A Study Of

Bible Authority

Bob Harding

Table of Contents

Lesson LESSON TITLE Page

1 Our Need For Authority………………………………………………… 3

2 Only Two Sources Of Authority ……………………………………….10

3 Three Ways God Instructs Us …………………………………………. 19

4 Scriptural Proof That God Teaches By Necessary Inference …………. 24

5 General And Specific Authority ………………………………………. 29

6 God Has A Pattern For The Church …………………………………....33

7 Aids And Additions To The Bible Pattern ……………………………..37

8 God’s Silence Is Not Authority ………………………………………...40

9 The Universal Church ………………………………………………..... 45

10 The Distinction Between The Universal And The Local Church ……...52

11 The Work Of The Church In Evangelism ……………………………...57

12 The Work Of The Church In Benevolence ……………………………. 66

13 Local Church Action VS Individual Action (1) ………………………..73

14 Local Church Action VS Individual Action (2) ………………………..79

15 The Work Of The Church In Edification ………………………………84

16 Fellowship Halls And Church Kitchens ………………………………..94

Bible Authority (1)OUR NEED FOR AUTHORITY

INTRODUCTION2

A. In many ways the Bible is the most popular book in the world.1. Year after year, generation after generation, on a world-wide basis, more

Bibles are sold, and more Bibles are found in homes, than any other book ever written.1) Presidents have praised the wisdom and guidance found in the Bible.

B. Yet, in more important ways the Scriptures are very unpopular.1. The vast majority of people including many who profess to be Christians, have

not met its conditions for salvation and ignore its precepts in their daily lives.1) The government, businesses, schools, churches and families generally

conduct their affairs in conflict with the teaching of God’s word.

C. The purpose of this lesson is to call those who profess to believe the Bible is the inspired word of God to an understanding of our need and appreciation for BIBLE AUTHORITY.

I. AUTHORITY IS NEEDED EVERYWHERE (Submit to authority daily)

A. What is authority?

1. Definition:1) Vine: “lawful, the right to exercise power.”2) AHD: “the power to command, enforce laws, exact obedience,

determine, or judge.”3) Authority gives a person freedom to do as he has been given power.4) Authority restricts a person from going beyond the power with

which he has been endued.

2. The right or power to decide and command action or compliance, or to determine belief or custom, expecting obedience from those under authority.1) To have authority for what we do means that we have FREEDOM,

the RIGHT and PERMISSION to act as it comes from one who has the right to order and give permission.

2) Authority also involves the right to administer discipline or punishment.

B. We need authority in all areas of life and without it there can only be confusion, chaos and disorder.

1. Authority is needed everywhere. This is something that most people freely recognize.

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1) Without authority in the HOME, it will fall apart (Eph 5:22-25; 6:1-3).

2) Without authority in the SCHOOLS, there will only be problems (Acts 22:3).

3) Imagine what it would be like without authority in the WORKPLACE (Eph 6:5-9). Some may like the idea of having no boss, but unless someone acts with authority, it will be impossible for a business to flourish.

4) Without authority in the NATION AND GOVERNMENT, many citizens will act wickedly with no judgment for their actions (Rom 13:1-3).<>Traffic laws.

5) No group, organization or nation can function smoothly without someone who can “call the shots.”

2. Authority exists and must be submitted to in the most important area of 1ife – The salvation of the soul.

1) Matt 28:18: And Jesus came up and spoke to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.”

2) Eph 1:20-23; 5:24: “which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all... But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.”

3) Heb 13:7, 17: The local church – “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith… Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.”

C. Authority in life is necessary due to the nature of God. Acts 17:24-29: “The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; 25 nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; 26 and He made

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from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, 27 that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; 28 for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, 'For we also are His children.' 29 "Being then the children of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man.

1. God is sovereign by right of Creation (Gen 1:1).1) God owns it all.

Ps 24:1: “The earth is the LORD”S, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it.”

2) His eternal presence.Jer 23:24: “Can a man hide himself in hiding places so I do not see him?” declares the LORD. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the LORD.

3) He is all-powerful.Jer 32:17-20: “Ah Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You, who shows lovingkindness to thousands, but repays the iniquity of fathers into the bosom of their children after them, O great and mighty God. The LORD of hosts is His name; great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, giving to everyone according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds; who has set signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, You have made a name for Yourself, as at this day.”

II. MAN’S NEED FOR AUTHORITY IN RELIGIOUS MATTERS

A. The nature of man and his needs requires authority.Jud 21:25: “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”Jer 10:23: “I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not in himself, nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps.”Prov 14:12: “There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”1. Man cannot provide this authority by himself.

1) When man begins to act on his own authority, then he is trying to do what cannot be rightly done.

2) Some deny that we need authority for all that we do and teach. 3) But what are the grounds for such a position?

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2. When people act or teach something without God's authority, then they must look to one of two things: 1) Themselves as the authority, or 2) Other men as the authority. 2) Yet, the Bible condemns looking to men as the source of authority.

Matt. 15:9: “But in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.”1 Cor. 4:6: “Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, sot that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other.”

3) Without God's authority, we only have man's and man's authority is worthless without God.

3. Authority in life is necessary because reconciliation with God is impossible without it.1) God provides for man’s redemption (man cannot).2) And He has it “in Christ” (Eph 1:3-11).

1:5: “kind intention (good pleasure) of His will”1:6: “to the praise of the glory of His grace”1:7: “according to the riches of His grace”1:9: “He made known to us the mystery of His will,” according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Him”1:11: “according to His purpose who works all things according to

the counsel of His will”

4. Knowledge of God’s provisions and His terms (conditions) of redemption are essential to our salvation.Matt 7:21: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.”1) A standard of right and wrong is essential to our salvation.2) Truth and error must be available and understandable, so sinners can

live with God’s approval.John 17:17-21: “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. John As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. 20 "I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; 21 that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.”

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John 8:31-32: “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” I John 4:1, 6: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world… We are from God; he who knows God listens to us; he who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.”

B. The existence of 100’s of denominations, many divisions exist, even among God’s people, testify of the need for authority.

1. Divisions and denominations exist because people do not listen and submit to the authority of God.1) Every religious division is based on Bible authority.2) The only reason why anything is wrong is because there is no Bible

authority for it.3) The only reason why anything is right is because there is Bible

authority for its practice.

2. PROBLEM – LACK OF RESPECT FOR BIBLE AUTHORITY!1) Why are there divisions? Wrong attitude toward authority.2) Before a practice has Bible authority, it must be found in the Bible.3) This sounds like a silly statement, but many people want to do many

things that are not mentioned in the Bible and at the same time claim to have Bible authority.

4) Men either look to themselves or other men for their authority.5) Or say they don’t need Bible authority for everything they do.6) Without authority from God, man must depend on the reckless

opinions of men which are at best a guess in the dark.

3. The position of HUMANISM is that we do not need God to tell us what to do. 1) We must look to humanity as the highest source of authority. 2) But think about it. If what one man or group says can be the source

of authority, then what another man or group says can also be a source of authority, even if what they say contradicts what others say.

3) If one person can appeal to himself or another man as authority, then why can't another person do the same?

4) Who is to say who is right or wrong? 5) When men contradict each other, how will the issues and questions

be settled? Where else can we appeal?

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6) Without God, confusion and every evil thing will exist in society. We are seeing this first hand.

4. But the same principle applies to religious matters. 1) When those who claim to believe in God tell us that we do not need

authority for a particular belief or practice, they are unwittingly taking the position of humanism.

2) Only division and evil will result. 3) There is no way for us to be united based on the authority of man.

5. Sadly, this attitude has invaded the Lord's people. 1) The various and sundry divisions among Christians are the result of a

failure to submit to God's authority. 2) Instead of recognizing that we must have authority for all we do and

teach, some are insisting that the pleas for authority are legalistic and unnecessary.

3) "The church must change with the times," we hear. 4) Such attitudes are a rejection of the authority of God's Word. 5) It is also a rejection of Jesus Christ .

John 12:48: “He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him in the last day.”

6) Jesus’ sayings include what He gave the apostles to speak.John 13:20: “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.”John 16:12-13: “I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you.”

CONCLUSION

1. Eph 5:15-17: “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

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1. An old bit of carpenter’s advice is: Measure twice, cut once.1) We ought to carefully settle our convictions on Bible truth and then fit our

lives to those convictions (truths).2) Too often people do what comes naturally and then make up a set of

“convictions” to fit their lifestyle (Paint target).

2. It is possible for a person’s life itself to be “ill-measured,”1) We cannot afford to cut now and measure later.

2. So far, is your response to Jesus Christ the result of careful consideration and deliberate action? 1. He deserves nothing less.

1) Mark 16:16: This is God’s will – not man’s.2) This is how to get “into Christ” to receive the riches of His grace

(Rom 6:1-6).

Bible Authority (2)TWO SOURCES OF AUTHORITY

INTRODUCTION9

A. When we speak of “Authority in Religion,” most people in the religious world would not know what we mean.1. Authority is something that is not discussed often or at all in most places.

1) If people would aggressively pursue this subject, much of the division in the religious world would dissolve away.

B. In the last lesson we learned:1. What authority is and our need for it.

1) Right to command and enforce laws – freedom and restricts.2) Universal need for authority – confusion and chaos with it.

C. We must get our authority right before we can even start interpreting the Bible correctly.1. One will not arrive at a correct knowledge of the truth, unless they have

accepted the correct standard of authority by which all conclusions must be judged.1) Unless one first accepts the right standard of authority all further study

will be in vain.2 Tim 3:7: “always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

I. THERE ARE ONLY TWO SOURCES OF AUTHORITY (Matt 21:23-27)

A. The chief priests and elders of the Jews recognized the need for authority.

1. 21:23: “By what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?”1) They recognized that such authority must come from one who has

the rightful power to grant it.

2. 21:24: Jesus said to them, “I will also ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I will also tell you by what authority I do these things.”1) Jesus did not shout them down or tell them they were wrong for

asking. 2) He nowhere said, "Why, we don't need authority. You're just being

legalistic!"3) Jesus believed that their question was legitimate for he was willing

to answer it if they would demonstrate themselves to be honest men.3. 21:25a: Jesus answered them with a question – “The baptism of John was

from what source, from heaven or from men?”1) Did John derive the right, permission, sanction or authorization to

preach and baptize from God (heaven), or from a human source?

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2) His question shows that there are only two sources of authority.3) This is still true today (Matt 28:18). THE LINE IS DRAWN!4) Jesus summed up all possible sources of authority into two

categories, human authorities or Divine authority.5) God commanded or man invented – are the only two possible

choices that exist for every belief and practice in the religious realm.6) For authority to be worth anything, it must come from One who has

the power to grant it. Men simply do not have this power.7) Jesus’ question inferred that religious beliefs and practices can exist

which do not have God’s approval.

4. When trying to justify a practice, the question is not: 1) Do you think God cares if we _____? 2) But what about Mr. _____ or brother _____? He thinks its O.K.3) It is a good deed, so how could it be wrong?

<> Boils down to ONE QUESTION.

5. 21:25b: And they began reasoning among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’”1) They know that they have been defeated by Jesus.2) They know the strategy that the Lord used.3) If they believed John’s baptism, then they would believe in Jesus.

6. 21:26: “But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the people; for they all regard John as a prophet.”1) To take this dishonest way will only render themselves more loss

and alienation from the people.2) But if John’s work was from men, then God had not authorized it

and John is a fraud and his testimony of the Christ falls too.

7. 21:27a: And answering Jesus, they said, “We do not know.”1) They took the cowardly and dishonest way out.2) They said they couldn’t answer even though they knew the truth.3) So, these apostate Jews remained lost.

8. Luke 7:29-30: “When all the people and the tax collectors heard this, they acknowledged God’s justice, having been baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected God’s purpose for themselves, not having been baptized by John.”1) In John’s baptism, you either justify God or you reject the will of

God.2) John’s baptism was from heaven.

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John 1:29-34: The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” This is He on behalf of whom I said, “After me comes a Man who has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.” I did not recognize Him, but so that He might be manifested to Israel, I came baptizing in water. John testified saying, “I have seen the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven, and He remained upon Him. I did not recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, ‘He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.’ I myself have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God.”

3) Therefore, John’s message about the Christ was from heaven too!

B. Where there is authority from heaven, you have freedom and liberty.

1. Where there is no authority from heaven, you have no freedom to act.1) Often, the authority of men operates outside of the authority of

heaven.2) This is where problems of division occur.

