May the church do every good work?

Welcome to Midway Church of Christ

What’s Your Question? for Dec. 30, 2009

Paul told the Galatians, “as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10). Some apply this to congregational action. Paul was talking about individuals, who are limited only by ability and opportunity (1 Jn. 3:17). He said concerning those who were to do good, “some compel you to be circumcised” (Gal. 6:12). This clearly shows, as does the context, that Paul was talking about individual action. Believers are to work with their hands what is good, in order to have money to help others (Eph. 4:28). Churches are not to work to raise money, but members are to give on the first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:1,2). Recreation is a good work (1 Tim. 4:8), but churches should be in the soul-saving, not the body-building business.