One of our readers asked for help in responding to a brother who is
defending church kitchens on this basis: how do we know the Jerusalem church
didn't have one to use in the daily serving of food to its widows
(Acts 6:1-6)?
First, the question is not, "How do we know they didn't have a kitchen?" It
is, "How do we know they did?" We can only follow the apostolic pattern
(Philippians 3:17)
by observing what the Bible says the early Christians did. Guessing about
things they might have done, but things about which the Bible says nothing,
opens the door to endless innovations.
Second, it is not at all likely that the Jerusalem church even had a
building at this point in its existence, much less a kitchen! There was so
much poverty in the group that many were forced to sell land or houses just
to meet the physical needs of their brethren
(Acts 4:34-35).
Given that, and the fact that their number quickly swelled into the
thousands
(Acts 2:41; 4:4),
where would they have gotten the funds to build a meetinghouse sufficient
for so many? Luke
(in Acts 2:46)
points to the temple courts as their meeting place.
Third, the only justification for a local church having any facility is that
it is a means of carrying out the work God has assigned the church
(collectively). A building is authorized because we are commanded to
assemble for worship
(Hebrews 10:25; Acts 20:7; etc.).
Classrooms for edification/instruction in God's word might be included
(Ephesians 4:11-12; etc.).
If one is going to argue in favor of a gym, they must show that recreation
is a local church function. If one is going to argue in favor of a kitchen
and eating hall, they must show that eating is a church function. Facilities
for doing unauthorized things are themselves unauthorized. If the New
Testament contained any commands or examples that made dinners and
recreation the church's work, brethren would not resort to arguments such as
the one we are considering. Not only are there no positive statements to
support such things, Paul's prohibitions in
1 Corinthians 11 explicitly
place eating in the realm of the home, not the local church. "What! Do you
not have houses in which to eat and drink? … If anyone is hungry, let him
eat at home"
(vss. 22, 34).
Fourth, who's kidding whom? What church has so many members lacking food and
cooking capability that a kitchen in the meetinghouse is legitimately the
most practical way to provide for them? And more to the point, in what
congregation is preparing meals for indigent members the exclusive, or even
the primary, use of such facilities? It is dishonest to justify building a
facility for one purpose, then switching (perhaps all the while planning) to
use it for others. By such tactics we might console ourselves, but God is
not deceived.
Other Articles by Frank Himmel
Improve Your Life
We Wait by Faith
The Suffering of Jesus Prior to His Death
Unity in the Church
Maturity
The Grace of God that Brings Salvation
Are
You Tired of All the Gimmicks?
For Past Auburn Beacons go to:
www.aubeacon.com/Bulletins.htm
|
Anyone can join the mailing list for the Auburn Beacon! Send
your request to:
larryrouse@aubeacon.com |