Series: Fundamental Lessons on the Church. Lesson Five,

THE WORSHIP OF THE CHURCH

By Bob W. Lovelace

We hope that you have taken the time to study lessons one through four in this series, Fundamental Lessons on the Church. Lesson Four, our last lesson, was about the local church as God ordained it. One becomes a Christian by being baptized into Christ for the remission of their sins (Acts 2:38; Gal. 3:26-27). New Christians were not left on their own, but had a responsibility to join themselves to a local church (see Lesson Four, Part One & Two). The local churches were given a distinct pattern for both the organization and the work to be done. This lesson, Lesson Five, concerns the work of the local church in edifying its members through collective worship.

Restating a brief portion from Lesson Four (Part One) ~ "the obligation of church membership"

As Christians we have collective responsibilities that must be fulfilled by working and worshipping with other Christians (Acts 11:26; Heb. 10:23-25). Some people do not want to accept the "collective" responsibility Paul was eager to fulfill with his brethren. Thus people have to be taught that works of an "individual" nature are not all there is to fulfilling our obligations to God. I was blessed once in being instrumental in converting the dear brother in the flesh of a sister in the church where I preached. Both she and her brother were older and well along in life. The sister had stedfastly set the proper example with the hopes of bringing her brother to the Lord (Matt. 5:12; Acts 2:42; 2 Cor. 3:2). Finally, with careful instruction through planned lessons he saw that he was not "truly" a Christian. He was baptized into Christ for the remission of his sins (Acts 2:38; Gal. 3:26-27). Upon his baptism he rejoiced in the joy of salvation just as the eunuch did in Acts 8:35-39. He attended worship the very next Lord's Day, and we all rejoiced over having a new brother in Christ. His sister was especially joyful having waited for so many years to see this day. But the next Sunday he didn't come to worship. Upon inquiring I was told that he had stayed home. When we sat down together to discuss his attendance he stated that he did not think it was necessary to attend worship services. He was an old cowboy and just sort'a figured that appreciating the simple things of life was enough now. He was glad that he was a Christian. But he had decided for selfish reasons that he didn't need to fulfill his collective responsibilities. As we talked he came to a fuller realization as to why God ordained the local church. He became ashamed of his selfish attitude and actions. He made the correction in both thinking and conduct remaining faithful in his duty to assemble with the church. By doing such he was edifying others and receiving edification himself (Heb. 10:23-25; Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:18-20).

Dear reader each Christian individually has the daily duty of living a righteous life. This acceptable lifestyle consists of the righteous requirements enjoined upon Christians in the New Testament (Rom. 6:17-18). The life a christian is required to live is not hard or difficult to know about and understand. It is easily discerned even by new converts in the various lists of proper and improper conduct in the New Testament. These lists instruct us as to what sinful actions to "put off" as well as the righteous actions we are to "put on" so as to please Christ (read Eph. 5:1-17; Col. 3:1-11; Gal. 5:19-24; I Cor. 6:9-11). There is no excuse for a new Christian not knowing how to live so as to please the Lord. Also, individually, we have a duty to fulfill our obligation to our mates (Ephesians 5:22-33; I Cor. 7:3-5). There are reciprocal "family" duties for Christians (Ephesians 6:1-4; Col. 3:21). Christians as individuals offer worship in prayer and singing (James 5:13-14; Acts 16:25). They study the Bible (2 Tim. 2:15). They help those who are in need, both Christians and non-Christians regardless of their religious beliefs (Gal. 6:10). The obligation to obey civil government is set forth in Romans 13: 1-7. All of those things are "individual" responsibilities.

