In previous articles on bible authority we have noticed several times the teaching of 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 3:17. The idea of "whatsoever ye do in word" has to do with what we teach or that we must preach and teach that which is truth or that which is authorized by the word of God. The idea of "whatsoever ye do in deed" has to do with that which we practice. So, we must take heed to those things we teach and those things we practice. This, of course, is true in regard to individual Christians as well as truth in regard to local churches. In discussing bible authority and the work of the church we are discussing that work which is authorized in the New Testament for the local church to practice.

When we search the pages of the New Testament to learn what the local church is authorized to practice we only find three authorized works. These are:

1. Preaching the gospel to the lost, lThess 1:8; Acts 13:1-5

2. Preaching the gospel to the saved or edification, or building up in the faith those who are already Christians Eph 4:16; Acts 20:7; lCor 14:17

3. Caring for saints who are in need lTim 5:16; Acts 11:27-30; lCor 16:1-3.

Many that call themselves the church of Christ buy buses to haul folks to Branson or Six Flags or skating parties. Some build gymnasiums so they can play sports and compete in these things with children of the devil. Others build and furnish places to eat, drink and play. I ask you, under which authorized work do these activities fall? Do these activities fall under preaching the gospel to the lost? Are they found under the authority for spiritual edification or caring for saints in need? Are these social and worldly things the work of the church? They clearly are not authorized! We sometimes call these unauthorized things the social gospel as contrasted with the authorized and true gospel of Christ.

The local church is not a political faction of some sort. The local church is not a social club of some sort; it is not a mission depot to care for the world's needy; it does not have a political platform and is not an entertainment center. These things belong to the world and bible students remember that the savior said "my kingdom is not of this world" Jn 18:36. So, the Lord's church is concerned with the spiritual and not the worldly and the heavenly not the earthly Col 3:1-3; Rom 14:17.

Most who would like to be called our brethren are not too much concerned with these three aforementioned authorized works of the local church. They, instead occupy themselves in the pursuit of the worldly, fleshly, earthly and social satisfactions and seek these rather than the "every good work" (ie those authorized by the word of God) 2Tim 3:16-17.