Congregational Benevolence

1
Congregational Benevolence
Institutionalism
and
Congregational Benovolance
2
Can a congregation use its funds (from the
treasury) to assist ANY needy Saint? Yes!

• And all those who had believed were together,
  and had all things in common and they began
  selling their property and possessions, and were
  sharing them with all, as anyone might have
  need. Acts 244-45
• And the congregation of those who believed were
  of one heart and soul For there was not a
  needy person among them, they would be
  distributed to each, as any had need. Acts
  432-35
• Acts 61-6 Rom. 1525,26 2Cor. 8-9

3
Should the church support(out of the
treasury)widows orphans who are Saints?

• Yes! 1Tim. 51-16

Is the Lord against helping those who are His out
of His treasury?
4
Can the church do whatever the individual can do?

• There is clearly a difference between individual
  responsibility and church responsibility!
• 1Tim. 58,16 Eph. 46 Rom. 135 Eph. 428
  1Cor. 161-2 2Cor. 96-7 Acts 54 Titus 17

Reminder ? Individual Christians are obligated to
relieve the worthy poor (including widows and
orphans) to the extent of their ability and
opportunity Acts 2035 Jas.127
5
Mans Ways
James 127
Local church
Transferred
Transferred To the church
Treasury
Benevolent Society
Individual
Result Christians pushing their PERSONAL
responsibilities off on the church, the
church becomes a financer sponsor for
NON-BIBLICAL organization(s)! WHERE IS THE
SCRIPTURE FOR THIS?
Care, Food, shelter, Clothing, relief, etc.
6
Christs Plan
1Tim. 59,16
1Cor. 161-2
Local church
James 127
Needy Saints
Acts 54
Acts 434,37
Furthering of the Gospel Phil 415 2Cor.
117ff.
Transferred To the church
Treasury
No pushing off of individual responsibility in
giving here! Notice the Scripture for this!
Individual
The church collective is not In James 127! If
any MAN (v.26) INDIVIDUAL ONESELF
(v27)
Care, Food, shelter, Clothing, relief, etc. Needy
NON-Saints
1Tim. 58,15
1Tim. 516 Let not the church be burdened
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The N.T. Authorizes Distribution For Spiritual
Work.

• 2 Cor. 118-9 Wages to one performing spiritual
  service to ANOTHER congregation.
• Phil. 414-17 Giving to one performing
  spiritual services (to the lost to saints) in
  OTHER places
• 1 Cor. 93-14 Carnal things paid by the
  saints RECEVING spiritual services of a preacher.
• 1 Tim. 517-18 Carnal things paid by the
  saints RECEVING spiritual services of an elder.

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Two Kinds of Things Biblically Provided By The
Church.

• Qualified men chosen in the congregation to
  oversee the distribution ministration to its
  needy saints.Acts 61-6 435
• 2. A churchs messengers deliver its Relief to
  the Elders where needy saints are to be
  relievedActs 1129-30 Rom. 1526-27 1Cor.
  163-4

• A congregation gives Carnal things to those who
  minister Spiritual things1Cor 911 2Cor 117-8
• Spiritual things not Carnal things, are made
  available to the intended recipients1Cor. 911
  2Cor. 117-8

The N.T. Authorizes How Each Is To Be Done
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There are two ways to approach Bible Authority

• To find out what Truth is, do it!
• To prove a point youve already assumed
  resulting in an improper belief understanding.
• Let us be of the First!

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Abiding In Christs Teaching 2 John 9

• ANY practice other than those authorized by the
  N.T.
• ANY manner or method of Collection other than
  that authorized by the N.T. (church bake sales,
  raffles, etc.)
• Distribution for ANY purpose other than those
  authorized by the N.T.

Is without New Testament Authorization!
Christ Has All Authority Is Head Over ALL
Things To the Church Matt. 2818 Eph. 122