AFTER-THOUGHT AUTHORITYDan Shipley

A Marine recruiting sergeant came upon an impressive sight while traveling the backwoods country. At this one roadside farm, he saw targets painted just about everywhere – on the barns, on fences, and on all the outbuildings. And exactly in the center of each target’s bull’s eye, there was a bullet hole! Knowing the Marine Corps could use a marksman like that, the sergeant stopped at the farm house in hopes of recruiting this sharpshooter. His knock on the door was answered by a gangling, barefoot lad of a not-too-bright appearance who proudly admitted that he had made the targets and bullet holes. The sergeant asked him how he managed to get a perfect bull’s eye with every shot. He drawled, “Aw, that’s easy, Sarge. I jes’ shoot first, an’ then I paint rings around the bullet hole!”

It occurred to me that a lot of people make bull’s eyes in religion like that too. They “shoot” first by committing themselves to some religious position or affiliation, then later, when necessary, seek to justify their actions by “painting on” the target rings with some kind of after-thought “authority.” Multitudes have made such commitments and in doing so have entrusted their souls to positions which they have assumed pleased God, but in which they have no real understanding or conviction. This means that what these people are religiously is attributable to something less than their regard for spiritual matters as elsewhere, eternally important commitments are apt to be improperly motivated and rashly made.

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But in religion, as nowhere else, once committed, seldom changed. Why? Because “every way of a man is right in his own eyes” (Prov 21:2). And perhaps because many had rather be considered right than to be right. And because, though essential, pride makes it difficult to render an objective assessment of what one has done or become. So, out comes the target paint of after-thought authority. Just about any “shot” of commitment can be transformed into a bull’s eye using such “paint” as feelings or sincerity. Other popular shades of target paint are: It doesn’t make any difference what you believe, The Bible doesn’t say not to, and All roads lead to heaven. No wonder so many view themselves as being “on target” in religion.

But all such efforts ignore the fact that only God has the right to make such a “target” and that His word (Bible truth) constitutes the mark (bull’s eye) for which all men are to strive. (Sin is missing His mark.) Coming to Jesus Christ and salvation is impossible apart from hearing and learning His will (John 6:44-45) and abiding in Christ means abiding in His teaching (2 John 9). Therefore, all right relationships with the Lord involve a right relationship with Bible truth and vice versa (Col 3:17; 1 Pet 4:11). Was it Bible truth that influenced who and what you are?

Man’s thoughts are not the same as God’s (Isa 55:8-9). Human thoughts and feelings can lead us astray. Acts 26:9: Paul thought persecuting Christians was right.

II. MAN’S RESISTANCE AGAINST GOD’S WORD (AUTHORITY)

A. Gen 3:1-6: The first couple’s sin.

1. 2:9: God gave all that was necessary for life.1) 2:15:God gave one POSITIVE command.2) 2:16-17: And God gave one NEGATIVE command.3) God’s word was very specific – eat of all trees except one – don’t eat

it or die!

2. 3:1: Satan questions God’s word.1) He took the commandment of God (which he was well aware of)

and turned it into a question to Eve.2) Satan inserts the word “not.”

3. 3:2-6: Eve believes the LIE, even though she was also well aware of what God said.1) Adam fellowships the LIE.2) Notice that God’s word REMAINED UNCHANGED!3) They had authority to eat from the tree of life (3:24), walnut tree,

orange tree, peach tree, apple tree, fig tree, etc.B. Sin’s relationship to authority.

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1. 1 John 3:4: “Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.”1) Sin (hamartia) is defined as “missing the mark.”

3. Eve RATIONALIZED and DISOBEYED.1) She acted without authority – act seemed not to be too serious.2) Satan told Adam and Eve that they could become their own authority

(their own gods).3) They didn’t need God telling them what to do and what not to do.4) They could decide for themselves what is right and wrong.5) This is the same message as HUMANISM (man is highest

authority).

4. THE ESSENSE OF SIN ADAM AND EVE1) Refuse to obey law Usurped God’s authority.2) Rebel against authority Exalted their own will.3) Refuse to submit own will Selfish will and desire.

to God’s will

5. The foundation for the teaching of authority is rooted in Genesis.1) When man becomes his own authority, he is acting according to the

same evil desires with which Satan tempted Adam and Eve.

C. Gen 4:1-7: Cain rebelled against God’s authority.

1. Cain brought an offering (fruit of ground) – God did not respect Cain or his offering.1) Abel brought an offering (firstborn of flock) – God respected Abel

and his sacrifice.2) Not all worship is acceptable.3) True worship must be done “in spirit and truth” (John 4:24).

2. Heb 11:4: “By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks.”1) One scripture which perhaps helps us to understand the meaning of

this verse more than any other is Romans 10:17: “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing from the word of Christ.”

2) Faith must have a foundation, a bedrock from which it is built and supported.

3) The word of God is that basis for faith.

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4) Abel did not offer an acceptable sacrifice by accident and presumption.

5) God had instructed both Cain and Abel as to what to sacrifice.

3. We see the typical religious, arrogantly bullheaded hypocrite in Cain.1) Gen 4:6-7: Even after his offering was not accepted, God gave him

another chance by telling him that if he did well (heed your brother’s example, instead of being angry at him) then he would be accepted.

2) Instead, Cain didn’t want to do well.3) He didn’t want to heed his brother and sought to silence him by

killing him.4) But God justifies one through a faith that works according to God’s

word.5) Go testified of his gifts because they were done with God’s

authority.

4. Jude 11: “Woe to them! For they have gone the way of Cain, and for pay they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.”1) All of this somewhat parallels those Pharisees, scribes and

hypocrites of Jesus’ day who were unwilling to accept Him.2) Do God’s work, God’s way!

D. Some wrong sources of authority = rebellion against what is written.

1. Some place a “special revelation” above God.1) Sometimes people say an angel talked to them or some voice was

speaking to them from heaven while they were driving their car.2) Please note that angels are not God and are subject to sin.

2 Pet 2:4: “For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment;”

3) Even if an angel were to visit you and tell you something contradictory to the word, that you must reject the angel and stay true to what is written.Gal 1:8-9: “But even if we, or an angel form heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, so I say again now, if any may is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!”

2. Some place human philosophy and tradition above God.1) Col 2:8: “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy

and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according

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to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.”

2) Col 2:18: “Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasement and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind,”

3. Some place self and results above God (1 Sam 15).1) Saul thought that he could obey God by getting similar results.2) God wanted Amalek destroyed and Saul reasoned that they as a

nation were destroyed.3) Yet God was specific that every single thing of Amalek should be

utterly destroyed.4) However, Saul spared the king and some of the choice livestock.5) Usually pride will disable a person from full obedience and that is

what we see in Saul.6) He built a monument for himself.

15:12: “Saul came to Carmel, and behold, he set up a monument for himself, then turned and proceeded on down to Gilgal.”

7) He boasted about obeying the Lord.15:13: “Samuel came to Saul, and Saul said to him, ‘Blessed are you of the LORD! I have carried out the command of the LORD.’”

8) He was the most successful when he was humble like a child.15:17: “Samuel said, ‘Is it not true, though you were little in your own eyes, you were made the head of the tribes of Israel? And the LORD anointed you king over Israel,…?’”

9) Yet as proud and as boastful as he was of himself, he was still a prisoner to the desires of others more than of God.15:24: “Then Saul said to Samuel, ‘I have sinned; I have indeed transgressed the command of the LORD and your words, because I feared the people and listened to their voice.’”

4. Some place a majority vote above God.Ex 23:2: “You shall not follow the masses in doing evil, nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after a multitude in order to pervert justice;”1) As absurd as this cartoon graphic is, those who buy into majority

vote are actually as foolish as the one portrayed in this picture because they are doing the same thing.

2) 1 Ki 18: There was one preacher/prophet who had 850 prophets contradict him.

3) If numbers is what we should go by, then we should side with the 850 prophets of Baal.

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4) But if truth is what we should go by, then we should side with the one, whose name is Elijah.

5) “Our bylaws specifically state that the will of God cannot be overturned without a two-thirds majority vote.”

5. Some place the Old Law above God’s New Law.Eph 2:14-16: “For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two groups into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity.”1) Col 2:14: “He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the

cross.”2) Heb 8:13: “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. But

whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear.”

CONCLUSION

1. Rejecting Biblical authority has severe consequences.1. Saul lost his kingdom (1 Sam 15:26).2. Judah was taken captive (2 Ki 24:2-4).3. Disobedience will be punished.

2 Thes 1:8-9: “dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,”

2. Blessing of submitting to Biblical authority.1. We find blessing – “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law

of the LORD!” (Ps 119:1).

2. We find success – “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you shall have success” (Josh 1:8).

3. We find assurance – “By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments” (1 John 2:3).

4. We find love – “but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him:” (1 John 2:5).

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5. We find heaven – “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter” (Matt 7:211) John 3:3, 5: “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you,

unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.’…Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.’”

Bible Authority (3)THREE WAYS GOD INSTRUCTS US IN THE BIBLE

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INTRODUCTION

A. In the past lessons we have learned:

1. What authority is and our need for it in religion.1) Right to command and enforce – freedom and restricts.2) Universal need – confusion and chaos without it.

2. There are only 2 sources of authority – heaven or men.1) Man’s resistance – Adam & Eve; Cain – Sin=without authority.2) Wrong sources of authority include – feelings, “special revelations”,

philosophies and traditions, self and results (Saul), majority, Old Law. 3) Rejecting Biblical authority has eternal consequences.4) Blessings of submitting to God’s authority.

B. In this lesson we want to focus on how God teaches and instructs us.

1. How to establish Bible authority.1) Although many people recognize the Bible is God’s word, most do not

know how to establish Bible authority.2) A lot of confusion and every division over what the Bible authorizes is

clear evidence that lessons on Bible authority and how to establish Bible authority are greatly needed.

C. There are basically 3 ways in which God communicates His will to us through His word.

1. There is nothing “magical” about these 3 concepts.1) We have access to the same data as the NT Christians.2) We use these concepts every day in teaching our children, school teachers,

employers, lawyers, etc.3) In fact, in all walks of life where communication of one’s will or desire to

someone else is necessary, these 3 basic ways are always used.

I. DIRECT INSTRUCTION: STATEMENT/COMMAND

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A. IMPERATIVE STATEMENT – TWO KINDS

1. POSITIVE COMMAND1) Luke 9:35: “This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!”2) Matt 5:44: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute

you.”3) Matt 6:33: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness…”

2. NEGATIVE COMMAND1) Matt 6:25: “Do not be anxious for your life…”2) 2 Thes 3:13: “…Do not grow weary of doing good.”

B. DECLARATIVE STATEMENT – FACT

1. MUST COMPLY WITH THE FORCE OF THE FACTS1) John 14:15: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”2) John 4:24: “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must

worship in spirit and truth.”3) Mark 16:16: “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be

saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.”

C. INTERROGATIVE STATEMENT – A FORCEFUL RHETORICAL QUESTION

1. THE ANSWER IS EASILY UNDERSTOOD.1) Rom 6:1: “Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase?”2) Heb 2:3: “How will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?”

D. BESEECHING STATEMENT – PLEADING, BEGGING

1. HAS THE FORCE OF A COMMAND, BUT IT IS GIVEN WITH A DIFFERENT ATTITUDE – WILL DO IT IF HAVE RIGHT ATTITUDE1) 1 Cor 1:10: “Now I exhort (beseech) you…all agree…no

divisions…same mind.”2) Rom 12:1: “Therefore I urge (beseech) you, brethren, by the

mercies of God to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual (reasonable) service of worship.”<> Paul appeals to reason in both of these cases. He had every right

to command them, but he felt that a concerned heartfelt approach would be more receptive.

II. INDIRECT INSTRUCTION: APOSTOLIC APPROVED EXAMPLE

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A. DISTINGUISHED TIME PERIOD (NT) AND APPROVED BY INSPIRED MEN

1. What the NT church did under the guidance of inspired men – the consistent pattern of practice under apostolic teaching & guidance.1) Acts 2:42: “They were continually devoting themselves to the

apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

2) 1 Cor 4:16-17: “Therefore I exhort you, be imitators of me… Timothy…will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church.”

2. We are commanded to FOLLOW apostolic approved examples.1) 1 Cor 11:1: “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.”2) Phil 3:17: “Brethren, join in following my example, and observe

those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.”3) Phil 4:9: “The things you have learned and received and heard and

seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace shall be with you.”

