Sermon at the Haynes Street church of Christ on 11/9/2014. Topic: "Biblical Benevolence" Preacher: Steven Matthews

1. Welcome to the Haynes
Street church of Christ
TIMES OF SERVICES
SUNDAY:
9:30 A.M. BIBLE CLASS
10:30 A.M. WORSHIP
WEDNESDAY:
7 P.M. BIBLE CLASS

2. Biblical Benevolence
Acts 20:35: Jesus says it is “more blessed to give
than to receive.”
What is the church authorized to do for those who
are seeking financial help?
Colossians 3:17: Thus saith the Lord.
Jesus has all authority (Matthew 28:20).
When we ask what the church can do, it comes down
to what the church can spend money on.
Three works the church engages in: evangelism,
edification and benevolence.

3. Biblical Benevolence
Evangelism: Spreading the gospel of Christ (II
Thessalonians 2:14-15; Romans 1:16).
Edification: To build up (Acts 20:32; I Cor.
10:23-24, 14:26; II Cor. 12:19; Romans
14:19; Ephesians 4:29).
Benevolence: Kind and charitable acts.
Poverty in the Biblical world was commonplace
(Mark 12:41-44).
We will always have the poor with us (Mark 14:7).
Jesus wants us to give freely and of our own will.

4. Biblical Benevolence
I Peter 4:10-11: We are commanded to be good
stewards of the gifts we have been blessed with.
Every Christian is gifted to serve.
John 6:26-27: Christ rebukes His followers.
Individual Christians spent time with one another
socially, but the local church itself did not do the
planning or paying (Acts 2:46; I Cor. 11:22, 34).
James 1:27: Instructions for the individual.
I Timothy 5:3-16: Recognize the distinction.
Galatians 6:10: “Do good to all.”

5. Biblical Benevolence
Local churches practiced benevolence only for
brethren.
 Acts 4:32-37
 Acts 11:29-30
 I Corinthians 16:1
 Philippians 1:5, 4:14-15
 II Corinthians 9:1-2
 Romans 15:26
The church is not an ATM machine: The Bible does
not allow the church to be used and abused in this
way. Purpose of the church is primarily spiritual.

6. God’s Plan of Salvation
Hear (Romans 1:16; 10:14,17)
Believe (John 8:24; Mark 16:16; Hebrews
11:6)
Repent (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30)
Confess (Romans 10:9-10; Matthew 10:32-33)
Be baptized (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mark 16:16)
Live faithfully (Revelation 2:10; Matthew
6:33; Romans 12:1-2; I Corinthians 15:58)

7. God’s Plan of Salvation
Hear (Romans 1:16; 10:14,17)
Believe (John 8:24; Mark 16:16; Hebrews
11:6)
Repent (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30)
Confess (Romans 10:9-10; Matthew 10:32-33)
Be baptized (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mark 16:16)
Live faithfully (Revelation 2:10; Matthew
6:33; Romans 12:1-2; I Corinthians 15:58)