Emphasizing attendance in Bible classes and worship is good. It should include lessons on the purpose of the church. Paul said the church is the superstructure that supports the truth (1 Timothy 3:15). It does that three ways.
The keystone of the three is evangelism. Jesus’ parting charge was to make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). Paul said the truth learned should be committed to faithful men who would be enabled to teach others (2 Timothy 2:2). The Sanhedrin commanded Peter and John not to teach at all under the authority of Jesus. They answered, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:18-20).
Edification is a necessary follow-up to evangelism. Jesus wanted new disciples to be taught to do all the things he had commanded the apostles. Paul instructed Timothy to not “give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith” (1 Timothy 1:4). He urged the Thessalonian saints to “comfort and edify one another, just as you also are
doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11). Christians should not use their mouths for foul words, but for edification, “that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29).
The benevolent care each member of the body shows for other members of the body sets the church apart from the world. Early Christians sold property to help the needy among them (Acts 2:44-45). That likely played a part in their finding ‘favor with all the people” and the daily additions to the church (Acts 2:47). God’s children should be on the lookout to help anyone in need, especially members of God’s family (Galatians 6:10). The love of God is shown in brother helping brother (1 John 3:17). Pure religion is demonstrated in caring for widows and orphans (James 1:27).
The New Testament church cares for souls through evangelism, edification and benevolence. God uses that care to open doors to the lost.
Gary C. Hampton