Biblical Mission Work
The Need for Preaching
It is Christ’s command that the gospel be preached (Mk 16:15-16).
It is impossible to have gospel fruit without first sowing the seed of the kingdom (Matt 13:3-8, 18-23).
There can be no production of faith apart from hearing the Word. Romans 10:17. John 20:30-31. Luke 8:12. Acts 18:8.
Men cannot be drawn to God apart from being taught of Him (Jn 6:44-45).
Jesus placed teaching first in the system of conversion (Matt 13:15). Jesus mentions—teaching, understanding, turning/conversion, and healing/forgiveness.
The Lord’s word is the begetting power in the new birth (1 Pet 1:23).
Where there is no preaching, there can be no salvation (Rom 10:13-14).
The inconsistency of some is seen in the fact that they say God converts people through the direct operation of the Holy Spirit, but these same people will hold evangelistic campaigns.
The Church—The Divine Missionary Society
Any missionary society larger or smaller than or different from the congregation is unscriptural (Col 1:23).
The wisdom of God is made known through the church (Eph 3:10).
The Holy Spirit has enjoined upon the church the work of upholding the truth (1 Tim 3:15).
We are taught to glorify God in the church (Eph 3:21).
Man is commanded to do all religious work in the name of the Lord Jesus (Col 3:17).
The missionary society has no scriptural head, foundation, field, or mission.
Cooperation among Churches
The churches in the first century were independent, but they cooperated in carrying out the mission of the church. Philippians 4:15-16. 2 Corinthians 11:8.
This Bible class was originally taught by Dr. Justin Imel, Sr., at the Dale Ridge church of Christ in Roanoke, Virginia.