4) Heb 13:7: “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.”

3. We are not to follow when examples are not approved by inspired writers.1) There is at least one instance where an example was not approved

(Gal 2:11-14).

III. NECESSARY INFERENCE (CONCLUSION)

A. NECESSARY FORCED CONCLUSION BASED ON GIVEN INFORMATION

1. It is something that is not clearly stated, but is worded in such a way that it is necessarily inferred.

1) There can be no mistake about a conclusion.2) ILLUSTRATION: Let us suppose that a cabinetmaker gave the

following instructions to a class on cabinetry: Join two identical rectangular boards end to end. The boards, when joined, will be four feet in length. Although the instructor did not state the length of either board, we can know with how long each board was. The information that the speaker provided implied the length of each

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board. We can necessarily infer from what the instructor implied that each board measured two feet in length.

B. UNNECESSARY INFERENCE

1. Necessary inference is not merely a REASONABLE inference.1) John 21:21-23: “If I want him to remain until I come”

DISCIPLES: “John wouldn’t die.” 2) Matt 17:1-8: Moses, Elijah and Jesus were transfigured.

PETER: “I will make three tabernacles here”3) Acts 16:15, 33: Entire household were baptized.

TODAY: Infants must have been baptized.

2. More information is needed.1) Mark 16:16: The fact that God places the condition of faith prior to

baptism necessarily infers that infants are not to be baptized, and the fact that forgiveness of sins only comes through faith, repentance,

confessing Christ and baptism, necessarily infers that infants are not sinners.

C. NECESSARY INFERENCE IS USED TO GAIN KNOWLEDGE IN EVERY AREA IN WHICH THE HUMAN MIND IS EXERCISED.

1. We are so familiar with it, we are not aware when we use it.1) But it is necessary to learning!2) ILLUSTRATION: If we have positive evidence that James is older

than Joe and Joe is older than Jerry – we can draw a necessary, unavoidable conclusion and be forced to say that James is older than Jerry.

2. All religious practice is based upon it.1) How else can we come to know what commands of God applied

only to Adam, to Abraham, to Moses, to Jesus, to the apostles, or what commands apply to us?

2) No book of the NT is specifically addressed to any person or to any church existing today.

3) The Bible never says, “Bob Harding in California, be baptized.”4) Or “Bob Harding, do not forsake the assembly.”5) Not one command or example has our name specifically written.6 Why, then, do we believe we are to live by the NT?7) ANSWER: God has inferred it.

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8) Matt 28:19: Since the apostles were commanded to preach to all nations, we are obligated to obey the writings of the gospel message as well. The gospel is not limited by culture or time.

9) The apostles own writings infer that they were writing truth not only for their generation, but for future generations, for people who would not have seen Jesus or been eyewitnesses to these events (John 20:30-31).

3. Necessary inference has been equated (confused) with opinion.1) Necessary inference is one thing – opinion is something else.2) An opinion is one conclusion among many choices.3) An opinion is basically the same as an unnecessary inference.4) Necessary inference in the Bible must be held as a matter of faith

(Rom 10:17).5) These three – command, example and necessary inference are

equally authoritative.

CONCLUSION

1. If no inferences are binding, what part of the Bible applies to any of us?1. When examples and inferences are thrown out, it will be just a matter of time

until all commands will be done away with too, and be replaced with the wisdom of men.

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Bible Authority (4)SCRIPTURAL PROOF THAT GOD TEACHES BY NECESSARY INFERENCE

INTRODUCTION

A. There are three general areas where authority is established.God communicates His will to us through these 3 basic ways.

1. COMMAND/DIRECT STATEMENT1) When God says "Go" that is a direct commandment. 2) When God says "In the beginning God created the heavens and the

earth" that is a direct statement. 3) Interrogative (Rhetorical question) – answer is easily understood.4) Pleading, begging – Force of command but with a different attitude.

2. APOSTOLIC APPROVED EXAMPLE1) It is something found in scripture that is given approval by the Holy

Spirit. 2) There are examples that are not approved and others that are. 3) An approved example is binding, even the absence of the written

command.

3. NECESSARY INFERENCE: Conclusion based on given facts.1) It is something that is not clearly stated, but is worded in such a way

that it is necessarily inferred.2) Necessary inference is not a guess, but an inference that is

necessarily and emphatically true.3) There is no mistake about the conclusion.4) It is not an unnecessary conclusion (more than one) = an opinion.5) It is a matter of faith – Rom 10:17.6) All 3 ways of instruction are equally authoritative.

I. SCRIPTURAL PROOF THAT GOD’S WILL IS OFTEN TAUGHT BY NECESSARY INFERENCE

A. JESUS TAUGHT THE RESURRECTION BY INFERENCE

1. Matt 22:23-33: The Sadducees had denied the future resurrection of the physical body.1) They assumed that man did not have a soul, thus nothing exists to be

reunited with the body (Acts 23:8).2) Jesus cuts to the heart of the matter and with one Scripture He proves

that man does exist apart from the body.24

3) Matt 22:32: He quotes Ex 3:6: “I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?” Jesus states the necessary inference He drew from that Scripture – “He is not the God of the dead but of the living.”

4) Matt 22:29: Jesus rebuked the Sadducees for “not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God.”

B. TAUGHT DEITY AND HUMANITY OF CHRIST BY INFERENCE

1. Matt 22:41-45; Acts 2:25-35: Stated two facts.1) Christ was the Son of David – only conclusion – HUMAN.2) David called Him Lord – only conclusion – DIVINE.

C. THE DURATION OF MIRACULOUS GIFTS

1. Acts 8:5-19: We infer that the ability to impart the spiritual gifts was only given to the apostles through the laying on of their hands.1) Philip could perform miracles and yet Peter and John (apostles) had

to come down to Samaria for these new Christians to receive spiritual gifts.

2) The necessary inference is that Philip couldn’t impart such gifts.3) The source for such gifts dried up when the last apostle died

(1 Cor 13:8-10).

D. ABRAHAM INFERRED THAT GOD WOULD RAISE ISAAC FROM THE DEAD

1. Heb 11:17-19: “By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he would have received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; it was he to whom it was said, ‘In Isaac your descendants shall be called.’ He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead, from which he also received him back as a type.”

E. SAMSON’S MOTHER

1. Jud 13:21-23: Samson’s mother inferred that she and her husband would not be destroyed by the angel of the Lord.

F. PETER INFERRED THAT THE GENTILES COULD BE SAVED

1. Acts 10:17, 19-20, 28, 34-35, 47; 11:15-17).1) The JEWISH BRETHREN inferred that the Gentiles could be saved

(Acts 11:18).

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G. THE KINGDOM CAME ON PENTECOST

1. Mark 9:1: Some of the apostles would not die until they see the kingdom come with power.1) Acts 1:8: The power would come when the Holy Spirit came.2) Acts 2:1-4: The Holy Spirit came on Pentecost.3) Necessary Inference – The kingdom came on Pentecost.

H. THERE IS ONLY ONE TRUE CHURCH

1. Eph 1:3: All spiritual blessings are in Christ.1) Eph 1:22-23: Church = body = in Christ (Head).2) Eph 4:4: One body – and the body is the church therefore (nec. inf.)

there is but one church.

I. Acts 15: Now we see all these employed in the debate over the validity of circumcision. These principles are not what preachers of the church of Christ invented, but what was used by those inspired souls in the first century. Notice the contention in verses 1-6:

1. 7-11: Notice the necessary inference that Peter makes.1) Peter told what God had done (by him) in identifying Gentiles as

subjects of the gospel and the Spirit’s witness through the tongues. 2) 11: We are saved “in the same way,” because God opened the

doorway to the Gentiles through the Spirit without Gentiles becoming Jews (11:14-18).

3) There is no direct statement of that fact, but a vision concerning which Peter later said in 10:34: “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality,”—Peter arrived at this CONCLUSION BY NECESSARY INFERENCE.

4) Acts 10:1-20: Peter recalls God’s choice to save the Gentiles by faith without circumcision in his preaching (11:14--10:47-48).

5) This was an APPROVED ACTION sanctioned by God.6) This example became the basis for Peter’s NECESSARY

CONCLUSION that the Jew and Gentile would be saved alike through the gospel, not the law.

2. 12: Notice the approved example of Barnabas and Paul.1) God had performed many signs through Paul among the Gentiles. 2) God had confirmed Paul's gospel by signs and he was very clear in

his preaching that circumcision was done away (Mk. 16:20; Acts 13:38-39).

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3) The signs and wonders constituted an APPROVED EXAMPLE from which a NECESSARY INFERENCE could be drawn.

4) God saved the Gentiles by faith without circumcision. 5) Gal 2:1-10: Paul converted Titus, an uncircumcised Greek, who

later became an evangelist.6) Paul took Titus to Jerusalem as proof that Gentiles don’t need

circumcision.7) Paul’s knock out punch could have been asking Titus to stand up

from within the audience as an example of a living uncircumcised Christian approved of God.

3. 13-21: Notice the direct statement that James quoted from the old Amos scripture (Amos 9:11).1) God has always intended to redeem the Gentiles under the restored

tabernacle of David (in the reign of Christ).2) 18-20:From this direct statement James concluded by NECESSARY

INFERENCE that the Gentiles not be troubled with the requirements of the old law.

4. What we learned:1) The argumentation was convincing and accepted by all.2) Any one of the 3 ways to establish authority is enough.3) All 3 arguments had the same weight.4) The logic is not inaccessible by the uninspired.

<> Anyone could have said (read) the same.5) God allowed them to conclude from the past by direct command,

apostolic approved example, and necessary inference.6) That is exactly what we must do today!

J. THIS IS ILLUSTRATED IN THE LORD’S SUPPER

1. 1 Cor 11:23-25: Jesus commanded His disciples to observe it. 1) Paul received it of the Lord and gave it to the church by His

authority (Matt 28:18; 1 Cor 4:17).

2. The time of observance is specified by an example, not by a command. 1) Acts 20:7: The time specified is the first day of the week.2) Christians came together on this day to worship the risen Savior

who rose from the grave on the first day (Mark 16:9).

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3. The frequency of partaking of the Lord’s Supper is given by necessary inference. 1) You never refer to an annual event as taking place on a certain day of

the week. Annual events are specified by referring to a specific month and day of the month (e.g., 4th of July).

2) If it is a monthly observance, the day of the month will be specified, but the month will not. (Payment is due on the first of the month).

3) The first day of the week comes around every week. Much like the Sabbath command of the Old Testament in Ex 20:8).

4) Israel understood that every single seventh day was a Sabbath to the Lord without God saying “every.”<> 1 Cor 16:2: “every (kata) week” – command.

Acts 20:4-7: Relaying an event (not make sense to use “every.”)<> Was the contribution more important than remembering Jesus?<> Acts 16:11-12: Sailed in opposite directions – took 2 days.<> Acts 20:16: Paul was in a hurry to arrive in Jerusalem on

Pentecost.

CONCLUSION

1. If necessary inferences are inferior to commands in establishing Bible authority, how many of us are going to be consistent in our teaching?1. How many are going to stop preaching that the kingdom came on Pentecost?

1) Or that there is but one true church? 2) Or that we have a pattern for taking the Lord’s supper every first day of

the week?

2. If no inferences are binding, what part of the Bible applies to any of us?1. Do you know where this would lead us?

1) We would be teaching what the denominations have taught for years.2) That we can’t understand the Bible alike (John 17:17-21).3) Everyone is left to their own assumptions without foundation.4) When examples and inferences are thrown out, it will be just a matter of

time until all commands will be done away with too, and be replaced with the wisdom of men.

3. Many brethren used to discuss differences recognizing authority is established by these three methods.1. Can anyone offer a workable alternative?

1) Teaching only what Jesus taught is not the answer (John 8:32; 16:12-13).

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Bible Authority (5)GENERAL AND SPECIFIC AUTHORITY

INTRODUCTION

A. Bible authority is relevant to all that we teach and practice.1. Bible authority is relevant to every question and issue that brethren strive with.

1) Bible authority is undermined by someone in every division.2) Bible authority s relevant to what is right or wrong.

B. The trend in our society is that truth is vague. . .not able to be fully grasped, reduced to one's personal interpretation/opinion.1. Thus many argue from no standard of what makes right/wrong.

1) Many others wish not to debate anything because they don't fully believe there is a standard. right/wrong.

