 "THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH"

Larry Yarber

            "And he gave some apostles; and some prophets; and some evangelists; and some pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-12).

            The mission of the church is basically summed up in this single verse. While the passage itself is dealing with the miraculous offices given to carry out the mission of the church until complete revelation was fulfilled, the mission of the church is the same today as it was in the age of the miraculous. As defined above, to complete (perfecting) the spiritual education of the saints, to do benevolence (ministering) toward those in need, and to evangelize (edifying) the world, or building up the body, "... making increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love" (Ephesians 4:16).

            In writing to the Corinthians, Paul penned, "For ye may all prophesy one by one that all may learn, and all may be comforted" (1st Corinthians 14:31). Jesus said, "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." (Matthew 28:19-20). It is the mission of each local congregation to complete the education of its members. We commend our elders, who with the aid of the deacons, whom we commend also, for the various classes offered for both, young and old alike, which serve to further our understanding of God and His desire for us. We also need to thank those who help by teaching in these programs. The elders are also to be commended for planning meetings/lectures and other learning opportunities for our spiritual maturity. We are indeed thankful for their contribution to and dedication in carrying out this part of the church's mission.

            Concerning the work of the ministry, Lipscomb and Shepherd write, "There are two different words used in the Greek to designate the work of serving and the work of preaching the gospel. 'Ergon diakonias' indicated the work of serving; 'ergon evangelistes' the work of preaching the good news of salvation. The term used here (Ephesians 4:12 - LY), translated ministering, is the one which designates work of serving or ministering to the wants of the afflicted - first of the household of faith; secondly, of all the suffering mortals of the earth" (Gospel Advocate Commentary, Ephesians-Philippians-Colossians, pg. 78). Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). And, Paul penned, "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). In recent months, there have been several devastating catastrophes throughout the world( Including Japan, and here in our own USA). The elders, deacons, and members here have contributed both time and monies, to help the victims of these events. We commend all who have taken an active role in this effort. Thank you elders, deacons, and members for all you have done in fulfilling the mission of the church in the area of benevolence.

            Another mission area of the church is evangelism. In the great commission our Lord said, "... Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:15-16). Here again, our elders, with the assistance of our deacons, have taken the lead by organizing radio blitz, paper articles, brotherhood papers, gospel meetings, and visitations programs in an effort to reach the lost. Again, we commend them for their efforts and love for the lost. I hope each one of us will take the time to thank and encourage our elders and deacons for tending to our Fathers business so earnestly (Luke 2:49). And, may I add, I also commend the faithful brethren who assist them in our mission.