1. God is the first and greatest missionary seeking the lost: Gen. 3:8, 9; John 3:16; Luke 19:10

2. The Great Commission was given to individuals: Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 1:8

   • make disciples, i. e. , believers
   • baptize
   • teach all of Christ's commandments

3. The purpose of the local church is to build up and equip believers so that they can function within the assembly and go out to obey the great commission. I Pet. 2:5, 9 It is of great importance that the assembly have clear goals for the accomplishment of this responsibility as outlined in Eph. 4:11-16. There is no Biblical precedent for a gospel meeting in the church and appeals to the unsaved to come in to hear the gospel.

4. It is evident from a study of the book of Acts that the work of evangelism was carried out simply; in complete dependence upon God for guidance (Acts 8:26, 16:6-10) and without church campaigns, elaborate missionary organizations, fund raising, promotions, etc.

5. The gospel message and how to share it should be understood by every saint in the assembly; I Pet. 3:15. It should be given out simply and with power, I Cor.2:1-5. To this end, the great doctrinal sections of Scripture, such as Romans 1-8 should be frequently taught in the assembly as a high priority of the evangelist and the teacher, Eph. 4:11-12.

1. Evangelism - preaching the gospel as the basic pioneer effort in a new area. Example: preaching the gospel in Galatia (Acts 14:6-7).

2. Edification - teaching and building up these believers on the return trip through this area - Acts 14:21-22 (all part of the first missionary journey).

3. Establishment - helping the believers to become matured and settled in the faith - Acts 15:41 - 16:5 (second missionary journey) and Acts 18:23 (third missionary journey).

4. Extension -

   (1) beginning the cycle in other places, Acts 16:10

   (2) involving younger believers, Acts 16:1-3

   (3) part of the teaching and training in the above points would equip new believers to do the same, II Tim. 2:2

1. Imitators of older Christians' example s after having received the Word, I Thes. 1:6.
2. The assembly "an example " to all in the area, I Thes. 1:7.
3. The assembly known throughout the area for the "word of the Lord" and "faith toward God" I Thes. 1:8.
4. New creatures in Christ: The testimony of separation from evil, I Thes. 1:9- 10.
5. Willingness to suffer for Christ, I Thes. 2:14 and II Thes, 1:4.
6. lnner harmony and unity: "the love of all the brethren" I Thes. 3:6, 4:10 and II Thes. 1:3
7. Walking honestly before the unbelieving world, I Thes. 4:12.
8. Competent leadership in the assembly, I Thes. 5: 12- 24;

The Seven Letters to the Seven Churches of Revelation 2 and 3. Christ walks in the midst to inspect and clean the light, and will remove it if necessary.