2. Truth is what you want it to be. Most churches believe and practice things, not because the scriptures authorize such, but because that is what they want. 1) Where do you read of "infant baptism" in the scriptures? 2) Where do you read of homosexual priests/women preachers?

3. If there is no standard of right and wrong. . .everything is reduced to one's personal interpretation, then there is no accountability on anyone’s part. 1) There are seemingly just as unstable in mind and soul, certain folks in

religion who teach just as outlandish things about God today. 2) Some teach that He is a woman. 3) Others teach that he is a murderer, evil, only a God of love, sleeping at the

wheel, etc.

4. Tolerance is the doctrine that is associated with these other things. 1) You always hear about how tolerant we should be. 2) If you stand up for anything, if you draw any lines regarding what is

deviant and sinful behavior, then you are branded a "bigot," "unloving," and dare we say, "intolerant."

3) Have you ever noticed that it is usually those who cry about tolerance who are very intolerant of Bible believers.

C. There are three general areas where authority is derived.1. Command/Direct Statement – Approved Example – Necessary Inference

1) How to determine what is authorized – 2 examples of using all 3 ways.<> Acts 15: Settled a dispute over circumcision.

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<> 1 Cor 11:23-25 and Acts 20:7: The Lord’s Supper.II. TWO KINDS OF AUTHORITY – GENERAL AND SPECIFIC

A. Matt 28:18-20: Authority is established by teaching of the gospel

1. Equivalent questions:1) How do we establish Bible authority?

2. There are two kinds of authority to respect: Generic & Specific. 1) When God specifies something within a class, that excludes all other

specifics (kinds) within that class. 2) We recognize this point in all forms of instruction.

3. Blueprints to build a house.1) Generic – INCLUDES all things needed to build the house (who,

location, materials, measurements, tools, etc.)2) Specific – EXCLUDES all things not specified in the blueprints.3) If told not to add or subtract, limited to kind specified.

4. Gen 6:14: Gopher wood excludes all other kinds of wood. 1) 2 Ki 5:9-14: The Jordan excluded the rivers of Damascus. 2) Lev 14:12-13: A lamb excludes pigs. 3) Ex 25:9: Acacia wood and pure gold excludes cedar and silver.4) Apple juice excludes, tea, water, orange juice, milk.

B. Instruction To Naaman – Specific (2 Kings 5:9-14)

1. “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times…”1) Not to stay & have water brought to him.2) Not to sprinkle himself with a little water.3) Not to wash in any river - only Jordan River.4) Not five, six or eight times - only seven times.

2. Problem not in the lack of clarity of the command.1) Naaman understood all of instruction above.

3. Problem came when Naaman tried to turn God’s specific instruction into a generic dip in any river.1) Go and wash in the Jordan – Reject specific command – make into a

generic concept – Rivers of Damascus are better.

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III. AIDS ARE AUTHORIZED, ADDITIONS ARE NOT

A. There is also something to be understood with aids versus additions.

1. An aid (generic-not specified) assists you in carrying out the command. 1) An addition changes the action (specific) of what is authorized to

something else.2) When something that is done changes the command it is not a but is

an addition to the command.

2. 1 Cor 11: Eating unleavened bread in the Lord’s supper (specific) includes aids (generics-hands, table, plates) to assist in carrying out the command.1) This specific command is changed by adding jam on the bread or

replacing it with beef.2) Making a specific command into a generic concept is not an aid but

is an addition to the command.

3. Matt 28:19: The specific command to baptize includes aids (not specified) to carry out the command such as a river, lake, pool, baptistery, heater.1) Baptism (burial; immersion) is changed into getting wet by adding

sprinkling or pouring water over head.

4. Gen 6:14: The specific command to build an ark includes aids such as tools or work animals to carry out the command.1) If an aid (generic) is specified that would exclude changing it into a

generic by building a sail boat, metal boat, or tower. 2) A generic (gopher wood) is changed into a specific when specified.3) All other specifics in the same class are excluded (oak, pine, cedar).

5. Num 19:2: For a ceremonial cleansing.1) A generic command could include all kinds of specifics.2) When the command includes the specifics all others things in each

class are excluded.3) Specific – Bring (carry on back, put on animal, 2 people carry it). 4) A red (excludes all other colors).5) Heifer (A generic becomes a specific & excludes all other specifics-

animals).6) Without defect and a yoke has never been placed on it.

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6. 1 Cor 16:2: The contribution authorizes aids such as baskets, pay by check or cash.1) Giving as we prosper excludes bake sales, fund raisers, raffle tickets.2) An addition involves another element being added.

CONCLUSION

1. God instructs through commands, examples and inferences which can either be general or specific.1. Generic instruction includes all the essentials and the aids (expedients) to

fulfill that instruction.1) Specific instruction, either stated or implied, takes precedence over

generic instruction.2) Instruction, either generic or specific, can only be altered, modified, or

limited by more specific instruction.

2. Let us be content and rest in the assurance that God has provided everything that we need.1. Our problem is not that we need more – it is that we are not taking full

advantage of what God has clearly revealed to us.

3. Christ’s authority to be saved specific:1. Believe Jesus is the Son of God (John 8:24).2. Confess faith in Him (Rom 10:9-10).3. Repent of your sins (Acts 17:30).4. Be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16).

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Bible Authority (6)GOD HAS A PATTERN FOR THE CHURCH

INTRODUCTION

A. Bible patterns are revealed by commands/statements, examples and necessary inferences (conclusions).1. There are 2 kinds of authority.

1) Generic – includes specifics.2) Specific – excludes all other specifics in the same class.

B. God’s covenants consisted of patterns with minute details.1. The Old Covenant under which the children of Israel were accountable was

delivered by God so as to be a pattern for His people, to be kept without exception.1) Heb 8:5: is a reminder of this warning given by God to Moses.

“SEE,” He says, “THAT YOU MAKE all things ACCORDING TO THE PATTERN WHICH WAS SHOWN YOU ON THE MOUNTAIN.”

2) Every aspect of worship and service to God was to conform according to this DIVINE STANDARD.

I. THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH HAS A PATTERN TO FOLLOW

A. Heb 8:6: Declared the establishment of a New Covenant.“But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises.”

1. This is a covenant to which “all men” are now accountable.

Acts 17:30-31: “Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, 31 because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead.”

B. Eph 1:19-23: We are to understand and appreciate “…what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might 20 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And He put all things in subjection under His feet,

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and gave Him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”

1. The authority of Christ as the “head of the church” is the PATTERN ESTABLISHED BY GOD.1) God’s people today, being Christ’s body or church, must follow the

MODEL, GUIDE, RULE, PLAN, and a DEFINITE DIRECTION OF CHRIST.

C. Jesus delegated authority to the apostles under the definite direction of the Holy Spirit.John 13:20: “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.” John 16:12-13: “I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.”

1. The authority of the apostles gave instructions and a pattern to follow.Notice the UNIFORMITY OF THE APOSTLES TEACHING.1) Acts 2:42: “They were continually devoting themselves to the

apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

2) Titus 1:9: “holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.”

3) Titus 2:1: “But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine.”

4) 1 Cor 4:17: “For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church.”

5) 1 Cor 14:33: “for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.”

2. Eph 4:4-6: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.” 1) ONE BODY=Unity of work and worship=ONE PATTERN.2) 2:19-22: “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you

are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, 21 in whom the whole

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building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.”

3) Eph 4:12-16: “for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. 14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.” <> UNITY PROMOTES GROWTH!

D. The Bible is the pattern. 2 Tim 1:13: “Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.”

1. The Bible is the inspired pattern (2 Tim 3:16-17). 1) The complete and final pattern (Jude 3).2) It is an understandable pattern (Eph 3:3-5; 5:17).3) The unalterable pattern (Gal 1:6-10).4) The saving pattern.

Rom 1:16-17: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.’” <> The gospel of Christ reveals God’s will and authority for us.<> Revealed truth of the gospel is our pattern today.

2. Unity can and will be achieved and maintained if all…1) Do EXACTLY what God says for the REASON God gives having

FAITH that takes God at His word.2) Then all can AGREE to say, “Hold to the standard of sound words!”

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CONCLUSION

1. The story is told of a boy cutting the string of his kite to see how high it would fly without the string to hold it down.1. You can imagine his disappointment when he saw the kite fall to the ground.

1) He learned the lesson that the string does not hold the kite down; rather, it helps fly the kite.

2. Likewise, the Bible is the string that keeps the church from crashing.1. It is a terrible mistake to think God’s limitations forbid happiness and success.

1) Many think the “string” (Bible) is too binding and want to cut the string and fly with the world.

2. May we all heed the lesson that the young boy learned when he “cut the string” to his kite.1) The absence of restrictions will lead to catastrophe.

3. We all need to be reminded constantly of the Father’s love for us and of the all-sufficiency of His plan for us.1. The narrow way is not too narrow for our own good.

1) The only way to true happiness comes by allowing the Father to lead and guide us with His “string” (His Word).

4. Christ’s pattern for salvation is given through commands, examples and inferences which includes both generic and specific instructions.1. Believe Jesus is the Son of God (John 8:24).2. Confess faith in Him (Rom 10:9-10).3. Repent of your sins (Acts 17:30).4. Be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16).

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Bible Authority (7)AIDS AND ADDITIONS TO THE BIBLE PATTERN

INTRODUCTION

A. How do we establish Bible authority? How does God teach us His will?1. Command/direct statement (interrogative, pleading).2. Apostolic approved example (NT times under direction of H.S.).3. Necessary Inference (conclusion based on facts).

B. There are two kinds (types) of authority.1. Generic.

1) General authority INCLUDES all ways and methods that is necessary for doing what is authorized by a command, example or inference.

2) EX: Go to the store (Generic-walk, bike, car, cab; any store; buy anything and spend any amount).

2. Specific.1) Specific authority EXCLUDES (restricts) every method or means of

carrying out a command in the same class (realm) except that which is specified.

2) EX: Go (Spec-walk) to the store (Spec-Costco) and buy 2 gal of milk (Spec).

C. God has a pattern–Bible is the pattern–There is a pattern for the church, its worship and work.1. Unity is the result when all follow.

1) Let us be content and rest in the assurance that God has provided everything that we need.

2) Our problem is not that we need more – it is that we are not taking full advantage of what God has clearly revealed to us.

I. AIDS VS. ADDITIONS

A. For a thing to be expedient (aid, method to carry out a command or example) it must first be lawful and it must edify (not disrupt unity).

1. 1 Cor 10:23:“All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify.”1) All scriptural expedients are lawful (“Go preach the gospel” –

aid=walk, boat, horseback).37

B. For a thing to be an aid, it cannot be specified.

1. 1 Pet 4:11: Where there is no law (silence) there can be no aid).1) When God specified something there is no choice for man but to

obey or disobey.2) When God commands it – must be done in spite of consequences,

even if it divides people – We have no choice but to obey.<> Preaching the word (Acts 5:29).

C. SCRIPTURAL AUTHORITYGeneric

AuthoritySpecific

AuthorityAids

(Expediencies)Unlawful Additions

Be BaptizedMark 16:16

Burial, Rom 6:4Water, John 3:3-5

PlaceClothing

SprinklingPouring

Eat & Drink(contents)

Lord’s Supper1 Cor 11:17-34

Acts 20:7

Un. BreadCup=Fruit of Vine

First Day

PlatesCups, Frig.

HourOrder of Worship

Cookies, Social Pepsi

Other Days of Week

AssembleHeb 10:24-25

Encourage, 1 Cor 14

Sing, Pray, Teach, Lord’s Supper Contribution

Place, Building, Separate Classes

Drinking Fountain

Gym, Social Secular Education

Selling Goods

Make MusicEph 5:19Col 3:16

SingSpiritual Songs

Heart

Song Books, Parts Song Leader Pitch Pipe

Musical Instruments

Clapping HandsSecular Music

1. Fulfilling what God expects of man may require aids.1) Varying expediencies must not ever cause us to divide.2) For there to be an expedient, there must first be an authorized action.3) Cup=Fruit of Vine (not container) – Nec Inf – cup divided & drank.

<> Jesus used the two terms interchangeably.4) We find no place in scripture authorizing a local church to engage in

recreation or social meals as worship. 5) Anything that changes the command or example is not an aid, but is

an addition.6) Division is the result of making an addition into an aid.7) Or making a specific into a generic.8) Matt 21:23: “By what authority are You doing these things, and

who gave You this authority?”