But one cannot get by with just doing those things required of the individual. Acts 2:42 said, "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." Christians have the "collective" duty to assemble on the first day of the week to partake of the Lord's Supper (Acts 20:7; I Cor. 11:17-34). They were commanded, "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: [25] Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching" (Hebrews 10:24-25). We need "others" in Christ for collective worship and work whereby we both give and receive strength in order to live faithfully when performing daily tasks in the world. Those who do not put a proper emphasis on collective duties do not last; being weak they give in to the world's temptations and fall away (Luke 8:13-14; Heb. 10:24-31). One cannot be right with the Lord and choose to just ignore collective duties! (see Heb. 10:24-27). Christians in the first century assembled with the local church for the purpose of edification through instruction, singing and prayer (I Cor. 14:3-5, 14-15, 19, 26; Eph. 5:18-21, Col. 3:16; Heb. 13:15-16). As they did such they offered up their worship "to God" and "to the Lord" (Eph. 5:19-20; Col. 3:16). Their reverence for God enabled them to submit to one another, thus being led by the men in the church in an orderly decent manner during worship (Eph. 5:21; I Cor. 14:33,40; I Tim. 2:11-12). Moreover, in so doing they drew near to God during that time of worship (Heb. 10:22). God accepted their worship because it was in spirit and in truth (Heb. 13:15-16; John 4:24). Why are we required to worship God collectively? He commands such and it glorifies, honors and pleases Him! He is Worthy! (Rev. 4:11; 5:9). Additionally, we have already studied their liberality in giving into the treasury so that the work God gave the church might be accomplished (Acts 4:32-37; also I Cor. 16:1-2).

The Five Items of New Testament Worship

1. The Lord's Supper upon the first day of week (I Cor. 11:17-34; Acts 20:7; cp. I Cor. 10:16).

2. Instruction in the word of God (I Cor. 14:3-6, 12, 19, 26).

3. Singing to one another (Ephesians 5:19; Col. 3:16).

4. Praying (I Cor. 14:15-17).

5. Giving (I Cor. 16:1-2).

The Definition of "Edification"

As stated in the section from Lesson Four above the purpose of assembling together for worship is that we might be "edified" or built up spiritually. You will notice should you read I Corinthians chapter 14 concerning an assembly of the church at Corinth that the purpose was always "edification" of the members present. Hear Paul, "… let all things be done for edification" (I Cor. 14:26). Dear reader there is simply too much misunderstanding of what worship is today. People have been gradually led away from understanding the significance of being "edified" through collective worship. Here's is W.E. Vine's Expository Dictionary's definition of the appropriate words:

EDIFICATION, EDIFY, EDIFYING

"A. Noun. OIKODOME denotes (a) the act of building (oikos, a home, and demo, to build); this is used … in the N.T., in the sense of edification, the promotion of spiritual growth (lit., the things of building up), Rom. 14:19; 15:2; I Cor. 14:3,5,12, 26. e.g." Concerning the verb Vine says: "B. Verb. (b) is used …in the sense of …promoting the spiritual growth and development of character of believers, by teaching or by example, suggesting such spiritual progress as the result of patient labour. It is said (1) of the effect of this upon local churches, Acts 9:31; I Cor. 14:4; (2) of the individual action of believers towards each other, I Cor. 8:1; 10-:23; 14:17; I Thess. 5:11."

Edifying through preaching and teaching the word,

The passages identifying collective action and assembling as a church present the five acts listed above. Let's go back to a former thought. How do Christians know what to do when they come together? They know by understanding the New Testament pattern for worship as revealed therein. The things done when the church assembled as a church were for the purpose of spiritual growth. These things were not given for entertainment purposes. An ordinary thing like eating a common meal to satisfy hunger was to be done elsewhere, at another time. Hear Paul, "And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come" (1 Cor. 11:34). People's expectation of "going to church" is that it will be an occasion of fun, socializing, eating and entertainment. In church advertisements the "fun" and parties for "youth" is the true drawing card. We all know this. For the kids it’s the pictures of hot dogs to eat and getting to "play" that attracts. The older are not left out as they are promised their own "pot luck" that is sure to please. Worship is placed in the background with lesser emphasis. For special events well known entertainers are often brought in and advertised to get a crowd. The applause and hand clapping in so-called worship today simply displays a subtler attitude of mind and heart that disparages true worship. Hear Jesus, "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24).

