In understanding the issue of church supported orphan homes, nursing homes, retirement centers, homes for unwed mothers, etc..we need to perceive the leaps or assumptions that are made by those who contend that such is the work of the church.
FIRST JUMP
Contend that the church has an obligation to help non-Christians from it's treasury.
SECOND JUMP
Take passages that are the responsibility of the individual Christian and apply them to the work and responsibility of the collective. Passages such as James 1:27 and Galatians 6:10
THIRD JUMP
A human institution, distinct from the local congregation, with it's own treasury and leadership will take care of the need, i.e. an orphan home, etc..
FOURTH JUMP
The local congregation doesn't have the funds to support this institution, thus other congregations also need to support it.
The argument is often made that since the church is composed of individual Christians, then what is commanded of or whatever the individual Christian can do, the church acting as a whole, including the use of the funds collected on the first day of the week can engage in, financially support and sponsor. One writer said, 'Whatever God authorizes every christian to do, based entirely upon the grounds of one's being a christian, he authorizes the church to do.' This subject isn't a minor point, it has far reaching ramifications, so let us reason together.
I. A Distinction Can Be Found:
A. THE VERY EXISTENCE OF THE CHURCH:
The fact that God wanted Christians organized and functioning in local congregations (Acts 9:26 ), should stand are proof that obviously there is some distinction between the work of the individual christian and the work of the congregation. Carefully note brethren, the same argument which says 'Whatever the individual can do, the church can do', also must concede, 'whatever the church can do, the individual can do.' Which in effect makes the local congregation unnecessary. Under such a premise, all the passages that talk about what christians did when they assembled, or even the need to assemble with christians (Hebrews 10:25 ), can be equally fulfilled by the sole individual. If no distinction exists between individual and church action, then: (1) Hebrews 10:25 can be fulfilled by meeting with yourself. (2) 1 Cor. 16:1-2 can be fulfilled by giving to your own bank account. (3) 1 Cor. 11: 23ff can be fulfilled by purposefully staying home and partaking all by yourself. (4) 1 Thess. 5:11,14 can be fulfilled by encouraging yourself. (5) Heb. 13:17 can be fulfilled by being in subjection to yourself. If the church is the individual, then the individual is also the church.