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2. Fulfilling what God expects requires an attitude of consistency.1) One place says we must worship according to the scriptures.2) Then they add an instrument and say that the people wanted it

because in their opinion it made the singing sound better and it attracted visitors.

3) To say we obey the scriptures and we choose to do something the scriptures did not authorize are not consistent statements.

4) An instrument of music cannot “sing” – “with (in) the heart”5) Instrumental music is another kind of music in comparison to

singing.

3. Doing what God desires requires that we respect the silence of the scriptures!1) The New Testament is silent about instrumental music.2) The question CANNOT EVER BE “Why not?” 3) Review additions on above charts and try the “Why not” argument.

CONCLUSION

1. We must approach any biblical issue by showing authority, not by saying silence permits (Col 3:17). 1. What does God say?

1) 1 Thes 5:21: “But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good.”

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Bible Authority (8)GOD’S SILENCE IS NOT AUTHORITY

INTRODUCTION

A. God teaches us through commands, examples and necessary conclusions.1. Fulfilling what God expects of man may require aids.

1) For there to be an expedient, there must first be an authorized action.

B. There are two kinds of authority.1. Generic – includes aids necessary to carry out a command or example.2. Specific – excludes all other specifics in the same class.

1) Anything that changes a command or example is not an aid but is an addition to God’s word. (Review last week’s chart.)

2) 2 John 9: Warning – “Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son.”

I. GOD’S SILENCE IS NOT AUTHORITY

A. Two mindsets – 2 possible conclusions on the silence of the Scriptures.

1. PERMISSIVE – At liberty to do what is not condemned.1) Draw my own conclusions and act upon them.

2. PROHIBITIVE – Forbidden to act without authority.1) When God is silent on a matter, I am not authorized to draw my own

conclusions.2) I can only act upon matters of which I can find authority.3) The silence of the scriptures are prohibitive by design.

B. Heb 7:14: Since Moses spoke nothing about Judah being priests, it excluded Judah from being priests.

1. Jesus could not be a priest under the Old Testament order because he was from Judah. 1) A change in the Law (from Old to New Covenant made it necessary

for the priesthood to be changed (Heb 7:12).

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2) Now there was a man named Uzziah who lived by the former persuasion that silence permits action.

2 Chron 26:16-23: Uzziah becomes prideful after success in war.“But when he became strong, his heart was so proud that he acted corruptly, and he was unfaithful to the LORD his God, for he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense. 17 Then Azariah the priest entered after him and with him eighty priests of the LORD, valiant men. 18 They opposed Uzziah the king and said to him, ‘It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the LORD, but for the priests, the sons of Aaron who are consecrated to burn incense. Get out of the sanctuary, for you have been unfaithful and will have no honor from the LORD God.’ 19 But Uzziah, with a censer in his hand for burning incense, was enraged; and while he was enraged with the priests, the leprosy broke out on his forehead before the priests in the house of the LORD, beside the altar of incense. 20 Azariah the chief priest and all the priests looked at him, and behold, he was leprous on his forehead; and they hurried him out of there, and he himself also hastened to get out because the LORD had smitten him. 21 King Uzziah was a leper to the day of his death; and he lived in a separate house, being a leper, for he was cut off from the house of the LORD. And Jotham his son was over the king's house judging the people of the land. 22 Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, first to last, the prophet Isaiah, the son of Amoz, has written. 23 So Uzziah slept with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the field of the grave which belonged to the kings, for they said, ‘He is a leper.’ And Jotham his son became king in his place.”

C. There are two extremes to avoid.

1. Something is allowed unless it is SPECIFICALLY CONDEMNED.1) “It doesn’t say not to!” (Silence is consent).2) Approval is based on God’s silence.

<> Instrumental music in worship.<> Infant baptism.

3) Response – God’s silence constrains (Heb 7:13-14).4) This extreme looses where God binds (1 Cor 4:6).

2. Something is only allowed if it is SPECIFICALLY APPROVED.

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1) This extreme does not recognize generic authority and necessary inferences.

2) It is used to forbid such things as:<> Organized and separate Bible classes.<> Multiple containers for the Lord’s Supper.

3) Response – Not consistentRom 2:1: “Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.”<> Baptistry, pulpit, bathrooms.

4) This extreme binds where God looses.

D. When God is specific:

1. Gen 22:2: Abraham was commanded to offer Isaac as a burnt offering – Not some other family member.1) Note: Abraham could not offer an animal until the first order was

revoked and a second was given by the One authorized to do so.

2. The instrument was commanded in the Old Testament.2 Chron 29:25-28: “He then stationed the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, with harps and with lyres, according to the command of David and of Gad the king's seer, and of Nathan the prophet; for the command was from the LORD through His prophets. 26 The Levites stood with the musical instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets. 27 Then Hezekiah gave the order to offer the burnt offering on the altar. When the burnt offering began, the song to the LORD also began with the trumpets, accompanied by the instruments of David, king of Israel. 28 While the whole assembly worshiped, the singers also sang and the trumpets sounded; all this continued until the burnt offering was finished. 1) Some try to insinuate that instrumental music in the OT was of

David’s opinion.2) David didn’t introduce instruments into worship. 3) This passage expressly affirms that it was the Lord’s commandment.4) Amos 6:5: David did invent some instruments.

3) It wasn’t just David that affirmed its use, but Nathan the prophet too!

2. Acts 15:24: “Since we have heard that some of our number to whom we gave no instruction (commandment) have disturbed you with their words, unsettling your souls.”1) Circumcision is no longer a requirement for God’s people.

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Gal 5:2-4: “Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you. And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law. You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.”

2) Where is the New Testament commandment to use instruments?<> The NT “gave no instruction.”

3) Instrumental music of the Old Law has been revoked (changed) by a new law in the New Covenant to “sing” (9 times) without mentioning playing.

E. When God is specific:Deut 14:3-8: You shall not eat any detestable thing. 4 These are the animals which you may eat: the ox, the sheep, the goat, 5 the deer, the gazelle, the roebuck, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope and the mountain sheep. 6 Any animal that divides the hoof and has the hoof split in two and chews the cud, among the animals, that you may eat. 7 Nevertheless, you are not to eat of these among those which chew the cud, or among those that divide the hoof in two: the camel and the rabbit and the shaphan, for though they chew the cud, they do not divide the hoof; they are unclean for you. 8 The pig, because it divides the hoof but does not chew the cud, it is unclean for you. You shall not eat any of their flesh nor touch their carcasses.

1. The food RULE had two requirements – split hoof and chews the cud.1) To satisfy God’s RULE, ALL REQUIREMENTS MUST BE MET.2) Divine authority vs. man’s authority (when a command is changed).

2. The problem with those who cannot respect the silence of the scriptures, is that they have taken a position and then sought out authority for it, instead of searching the word of God and just seeking to do those things God has said or shown to be pleasing to Him.1) The old “I think, I feel” mentality must be left out of searching for

the truth.

3. When God speaks:1) When God says nothing, He means “No.”

Lev 10:1: Nadab and Abihu “offered strange fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them.”

2) When God says nothing, we must do nothing.1 Chron 17:1-6: David wanted to build a house for God and God replied in verse 6, “…have I spoken a word…?”

3) When God says something, He doesn’t say everything.

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Gen 22:1-2: God didn’t tell Abraham why He wanted him to offer Isaac as a burnt-offering nor why in the land of Moriah on a particular mountain.

4) When God says something, we may choose everything that helps us to do only what God says.Gen 22:6: Abraham took the wood and laid it on Isaac and Abraham took the fire and the knife.

CONCLUSION

1. The NT church has a pattern to follow. That pattern is found in the Bible.1. God instructs through commands, examples and inferences which can either

be general or specific.1) Generic instruction includes all the essentials and the aids (expedients) to

fulfill that instruction.2) Specific (excludes) instruction, either stated or implied, takes precedence

over generic instruction.3) Instruction, either generic or specific, can only be altered, modified, or

limited by more specific instruction.

2. Anything that is necessary in order to carry out a command (pattern) is an authorized aid.1) Anything that changes the command is an unauthorized addition.

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Bible Authority (9)THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH

INTRODUCTION

A. Many unscriptural practices have come partly as a result of misunderstanding the difference between the church universal and the church local.1. What is the church of Christ?

1) Failure to understand the church contributes to denominationalism and to the devaluing of the church.

2) One result – “Choose the church of your choice.”

2. Many in churches of Christ do not understand the church, either. 1) This leads to the extreme view that “whatever the individual can do, the

local church can do” (loosing where the Lord has not loosed).2) And the factious view that “whatever the local church cannot do, the

individual Christian cannot do” (binding where Lord has not bound).

B. It becomes pretty obvious when we read the NT we can clearly recognize that there are some things the “local” church can do that the “universal” church cannot do.1. Likewise, there are some things that the “universal” church can do that the

“local” church cannot do.

I.  DEFINING AND UNDERSTANDING THE CHURCH

A.  Church (ekklesia):  “to call out of” – “the called out ones,” an assembly or congregation.

1. ISRAEL1) Acts 7:38: “This is the one who was in the congregation in the

wilderness together with the angel who was speaking to him on Mount Sinai, and who was with our fathers; and he received living oracles to pass on to you.”

2. GOVERNMENT BODY1) Used among Greeks of “an assembly of the people convened at the

public place of council for the purpose of deliberating,” (Thayer). 45

2) Acts 19:39: “But if you want anything beyond this, it shall be settled in the lawful assembly.”

3. RIOT – DISORDERLY GATHERING1) Acts 19:32, 40-41: “So then, some were shouting one thing and

some another, for the assembly was in confusion and the majority did not know for what reason they had come together… 40 For indeed we are in danger of being accused of a riot in connection with today's events, since there is no real cause for it, and in this connection we will be unable to account for this disorderly gathering. 41 After saying this he dismissed the assembly.”

B. An assembly of the saved, called out of darkness by God through the gospel.

1. 1 Pet 2:9-10: “But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION,A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY. 1) Acts 2:39: “For the promise is for you and your children and for all

who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.”2) 2 Thes 2:14: “It was for this He called you through our gospel, that

you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. The church=the saved ones are the redeemed.1) Matt. 16:18: “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this

rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.”

C. To understand “CHURCH” we must think “PEOPLE,” not “INSTITUTION”

1. Acts 2:47: “praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

1) DISCIPLES – Act 6:1, 7: “Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows

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were being overlooked in the daily serving of food…7 The word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.

      2) BELIEVERS – Acts 5:14: “And all the more believers in the Lord, multitudes of men and women, were constantly added to their number,”

      3) Those of “THE WAY” – Acts 9:2: “and asked for letters from him

to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.”

4) SAINTS – 1 Cor 1:2: “To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:”

    C.  “Church” is a collective noun (like “herd,” “flock,” “tribe” or “family”).   

1.   Applied in a geographical sense.1) Acts 9:31: “So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and

Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase.”

2) Gal 1:2: “and all the brethren who are with me, To the churches of Galatia:

2. Applied of the group comprising it.1) Rom 16:4: “who for my life risked their own necks, to whom not

only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles;” 2) Col 4:16: “When this letter is read among you, have it also read in

the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part read my letter that is coming from Laodicea.”

3.   Applied progressively – regarding who it belongs to.1) Matt 16:18: “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this

rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.”

2) 1 Cor 15:9: “For I am the least of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.”

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3) Rom 16:16: “Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.”

 II.  THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH

Heb 12:23: “to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,”

A.  God’s People WHEREVER they are FOUND.

1. Matt 16:18: “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.”

1) Eph 5:23-27: “For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. 24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.”

     2) The body of Christ to which the saved are added by the Lord.Acts 2:47: “praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

     3) The one body of Christ into which one is baptized.1 Cor 12:13: “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.” Eph 4:4: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling;”

     4) The family of God into which one is adopted.Gal 4:5: “so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.”

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1 Tim 3:15: “but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.”

5) Those in fellowship with God.2 Tim 2:19: “Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, ‘The Lord knows those who are His,’ and, ‘Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.’”

  B.  The universal Church Denotes a RELATIONSHIP with God and Christ, NOT an ORGANIZATION.

1. 2 Cor 6:16-18: “Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, ‘I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. 17 Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE,’ says the Lord. ‘AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; and I will welcome you. 18 And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me,’ says the Lord Almighty.”1 Pet 2:17: “Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.

     1) The universal church is not a single-functioning organization (institution).