By contrast Christians in the first century church assembled to worship God and edify (build up) each other spiritually. We hope that you will make time to visit with the church of Christ so that may see what this is really like. By following the New Testament patterns we do not come to worship thinking that everyone must "feel good" about themselves. And we don't plan to be entertained with social events at church. Moreover, properly instructing from God's word means that there will be reproofs and stern warnings about the wages of sin being spiritual death (Rom. 6:23). The preaching and teaching from those instructing will be balanced with encouragement, convincing, rebuke and exhortation (Heb. 10:24; I Tim. 4:2). Dear reader most people are being fed a steady of diet the "feel good about yourself" (positive mental attitude) style of preaching. The plain truth is this is not the kind of preaching that is required by Christ for His church! The Lord requires "sound doctrine" in the instruction given by the church and to the church. Hear Paul on how to preach and why, "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; [2] Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. [3] For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; [4] And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. [5] But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. [6] For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand" (2 Tim. 4:1-6).

Allow us to make further application to the teaching and instruction (worship) of the local church. From Paul's instruction to Timothy (I Tim. 4:1-6) you can plainly see that it is the "crowd" who is guilty before God! Yes it is the people themselves who will not endure sound doctrine. Paul gave Timothy the warning that the people in general will desire to have God's word diluted. Moreover, having itching ears they hire preachers who are willing to go along and preach what the people "like" to hear. God's word also places blame upon such preachers as well. Paul's describes their smooth words and flattering speeches whereby they beguile and lead astray. Through flattery the people come and hear and walk away feeling wonderful inside about themselves. Dear reader the vilest of sinner can attend and leave with such a feeling! Moreover, such preachers aren't concerned about the souls they are leading to destruction. They are greedy just as Paul explains. Hear Paul, "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. [18] For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple" (Romans 16:17-18). Understand that eloquent speech is not all that is involved in the deception Paul warns about. Preachers can put out the I'm just an old country boy performance as well. There is such a wide diverse audience out there that you will find every combination of artful speech among the false teachers. Each has his own delivery that works the best for him. Beware! One must compare what preachers preach with what the doctrine of Christ the New Testament teaches (See "by sound doctrine," Titus 1:9; cp. "test," I John 4:1; "judge," I Cor. 14:29).

The Churches of Christ that have given in to the demands of the people for this kind of teaching and preaching are like Laodicea of old. Laodicea was a local church that belonged to Christ. Yet the church was sick spiritually being filled with the fruits of unrighteousness. Here's Jesus' personal description and how He felt about that church:

"And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; [15] I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. [16] So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. [17] Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: [18] I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. [19] As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. [20] Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. [21] To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. [22] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches" (Rev. 3:14-22).

Has it dawned upon you as to just how far churches have gone away from the New Testament patterns? We hope it has. While such warnings and instruction from God's word might seem hard, they must be said. Some people have the idea that the only warning necessary has to do with immorality in conduct. Dear reader people need to hear warnings about how man has changed worship into that which is not acceptable! And they need to hear about the unauthorized practices of churches that have forsaken the New Testament teaching. Jesus' example here was to "not" back off upon hearing the complaint that what must be said is "too hard" (see John 6:60-66). Dear reader are you looking for the church that has applicable preaching and teaching?

The pattern for the Lord's Supper on the first day of the week, Acts 20:7

Note: The local churches in the first century clearly met for the purpose of partaking of the Supper on the Lord's Day.

I. THEY CAME TOGETHER AS A CHURCH, I Cor. 11:17-18

1) TO break bread ~ Acts 20:7 (Cp. I Cor. 10:16, 21).

2) TO eat Lord's Supper ~ I Cor. 11:20.

3) TO eat (Lord's Supper) ~ I Cor. 11:33 (Context shows Lord's Supper).

II. THE LORD'S SUPPER WAS EATEN BY ALL TOGETHER:

Matt. 26:26-28; Acts 20:7; I Cor. 11:18-34 (Specific as to "how" ~ all partook together, verse 33; cp. I Cor. 14:40)

III. The "WHEN" of I Corinthians 11:

1) WHEN YOU COME TOGETHER: I Cor. 11:17.

2) When you come together AS A CHURCH: I Cor. 11:18.

3) When you come together IN ONE PLACE: I Cor. 11:20.

4) When you come together TO EAT, WAIT FOR ONE ANOTHER: I Cor. 11:33.

