The church of the Lord Jesus Christ has been commissioned to seek and save that which was lost (2 Cor. 5:20). The world should be drawn to the light of the Gospel, the same as sinners were drawn to Jesus when He walked the earth. We are not to have fellowship with the world, nor be unequally yoked with unbelievers. We are to first care for the brethren, then those who are outside of the Body of Christ in an effort to bring them into the light. We are to take the light of the Gospel to the world in authority, demonstration and power. The early church sold possessions so that none among them would suffer lack and would have all things in common. (Acts 4:32 - 37) Alms and offerings were collected to meet the true and legitimate needs of widows, the poor and the ministry gifts. (Acts 11:27 - 30; 2 Cor. 16:1 - 4) We are to give cheerfully according to what we have and not out of fear. (2 Cor. 8: 8 - 12)