2) No organizational work is given to it.3) No universal treasury to fund it.

4) It does not act as an organized unit here on earth.5) It is composed of individual Christians, not churches or

denominations.

2. The UNIVERSAL CHURCH is composed of INDIVIDUALCHRISTIANS, not churches or denominations.1. John 15:1-14: Jesus Is the Vine--Followers Are Branches.

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of

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itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. 9 Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. 11 These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. 14 "You are My friends if you do what I command you.” 1) It is a common error that the branches refer to churches and not

individuals.

2. The branches could not possibly refer to any denomination for several reasons.1) When Jesus said, “I am the vine” not one of the present religious

denominations was in existence for 100’s of years.<> It would also follow that the vine (Christ) was branchless,

fruitless, lifeless vine until the denominations were formed.

2) Jesus used personal pronouns.<> 1, 5: “I” – Jesus declared that He Himself was the Vine, not

some religious institution (mother church).<> 4-6: “Me”… “I”… “you”… “anyone” (man)… “He” –

individuals, not some denomination.

3) It is contrary to nature that a single vine can produce 100’s of different kinds of branches, each bearing a different kind of fruit.<> Jesus didn’t use false examples to illustrate or teach truth. Can

you imagine Jesus implying that a grape vine produces grapes, peas, beans, etc.

<> Such a conclusion is contrary to nature, reason, and God’s word.

3. Christ is the Vine and branches are individuals.

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1) Jesus is talking about the union, the fellowship or relationship between Himself and His people.

2) Matt 16:18: Individuals make up His body=His church.

CONCLUSION

1. How does one become a member of the one true universal church?1. Acts 2:41, 47: “So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and

that day there were added about three thousand souls… 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.1) The universal church is made up of all the saved.2) When one receives the word and is baptized the Lord adds him to His

church.3) One is forgiven of all their sins through His blood.

2. The universal church is a relationship of individual Christians with God.1. When we sin, we can pray to God and ask Him for forgiveness.

1) When our sin become public it may bring reproach upon the Lord’s church, a public confession and/or request for prayer is encouraged.

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Bible Authority (10)THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH

AND THE LOCAL CHURCH

INTRODUCTION

A. Many unscriptural practices have come partly as a result of misunderstanding the difference between the church universal and the church local.1. It becomes pretty obvious when we read the NT we can clearly recognize that

there are some things the “local” church can do that the “universal” church cannot do.1) Likewise, there are some things that the “universal” church can do that

the “local” church cannot do.

B. The universal church emphasizes the relationship of all the saved with God and Christ.1. It is made up of people not churches or organizations.

1) It has no work or a treasury to fund any work.

2. The local church emphasizes the relationship of Christians with other Christians.

I.  THE LOCAL CHURCH

A.  Independent, autonomous congregations of Christians.

1. Rev 1:11: “Write in a book what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” 2:1: “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:”

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1) Acts 8:1: “And on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.”

2. A local church forms when individual Christians agree with one another to work and worship together according to the New Testament pattern.Acts 11:21-26: “And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The news about them reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas off to Antioch. 23 Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; 24 for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord. 25 And he left for Tarsus to look for Saul; 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.”1) The local church is to be governed by their commitment to Christ

(Col 3:17).

     B. The local church is a RELATIONSHIP and a FUNCTIONING ORGANIZATION.

1. It is an organized working unit – It acts as a unit (one) – Team.1) It has collective work & responsibilities: (preach, edify & relieve

needy saints).

     2.   Local church is just that – local; Not regional, national or international:       1) Local organizational structure – Plurality of elders.

Acts 14:23: “When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.” Phil. 1:1: “Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi,”

       2) Local oversight.1 Peter 5:1-3: “Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.”

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Acts 20:17, 28: “From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church… Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” <>Elders (presbuters)=older – dignity – Jewish term, used 67 times.<>Bishops (episkopes)=overseer – Authority – Greek term, used 5x.<>Eph 4:11: Pastors (poimen)=shepherd – work – Latin, used 1x.

3) Local treasury to fund its work.1 Cor 16:1-2: “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. 2 On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.” Phil 4:15: “You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone;”

4) Local church regulates its membership.Acts 9:26-28: “When he came to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 And he was with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord.” Acts 18:27: “And when he wanted to go across to Achaia, the brethren encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him; and when he had arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace,”Rom 16:1-2: “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea; 2 that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well.” Rom 16:17-18: “Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. 18 For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.”

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1 Cor 5:4-7: “In the name of our Lord Jesus, when you are assembled, and I with you in spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 I have decided to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough? 7 Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed.”

5. An assembly of saints (Heb 10:25).1 Cor 11:18: “come together as a church,” 1 Cor 14:28: “in the church (assembly),”

IV.  CONTRASTS BETWEEN THE UNIVERSAL & THE LOCAL CHURCH 

UNIVERSAL CHURCH LOCAL CHURCHOnly one (Matt 16:18) Many (Rom 16:16)

Christ established in 33 AD Man established (1 Cor 3:6)None but the saved (2 Tim 2:19) Some “not of us” (1 John 2:19)

Satan can’t prevail against it (Matt 16:18) Satan can prevail against (Acts 20:29-30; Rev 2-3)

Relationship of Christ With Christians (Eph 1:22-23)

Relationship of Christians with fellow Christians

(Acts 15:22-23; Col. 4:12)No functional organization,

Headquarters in Heaven (Eph 1:20-23)No oversight and no treasury

*One Head Over Both Universal & Local Church

Functional organization with oversight and treasury,  Acts 20:28; 1 Cor 16:2;

1 Pet 5:2No assembly Assemble (Heb 10:25)

Unsaved enter (Acts 2:47) Saved enter (Col 4:12)Join (Acts 9:26)

Death will not separate (Heb 12:28) Death separates (Ac 9:37) 

A.  Denominations subdivide the church into groups that are never identified in the Scriptures.1. The universal church is all the saved without respect to time and place.

1) Heb 12:22-23: “But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to the myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are

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enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect.”

2. The local church is a specific group of Christians in a given location.  1) This group is organized and has work to do. 2) No floating Christians (Eph 4:12-16; 1 Cor 12:13-27).2) If it is not done, that local church is no longer a church of Christ.3) That church forfeits identity and fellowship with Christ.

Rev 1:20: “As for the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.”

Rev 2:1: “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this:”Rev 2:4-5: “But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place--unless you repent.”

CONCLUSION

1. Summary Chart

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17

CHRISTCHRISTIn heavenIn heaven{{{{Local Church Local Church

Acts 11:22Acts 11:22Local Church Local Church

Rev 2:1Rev 2:1

On earthOn earthCHURCHCHURCH(Local)(Local)

(elders, deacons, saints)(elders, deacons, saints)Ac 14:23; Phil 1:1Ac 14:23; Phil 1:1 Churches of ChristChurches of Christ

Rom 16:16Rom 16:16

Baptized into Baptized into CHURCHCHURCH(Universal)(Universal)Heb 12:23Heb 12:23

Bible Authority (11)THE WORK OF THE LOCAL CHURCH IN EVANGELISM;

HOW CHURCHES MAY COOPERATE

INTRODUCTION

A. God is the Master designer. 1. We need only look at the physical universe to realize this.

Ps 19:1: “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork.” 1) The intricate and marvelous design of the creation shows the wisdom of

God.

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Ps 104:24: “O LORD, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all…”

2. Of course, God's wisdom can be seen in other things He has designed – like the church. Eph 3:10-11: Teaches that the “manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord,”1) God is the Creator and Designer of the local church, too. 2) His wisdom is seen in the way the church is designed to work just as it is

seen in the way the physical creation is designed to work.

3. That the church has a work is inferred by the fact that it is the result of God's eternal purpose.1) It was not an afterthought in the mind of God.2) God, then, is the Supreme Architect of the church.

4. All that God has designed for man's salvation was according to a divine pattern.

1) Noah’s ark (Gen 6:13-22). 2) The tabernacle (Ex 25:40). 3) The church (Heb 8:1-6).

<> 2: The church is the “tabernacle which the Lord pitched, not man.” 4) The church was built by Christ in harmony with God's “eternal purpose.”

5. The church is ruled by Divine will and authority.

1) Matt 16:18: “I will build my church.” 2) Eph 1:22-23: Christ is the “head over all things to the church.” 3) Whatever the church is, and does, Christ must have willed it.

B. Men cannot improve upon God's designs. 1. At our best, we learn to read the blueprints and follow them.

1) Unfortunately, many fail to recognize this when it comes to the local church.

2) They view the local church as some sort of free-form association of Christians, whose own members are at liberty to determine its form and function -- how it will work and what it will do.

2. The New Testament clearly reveals that local churches are all to follow a single God-given pattern. 1) Paul's first letter to the church at Corinth is an obvious effort to bring that

church into compliance with the blueprint God has for every church.

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2) 1 Cor 4:17: Paul told the Corinthian church that he sent Timothy to them to “remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.”

3) Notice that the “ways” Timothy would remind the Corinthians of were the same things Paul taught “everywhere in every church.”

4) Later in this letter, as Paul sets down several rules governing conduct in worship assemblies, he explains in 1 Cor 14:33 that “God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.”

5) The church at Corinth was expected to conform itself to the same standards as every other church.

6) There is plainly a single pattern every church must follow.

C. What is it that every local church is to do? 1. For what purposes has God designed the local church?

1) What does HE want it to accomplish? 2) Only when we have the correct answers to these questions will we have

God's wisdom at work in the local church. 3) Only then will we have a ready answer to questions like “Should the

church do this?'” or “Should the church do that?'” 4) The answer will be, that the church should do its God-given work –

nothing less, nothing more.

2. Title of lesson: The Work of the Local Church in Evangelism and How Churches May Cooperate.

I. THE PRIMARY FUNCTION OF THE CHURCH IS   EVANGELISM !Eph 3:10-11: THIS HAS BEEN GOD’S PLAN FROM THE BEGINNING.

A. Notice the authority for such work.

1. DIRECT STATEMENT – 1 Tim 3:15: “but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.”

2. AN APPOSTOLIC APPROVED EXAMPLE – 1 Thes 1:6-8:

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“You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 8 For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything.” 1) The church is the only agency in the world charged with the task of

evangelizing the world.

B. In New Testament days the local churches accomplished this work.

1. Acts 5:42: “And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.”Acts 8:3-4: “But Saul began ravaging the church, entering house after house, and dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison. Therefore, those who had been scattered went about preaching the word.”1) The emphasis in the NT is upon the individual.2) But the local church as a unit has a responsibility apart from that of

the individual.3) In the local church there should be teaching designed to instruct and

encourage individual participation in evangelism.

2. Preaching of the Gospel is necessary for salvation (Mark 16:15-16).1 Pet 1:22-25: “Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, 23 for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For, ‘ALL FLESH IS LIKE GRASS, AND ALL ITS GLORY LIKE THE FLOWER OF GRASS. THE GRASS WITHERS, AND THE FLOWER FALLS OFF, 25 BUT THE WORD OF THE LORD ENDURE FOREVER.’ And this is the word which was preached to you.”1) The church must preach the Gospel to a lost and dying world.

Col 1:23: “if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you

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have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.”

2) The local church today must provide for evangelism through preaching in the assembly.1 Cor 14:23-24: “Therefore if the whole church assembles together and all speak in tongues, and ungifted men or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are mad? 24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an ungifted man enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all;”

3) They apparently practiced inviting unbelievers into their worship assemblies to hear the word.

II. THE LOCAL CHURCH CAN SUPPORT A GOSPEL PREACHER According to God's plan, local churches (not the universal church-no organ, no work, no treasury) may spread the Word through several means.

A. The local congregation may support financially a local preacher.

1. 1 Cor 9:13-18: “Do you not know that those who perform sacred services eat the food of the temple, and those who attend regularly to the altar have their share from the altar? 14 So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel. 15 But I have used none of these things. And I am not writing these things so that it will be done so in my case; for it would be better for me to die than have any man make my boast an empty one. 16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel. 17 For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me. 18 What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.” 1) In this context (1-14), Paul affirms that a man has the right to receive

financial support from a congregation while he is working with them in the gospel.

2) Paul says he had the right to be supported but he did not make full use of that right.

3) Though Paul did not allow Corinth to support him while he was there, he later asked them to forgive him of this wrong

(2 Cor 12:13).4) Paul worked to provide some of his own support at Corinth

(Acts 18:1-3).