Undoubtedly the Lord's Supper is placed in the scriptures with the collective work of the local church. The certainty of the assembly for this purpose is seen in verse 33, "when you come together to eat…" The members came together for the purpose of each partaking at that time and during that assembly for that purpose. From the very beginning "... they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers" (Acts 2:42). The expression "in breaking of bread" refers to the Lord's Supper (cp. I Cor. 10:16,21). We are told that they met in the temple for worship (Acts 2:46; 3:11; 5:12). Luke makes a distinction between their worship, and their eating ordinary meals ( expl. "ate their food") in their homes, from house to house. He says, "So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart" (Acts 2:46; cp. I Cor.11:34).

Christ the Savior gave the church the Lord's Supper to be observed with regularity. At the beginning we are taught that disciples "continued stedfastly" in the apostles' doctrine, fellowship, in the breaking of breaking of bread, and in prayers (Acts 2:42; cp. Heb. 10:23-25). As they observed the Lord's Supper in their assemblies they did such in remembrance of His death. Hear Paul rebuking Corinth for assembling as a church with a common feast (food for the body) in mind,

"What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. [23] For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: [24] And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. [25] After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. [26] For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. [27] Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. [28] But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. [29] For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. [30] For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. [31] For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. [32] But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. [33] Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. [34] And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come" (I Cor. 11:22-34).

The observance of the Lord's Supper is a proclamation of His death until He comes. Churches of Christ "do" what He commands. Each first day of the week they assemble for the purpose of partaking of the Lord's Supper. The man made religious "holidays" so popular among the community churches and denominations are not a part of the worship or work of the church! Though man chooses to promote such with great enthusiasm and pageant, there is no such thing as a Christmas Service for the church. Moreover, there is no observance of Easter with a special "Easter Service" and pageant! Elaborate drawn out pageants such as you find in Catholicism and offshoots thereof simply do not have a place in the worship of the church. Nor did the churches practice "Judaism" as the Jews did under the Old Covenant (the Old Testament, 2 Cor. 3:14) given through Moses (See De. 5:1-33). That Old Covenant or testament was taken out of the way and nailed to the cross (Col. 2:14-17; 2 Cor. 3.). Hebrews teaches that the first covenant, the Mosaic, grew old and decayed (Heb. 8:7-13). The food and drink regulations, ordinances, festivals and sabbath days of that covenant were not to be bound upon Christians (Col. 2:14-17; 2 Cor. 3:5-11). By contrast the New Testament is the will of Christ for all until the end of time (Rom. 1:16-17; Hebrews 8).

Singing with a purpose,

Both singing and prayer were common in their assemblies for worship and edification (I Cor. 14:15). Paul said, "What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also." In addition we find this instruction to the Ephesians,

"And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; [19] Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; [20] Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; [21] Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God" (Ephes. 5:18-21).

The parallel verse to Ephes. 5:18-21 is found in Colossians 3:

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. [17] And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him" (Col. 3:16-17).

The Purpose of Singing in Worship:

1. Speaking to "one another" (yourselves) ~ "One another" is a reciprocal pronoun; all participated with the intent that all might be edified, each by the other in the congregational singing. "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly" defines the character of the songs sung. Being centered upon truths from God's word they were instructional in nature.

2. The specified act was "Speaking" ~ "Speaking" is the Gk. Word is "laleo" meaning "to talk, i.e. utter words" (Strong's Gk. 2980). "Speaking" isn't "playing" a musical instrument. New Testament worship was a cappella, i.e. without instrumental accompaniment. The making melody is in the heart, thus they sang with grace in their hearts to the Lord. In giving instructions concerning their assemblies for edification Paul authorized "words" easily understood (I Cor. 14:9).

3. Their singing was "teaching" or giving instruction ~ thus producing learning.

4. Their singing was also "admonishing" ~ "Admonishing" means "to put in mind, i.e. (by implication) to caution or reprove gently :- admonish, warn (Strong's Help). Notice that the "purpose" of singing is not to make everyone present "feel good" all of the time. Through congregational singing one is often admonished or reproved. Such admonitions and warning can prick the heart and lead to godly sorrow that leads to repentance (2 Cor. 7:11).

5. Giving thanks always ~ their thanksgivings to God were expressed.

6. Submitting to one another ~ Their reverence for God enabled them to submit to one another, thus being led by the men in the church in an orderly decent manner during worship (Eph. 5:21; I Cor. 14:33,40; I Tim. 2:11-12).

