In the Firm Foundation (October 25, 1983), Fred Davis had an excellent outline entitled, "What Is The Church of Christ?" Section three of his sketch in defining and describing the, church was especially beneficial. Note it:

III. The Church of Christ Is God's Missionary Society.

I . It has the responsibility of preaching the gospel to the lost (Mark 16:15; 1 Tim. 3:15).

2. Every member has a responsibility in this work (Matthew 28:19,20; Titus 3:1,3; Romans 7:4; John 15:1-19).

3. The church is all sufficient to do the work God has outlined - it needs no crutch to lean upon (Eph. 3:10; 3:21).

4. The church is God's teaching institution and its success depends upon it (John 6:44,45; Romans 10:13-17; 1 Cor. 1:21; Eph. 4:15,16).

5. This teaching demands:

(1) Preparation (James 3:1,2; 2 Timothy 2:2,15; Eph. 5:17).

(2) It should be safe-guarded by the elders (1 Peter 5:2; Acts 20;28; Titus 1:9).

(3) Going to the lost (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 20:20-27; Luke 15:8-10).

(4) Consecrated living (Romans 2:21,23; 2 Cor. 3:2; Matthew 5:16),

Now, observe, please, a sequel to the above material.

III. The Church Of Christ Is God's Benevolent Society

1. It has the responsibility of helping certain needy ones (Acts 6:1-6; 1 Tim. 5:16).

2. Every member has a responsibility in this work (Acts 6:2-5; 11:29; 1 Tim. 5:16).

3. The church is all sufficient to do the work God has outlined - it needs no crutch to lean upon (Eph. 3:10; 3:21).

4. The church is God's benevolent institution and its success depends upon it (1 Tim. 5:16; Acts 6:1,5; Rom. 15:27,31).

5. This teaching demands:

(1) Preparation (Acts 6:3,5; 11:29; 2 Cor. 8:10; 9:2).

(2) It should be safe-guarded by the elders (Acts 11:29; 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2; Titus 1:9).

(3) Going to the needy saints (Acts 6:1; 11:29; Rom. 15:25,26; 2 Cor. 8:4; 9:1, 12, 13).

(4) Consecrated living (Rom. 2:21-23; 2 Cor. 3:2; Matt. 5:16).

Carefully examine the parallel outlines. The first one by Fred Davis shows that the church is God's missionary society. The church is the organization God has provided to preach the gospel to the lost as brother Davis has so ably demonstrated. Human societies built, maintained and sustained by churches of Christ are unnecessary, unscriptural additions to do the work God assigned and designed the church to do. The second, parallel segment shows that the church is God's benevolent society. The church is the organization God has provided to care for certain needy ones. Human societies built, maintained and sustained by churches of Christ are unnecessary, unscriptural additions to do the work God assigned and designed the church to do.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 2, pp. 35-36
January 19, 1984