B. The local church may send out evangelists from among them to another church.

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1. Acts 11:20-24: “But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The news about them reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas off to Antioch. 23 Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; 24 for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord.”1) The Jerusalem church cooperated by sending a preacher to Antioch.2) What did the church at Antioch need? A PREACHER.3) Barnabas was sent directly to where he was needed.

2. Acts 13:1-3: “Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was there, prophets and teachers: Barnabas, and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." 3 Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” Acts 14:25-28: “When they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. 26 From there they sailed to Antioch, from which they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had accomplished. 27 When they had arrived and gathered the church together, they began to report all things that God had done with them and how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they spent a long time with the disciples.”1) The saints in Antioch send Paul and Barnabas on the first preaching

tour. 2) Antioch was evidently very interested in the spread of the gospel, as

Paul began all his tours here (13:1-3; 15:30-35; 18:23) and ended the first two here (14:26; 18:22).

C. The local church may support a man while he preaches in another area.

1. 1 Cor 16:17-18: “I rejoice over the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have supplied what was lacking on your part. 18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.” 1) When Paul was in Ephesus he received support from individuals in

Corinth.

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2. Philippi had fellowship in the gospel with Paul.Phil 1:3-5: “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, 5 in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.”1) Paul acknowledges that Philippi had fellowship with him for an

extended period of time.

Phil 2:25: “But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need;”

Phil 4:14-18: “Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction. 15 You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; 16 for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. 17 Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. 18 But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.” Philippi sent support to Paul at Thessalonica and at Rome.

Philippians was written from Rome.

D. Several churches may support the same preacher.

1. 2 Cor 11:8-9: “I robbed other churches by taking wages from them to serve you; 9 and when I was present with you and was in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for when the brethren came from Macedonia they fully supplied my need, and in everything I kept myself from being a burden to you, and will continue to do so.” 1) Brethren in Macedonia supported Paul while he was in Corinth.2) More than one church sent support to Paul.3) This is church cooperation in supplying a need where the need

existed.

E. Conclusions: Things found and things not found in the pattern of church cooperation in evangelism.

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1. Not only were individual Christians busy preaching the gospel (Acts 8:4), we see that local congregations were also concerned about spreading the good news regarding Jesus Christ.1) By what reasoning is it, then, that local congregations today (when

they have the resources) ignore the opportunities available to them, as well as the fine examples of 1st century churches such as Antioch and Philippi, and disregard the appeals of worthy evangelists who are willing to make sacrifices in order to preach and teach?

2. Each church gave as it could (according their ability).1) A church sent a preacher directly to the needed congregation. 2) A church or churches sent support directly to the preacher (through

messengers).

SCRIPTURAL AUTHORITYGeneric

AuthoritySpecific

AuthorityAids

(Expediencies)Unlawful Additions

Local church to Teach, 1 Tim 3:15;

1 Thes 1:8

Truth Building, Lights,Gospel Meeting,Bulletin, Radio,

Powerpoint, Notes

Gym, Sport Teams,Secular School,

Own Broadcasting Bus. or Printing Co.

Local church to support preachers

Spread the Gospel Provide MoneyFood, House

Transportation

Church Supported Missionary Society,Church Overseeing Brotherhood Work,Sponsoring Church

3. Giving money from the church treasury to an institution or sponsoring church VIOLATES THE NEW TESTAMENT PATTERN.1) No church ever sent money through another organization for

preaching.2) No church received or solicited funds from another church in order

to provide for evangelism. 3) When Paul "robbed" other churches it was just that: the obtaining of

his needs from a plurality of congregations, not from some central agency through which the churches funneled their funds.

4) If a local church can send some of its money to another church to do its work of evangelism, why couldn't that same local congregation send all of its funds to another church in order to enable the receiving church to do all of its work?

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5) Missionary societies and sponsoring church arrangements top the list of human designs that are not part of the work God designed for the local church.

6) You just can't find them in God's blueprint -- the Scriptures.

4. There were no collectives of churches – brotherhood work.1) A pooling of resources (churches) to do a work would require some

form of oversight in order to engage in the undertaking. 2) We read about a collective of Christians in a local church.

1 Cor 1:2: “To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:”

3) And, there is oversight provided for the collective action of Christians (elders). 1 Pet 5:1-3: “Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.”

4) But we read nowhere about either a collective of churches or oversight provided for the collective action of churches. <> 1952 marked the beginning of the Herald of Truth radio

program. The church to receive the contributions was located at 5th and Highland in Abilene, Texas. The elders there assumed a DUAL ROLE in overseeing the work. They said it was a brotherhood work, had its own name, treasury, payroll, mail permit, hires its own agents, can be joined, etc.

5) If churches can form a collective on a temporary basis to do the work of evangelism (or any other work), why can't they maintain that structure, as well as the oversight, on a permanent basis?

5. This NT pattern (method) was very effective. 1) Col 1:23: Paul spoke of "the gospel which ye heard, which was

preached in all creation under heaven...” (this was written within a generation of Pentecost).

2) The New Testament information about churches and evangelism gives us a pattern that is very simple and extremely effective.

3) Each church did its own work in accordance with its ability and opportunity and these collective efforts, along with individual

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activity, spread the gospel to “all creation under heaven” in 30-35 years from the time of Peter's sermon on Pentecost.

4) Adhering to this pattern today will have the same results without building a single human institution, a human missionary society.

5) And without binding local churches together in an ecclesiastical set-up which would make “brotherhood elders” out of one group of overseers, and which would have robbed the contributing churches of their autonomy.

CONCLUSION

1. Churches need to concern themselves with doing the work God designed them to do. 1. Far too often for far too long, church work has been driven by human idealism

rather than divine wisdom. 1) Typically, men start with a human idea of “good work,” then ask “what's

wrong with it?” 2) And then, if they do not find it specifically condemned in Scripture, they

begin to practice it. 3) This process has produced not only the man-made mess known as

denominationalism, but also division after unscriptural division among churches of Christ.

2. What we need to do is start with God's design, accept that His way is not only right but also best, and then follow His pattern implicitly. 1) In John 17:4 Jesus said, “I have glorified You on the earth. I have

finished the work which You have given Me to do.” 2) I wonder how many churches today could say that they have glorified

God by doing the work He has given them to do.

Bible Authority (12)THE WORK OF THE LOCAL CHURCH IN BENEVOLENCE;

HOW CHURCHES MAY COOPERATE

INTRODUCTION

A. The church that Jesus built is revealed in the New Testament.1. Regarding all Biblical subjects, great care must be taken to not distort the truth

in any way.1) 1 Cor 4:6: “Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively applied to

myself and Apollos for your sakes, so that in us you may learn not to

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exceed what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other.”

2) 2 John 9: “Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son.”

2. Every facet of the church, including the work of the church, is set forth in God’s word.1) There is a clear pattern we must follow in the way the local church can

cooperate with other churches and under what conditions.

B. There is no better way to teach the plan of salvation than examining the cases of conversion in the book of Acts.1. Examples such as: the Jews on Pentecost, the Samaritans, the Ethiopian

eunuch, Saul, Cornelius, Lydia, the Philippian jailer, the Corinthians clearly reveal a definite pattern of what one must do to be saved.1) Similarly, the New Testament cases of local churches engaged in the

work of benevolence show us who did the relieving and who were relieved.

C. There are nine groups of Bible passages of scripture in the New Testament on benevolence that is the responsibility of the local church.1. These make up 4 separate recorded cases of a church or churches offering

benevolent assistance.1) These 4 instances cover a period of time of about 35 years during the

history of the first century churches.

2. Let’s look at each one of these passages and then determine:1) Who administered the relief?2) And who was relieved?

3. What is the work of the church in the area of benevolence?1) Does the church operate in the field of LIMITED BENEVOLENCE (just

take care of certain ones)?OR:

2) Does the church operate in the field of UNLIMITED BENEVOLENCE (care for all the world’s needy)?

I. THE BENEVOLENT WORK OF THE CHURCH(COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY)

A. The church in Jerusalem: Took care of their own needy saints.

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1. Acts 2:41: 3000 individuals received the word and were baptized.1) 2:44: Points out that “all those who had believed were together and

had all things in common;”2) 2:45: As a result of there being 3000 saints, some of them were

displaced in Jerusalem and needed help. Notice the collective work of the first local congregation.<> Who administered? Local church.<> Who received? Saints in need (lacked necessities of life).

2. Acts 4:32: Points out that “the congregation (multitude) of those who believed were of one heart and soul.” 1) 4:33: There was still a great need among those who had traveled to

Jerusalem for the Pentecost and had decided to stay and obey the Gospel.

2) 4:34-35: Those who had lands and properties sold their possessions and brought the proceeds to the apostles. The apostles then distributed to the believers (Christians) who had need.<> Who administered? Local church (32).<> Who received? “those who believed” (32).

3. Acts 6:1-6: Again, there was a great physical need.1) As a result, we see that there was a daily ministration for those who

had need.2) The apostles told the disciples of that first congregation to select

among themselves individuals who would be responsible for administering to the physical needs of the needy of their group.<> It is worthy to note that the congregation in Jerusalem took

care of its own needy without establishing and maintaining an organization under a board of directors. The local church attended to its own work.

B. The church in Antioch: One church sending relief to other churches.

1. Acts 11:27-30: World-wide famine – Limited Benevolence to saints only. 1) The brethren in Antioch were told of a coming “famine all over the

world.” Judea would be greatly affected.2) Acts 9:32, 36: In addition to the Jerusalem church, there were also

churches in Lydda and Joppa which are included in “the brethren living in Judea.”

3) 1 Thes 2:14: Mentions “the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea,”

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2. When Antioch sent her contribution by the hands of Paul and Barnabas to aid “the brethren living in Judea” in their time of need, they sent it to the “elders.”1) What elders? The elders among “the brethren living in Judea.”2) 1 Pet 5:1-3: Divine command fixes the jurisdiction of the authority

of the elders of a local church to 2 “shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight…3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.”

3) This is the only interpretation that harmonizes with the charge given to elders.

3. Assumed parallel violates the rules of interpretation.1) There is no scripture showing that Jerusalem was the only church in

Judea that had elders.2) The church (elders) in Antioch determined when and how much to

send to each church, not the Jerusalem elders.3) Then the elders of each local church determined who and how much

each individual would receive in that church.

C. Congregations in Macedonia (Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea), Achaia (Corinth, Cenchrea) and Galatia were all involved in the same relief effort for the needy saints in Jerusalem: Many churches sending to one church.

1. When a saint was in need, the local church has a responsibility to relieve that need (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35; 6:1-6).1) If the local church is unable to meet the needs of its own needy

saints, then other churches can cooperate by sending relief.

2. 1 Cor 16:1-4: Paul instructed both the brethren in Corinth as well as the churches throughout Galatia that they “On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come” (2)1) Who was the collection for? “The saints” – in “Jerusalem” (3).2) They didn’t hold back and say “there is no need now or “let’s wait

until the need arises” (a year from now).3) 16:3: This “gift” (funds) were raised by individuals giving to the

church treasury and not by the church selling anything.4) Each church selected its own messenger (s) to carry money to

Jerusalem (2 Cor 8:19, 23).5) These messengers exerted no authority of how to distribute the

money in Jerusalem but acted only as servants of the church that chose them to deliver the gift.

6) These messengers were individuals and not churches!

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7) The contributing churches sent letters with their messengers.8) 16:4: Paul explains his concern in Romans 15:24-31.

3. 2 Cor 8:1-4: Paul referred to the grace of God bestowed on the churches throughout Macedonia.1) 8:2-3: It is apparent that those congregations throughout Macedonia

gave very liberally despite their own afflictions.2) 8:4: Who was the relief for? The needy saints in Jerusalem.3) 8:13-14: What necessitated the relief? “Their need” (9:12).4) Those having an “abundance” (more than necessities) are to relieve

the saints that lack the necessities. (+ give to – “equality”).5) God is in effect saying, “I want My money taken out of this church

and put into another.”6) The Lord doesn’t want any of His people to go hungry (Matt 6:33).

<> Help Christians to continue their work in the church.<> 2 Thes 3:10: God restricted the work of benevolence.<> God also restricted benevolence of churches to saints only.<> 2 Cor 8:23: Who provided the relief? “The churches”

4. The elders of the churches sending relief have no right to run the affairs of the church they are sending to that there may be “equality.”1) Every church is independent doing its own work under its own elders.2) Elders do not own the church – God does.3) Elders are to choose messengers (individuals, mail man) to deliver

the relief.