Prayer,

As with the other items of worship the praying is led by the men of the congregation. This is according to God's order of authority for the church (I Cor. 11:3, 34; I Tim. 2:8-12). Prior to His ascension Jesus spoke of His leaving and said to the disciples, "And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. [24] Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full"

(John 16:23-24). Prayer, Jesus taught, is directed to the Father (Matt. 6:9). When Paul recorded his prayer he wrote, "For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ," (Ephes. 3:14).

Dear reader Christians do not by rote memory just recite the prayer Jesus used for instructing His disciples (Matt. 6:9-13). People often refer to this instructional prayer as "the Lord's Prayer." Part of Jesus' instructional prayer given during His ministry was, "Your kingdom come…" (Matt. 6:10). Christians do pray for forgiveness and daily needs. But they realize the instructional nature of Matt. 6:10 is limited with regard to the kingdom being yet in the future at the time Jesus gave that prayer. When He gave that prayer as instruction the kingdom had not yet come. Since the kingdom has come you will "not" find Christians praying for it to come (see Col. 1:13).

Concerning our prayers we have Jesus as the one mediator between God and man (I Tim.2: 5: Heb. 7:25). This means that Christians may approach the Father at any time through Christ their Lord (Heb. 4:16; Acts 9:40; 10:9; Matt. 6:6). When Christians sin (and they will) by repentance and confessing them to God they are assured of forgiveness (I John 1:8-10; Acts 8:22). Christians should with humility of mind confess their sins to one another and pray for one another. Hear James,

"Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much" (James 5:16).

Giving,

Restating a brief portion from Lesson Four (Part One), Liberality among members:

"The number that made up the church multiplied quickly day by day (Acts 2:47). Before long just the number of the men alone came to be about five thousand (Acts 4:4). Luke tells us that "believers were increasingly added to the Lord" through baptism (Acts 2:41, 5:14). Moreover, their generosity is seen in their selling some of their property and giving so that those among them in need might be cared for. The money given was brought and "laid at the apostles' feet," thus pointing to the apostles' oversight at the very beginning. Luke's description as a result of this growth was, "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. [33] And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. [34] Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, [35] And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. [36] And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, [37] Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet" (Acts 4:32-37).

 The simple pattern for the church receiving funds to do its work is established at the very beginning of the church. The members "themselves" gave into a common treasury so that the Jerusalem church could do its work. Notice that they did not go out and ask or expect the community to "donate" to their church. They did not take the money and put it to the money-changers to gain interest thus increasing their holdings, although we know that such was possible even then (Matt. 25:27). Nor did they bank or invest money, or put it into businesses owned and ran by the church to bring in gain. Though the Apostles performed great miracles God did not enable them to miraculously just make money! Why? Because God wants His people to give as He commands them in His word."

A recorded example of Christians giving when they came together on the first day of the week is found in I Cor. 16:1-3. Here the collection was for a specific reason. The funds collected were to be sent to the needy saints in Jerusalem (I Cor. 16:1-3; 2 Cor. 8-9; Rom. 15:25-28).

Dear reader we have presented the worship authorized for the church that we read about in the New Testament. The aim of this brief portion of our study has been to acquaint you with the simple yet profound worship belonging to Christ's church. You have learned how God desires that men worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). It is from the New Testament and not the Old Testament (the Mosaic covenant) that one learns what He requires for worship today. Since there is worship that is in truth then that must mean that worship offered in any other way is "not" in truth. The church Christ built has no bands performing so called "Christian rock music." There is no entertaining with a party type atmosphere were individuals (children, adults, the elderly) come for physical gratification, rather than for edification. The introduction and cordial welcome to the church on the title page will give you a concise view of what it will be like should you desire to visit with us. Should you visit you will not be embarrassed in any way. We do not ask or expect visitors to give into the treasury of the church. In these studies we have emphasized several times that the funds collected come from the member themselves for the work of the church. This is the divine pattern and the way it should be in order to please Him. Perhaps we can interest you in desiring to learn more from Lesson Six ~ "The Autonomy of the Local Church."

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