5. 2 Cor 9:1-14: v 1: The subject Paul is dealing with in this part of the chapter is the ministering to the saints.1) Paul is exhorting the church at Corinth to help the needy saints.2) 9:12: The administration of this service supplied “the needs of the

saints.”

6. 9:13: “to them and to all (men).” – Some would suggest that this phrase can refer to those needy who are not saints.1) Paul makes the point that those who received the help offered

thanksgiving (12), glorified God (13), and received with prayer (14). <> These actions are the actions of saints.

2) Context is saints (all is an adjective that modifies the noun under consideration.

3) All can refer to saints (Acts 2:44-45; 4:33-35).

7. Rom 15:25-31: Paul was going to Jerusalem to take aid to the needy saints in Jerusalem.

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1) 15:25: Romans must have been written after 2 Cor for he was now “going to Jerusalem, serving the saints.”

2) 15:26: The churches in Macedonia and Achaia were pleased “to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.”

3) 15:27-28: The contributing churches were predominately Gentiles. 4) The Jews in Jerusalem were the ones in need.5) There was a good possibility the Jews would not accept the money

from the Gentiles.6) Therefore, Paul did decide to go to Jerusalem with the messengers to

increase the possibility of the Jews readily accepting the gift.7) 15:31: Reaffirms that the money carried by Paul was intended for

the saints in Jerusalem (2 Cor 1:16: Judea).8) Acts 21:17: The final outcome – the Jerusalem church gladly

accepted the gift!“After we arrived in Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.”

8. The Unscriptural plan.1) Local churches sending to an institution or sponsoring church who in

turn the elders oversee the work of the church (evangelism or benevolence).

D. Any local church: Widows indeed.

1. 1 Tim 5:16: “If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are widows indeed.” 1) Paul told Timothy that there was a limit to whom the church or local

congregation (collective group) could help regarding the supporting of widows.

2) The individual Christians were charged with the responsibility of taking care of the widows in their family.

3) The local church, working collectively, was to take care of the widows indeed.

4) 5:9-10: These are her qualifications – Worked all her life in the church.

2. Some argue: “Whatever the church can do the individual can do and whatever the individual can do the church can do.”1) This is faulty reasoning – individuals pay taxes, but the church does

not.2) Individuals must care for the widows except under certain

circumstances as stipulated in the text, “the church must not be burdened.”

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3) 5:4, 8: Each one is to be responsible for his own family as he is able. This includes aged parents and other relatives.

4) There are two kinds of benevolence – individual and church action.5) The majority of benevolent work is to be done by individuals.

CONCLUSION

1. In all the nine groups of scriptures dealing with local churches involved in benevolence only needy saints received relief.1. The alien sinner (non-believers=world) or orphans are not mentioned by either

a command/statement, approved example or by necessary inference.1) The scriptural plan – every local church is oversees its own work of

evangelism, benevolence, edification, worship, members and discipline (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet 5:2; Heb 13:17).

2. The sufficiency of the local church is rejected by those who supplement human institutions to carry out the work of the Lord.1. 2 Cor 9:7-8: “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not

grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;”1) God created the local church to be self-sufficient in doing its own work

according to its own ability.2) Under certain conditions when they can’t meet their responsibility other

local church can cooperate to fulfill their time of need.

3. Respecting God’s work in the area of benevolence - Certain things become very evident.1. No church EVER sent money or gifts to any non-Christian.2. No church EVER sent money or gifts to any institution.3. No church EVER sent money or gifts to another organization or “sponsoring

church” to do its own work.4. No church EVER sent money or gifts to a church not in need.5. No church EVER received money or gifts from any institution.6. No church EVER received money or gifts from any “sponsoring church.”

4. From the foregoing cases we conclude that the church can help any saint, or group of saints, that has a genuine need.1. Nothing in these cases suggests that a congregation should go into all the

world looking for needy people and support as many as possible.1) The church has a higher function than the social and temporal betterment

of humanity.

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2) The church is not a glorified Rescue Mission for the world’s indigent or a Red Cross kind of organization.

3) To keep the benevolent work of the church in its proper perspective we need to study and follow the New Testament, not what other religious bodies are doing.

5. Benevolence has never been intended to be a tool to bring others into Christ, or to keep them faithful.1. We have the power of the Gospel – the word of God to do that (Rom 1:16).

1) We do not read about where the apostle Paul ever used clothes, food or money to entice people to obey the gospel.

2) True discipleship cannot be bought with material goods (2 Cor 10:3-4).

2. Benevolent tactics were used after WW II.1) Baptisms came easy, the building overflowed, but when the “loaves and

fishes” ran out, so did the converts.2) Question: Were they really converted?

3. We should strive to do whatever we can do as individuals.1) Let other organizations (Red Cross, hospitals, etc) do their work.2) And let the church do only what it is authorized to do based on NT

examples.3) Let the church be occupied with its primary work of seeking and saving

lost souls through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Bible Authority (13)LOCAL CHURCH ACTION VS INDIVIDUAL ACTION-Part 1

INTRODUCTION

A. The failure to separate what the congregation can do and what the individual Christian can do in the service of the Lord continues to be the cause of much misunderstanding in the Lord’s church today.1. 2 Tim 2:15: We are responsible to accurately apply the word of God.

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1) In doing so we will be able to discern the difference between what individual Christians have the liberty to do that the local church does not have the liberty to do.

B. There are two separate extreme views that are advanced:1. “Whatever the individual Christian can do, the church can do.”

1) This view ignores the FUNCTIONAL DIFFERENCE between the local church and the individual Christian.

2) It leads to local church support and sponsoring of unscriptural works like recreation, secular education, business endeavors, general benevolence, political actions, etc.<> If the individual can be involved helping the poor of the world, so

can the church.<> If the individual can be involved in social and recreational functions,

so can the church.<> If the individual can support a school or college in which the Bible is

taught along with secular subjects, then the church can do so out of its treasury.

2. “Whatever the church cannot do, individual Christians cannot do (together).”1) This view limits Christians’ group actions strictly to collective actions of

the local church.2) It leads to forbidding individuals the liberty of joining together (pooling

talents and resources) to do work given individuals (privately funded youth camps, colleges, foundations, etc.).

3) This view says it is wrong for Christians to join together in any capacity other than the local church to teach the gospel and serve God.<> If the church cannot support a school in which the Bible is taught

along with secular subjects, then individual Christians cannot do so.

C. These are two extremes, and they are both wrong.1. Such misconceptions are based upon the fallacy that whatever the

Christian does, the church is to be doing also.

1) In this lesson we want to note from the scriptures that there are many things which the individual Christian must do in his individual relationships in living the life of a Christian that the church cannot engage in.

2) But first let us notice that there are…

I. SOME DUTIES ARE ASSIGNED TO BOTH THE INDIVIDUAL CHRISTIAN AND THE LOCAL CHURCH

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There is no doubt that individual and church responsibilities overlap at times.

A. The Christian should try to teach others the gospel, but this is also the work of the church.

1. Acts 11:20: Individuals from Cyprus and Cyrene planted the seed in Antioch by preaching the Lord Jesus.Acts 11:22-24: Also the church in Jerusalem sent out Barnabas to assist in the work of preaching the word there in Antioch. REVIEW:1) Churches cooperated in sending preachers directly to the church that

needed one.2) Churches cooperated in sending support directly to preachers.3) Churches did not form another organization or institution larger or

smaller than the local church in their cooperation with churches in the work of evangelism.

4) Churches did not send out of their treasury to another church or organization to do their work for them.

B. Benevolence in some cases is an individual obligation, and in some circumstances it is the work of the church. REVIEW:

1. 1 Tim 5:16: If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are widows indeed.”1) Does the local church have the responsibility to care for the world, or

are there only certain ones that the local church can relieve?2) CHART: There are 9 passages in the Bible dealing with church

benevolence.3) Any questions about church cooperation and benevolence can only

be answered from these scriptures.4) Since these scriptures give WHO received relief and the

ORGANIZATION that met the need, then these scriptures must be God’s PATTERN for the church’s benevolent work.

5) A pattern is all that God says on a given subject (Heb 8:5-6).2. Although individual and church action overlap in some areas, this is not

proof that anything the individual does is approved for the local church to engage in.1) That logic would require a huge leap.2) We know that certain responsibilities overlap because the scriptures

clearly teach just that.3) But to say there is no difference between the church and the

individual clearly contradicts 1 Tim 5:16.

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3. Some churches have adopted the policy of the church being the solution in providing for the physical needs of the world (social, recreational, etc).1) Other churches have reached the point where they are so unsure of

who to help that they help no one.2) Some argue, “It is better to do something wrong, than to do nothing

at all” (Rom 3:4).<> Rom 10:1-3: Zeal for God but not according to knowledge.

3) At this point the caring of orphans and the poor can become an emotional subject.

4) The problem cannot be solved by false standards – emotionalism.

II. THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN THE CHURCH AND THE INDIVIDUAL

A. A distinction can be found in the very existence of the church.

1. Though the church is composed of individuals, the individual alone is not the church.1) The term “ekklesia”, the Greek work for “church”, indicates a

group or assembly, and is not properly applied to a single person.2) Just as the term “flock” would not be applied to a single goose.3) How many cows do you have in your “herd”? Must have more than

one.

2. The fact that God wanted Christians organized and functioning in local congregations (Acts 9:26) should stand as proof that clearly there is some distinction between the work of the individual Christian and the work of the congregation.1) Carefully note that the same argument which says, “Whatever the

individual Christian can do, the church can do”, also must concede, “whatever the church can do, the individual can do.”

2) Which in effect makes the local church unnecessary.3) Under such a notion, all the passages that talk collective church

action, or even the need to assemble with Christians (Heb 10:25), can be equally fulfilled by each individual alone!

4) Heb 10:24-25: You can stay home and encourage yourself.5) 1 Cor 16:2: Can be fulfilled by giving to your own bank account.

3. Before the existence of the church, as set up by Christ (either universally or locally), the individual existed and some had functions to perform in relation to marriage.1) Marriage is something for individuals.

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2) The activities in marriage are honorable, but would be dishonorable and absurd in a “church” context.

3) The instructions concerning marriage are applied to individuals acting in that capacity.

4) Though instructions regarding marriage are given in assemblies of God’s people, only the individual can carry out the responsibilities and share in those blessings.

5) Try arguing that “Whatever the individual can do, the church can do” in this context.

B. In the matter of church discipline, the church doesn’t get involved in the process until after individual action.Matt 18:15-17: “If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. 16 But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.”

1. Here is something which ALL Christians must do but which the church cannot do.1) Please note that one man is not the church.2) Also, two or three members of a given church are not the church.3) It’s possible to have a two man congregation, but two Christians do

not necessarily constitute a local congregation.4) If two Christians go fishing, can we say that the church went fishing?5) 17: Clearly shows that the individuals of verses 15 & 16 ARE NOT

the church.6) This is the action of the local church.

C. Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-4“But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wife’s full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”

1. Before the land was sold, it belonged to Ananias and Sapphria, not to the church.

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1) After the land was sold, the money they received for the land belonged to them.

2) Peter’s argument is based upon a clear distinction.3) Carefully note, the funds and properties of all the members are not

the funds and properties of the church.4) The whole church were not guilty of lying, thus they were not

punished.

2. They then took a portion and “laid it at the apostles’ feet” (the treasury of the church, Ac 4:34-37).1) There is not only a difference between the individual and the church,

there is also a difference between the individual’s money and the church’s money!

D. Some INDIVIDUAL Christian duties that cannot be performed by the church.

1. Working to provide for a family (1 Tim 5:8; 2 Thes 3:10).1) He cannot shun this obligation and put it on the church.2) It is only when the individual cannot meet the needs given in this

context that the church is to “be burdened” (16).3) If a man will not work the individual or the church are not to help

him.4) If they are the same, this passage is meaningless.

2. Engaging in business and occupation. 1 Thes 4:11: “and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, 12 so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need.” Jas 4:13-15: “Come now, you who say, " Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit." 14 Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. 15 Instead, you ought to say, " If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that." 16 But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. 17 Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.”1) What passage ever indicates that such is the work of the local

church?2) Individual Christians giving is the only way funds are raised for the

work of the church (1 Cor 16:2).

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3. Parents and children in the home (Eph 6:1, 4).1) The individual has the right to discipline his/her child. Will anyone

argue that such discipline is the work of the church?

4. As noted earlier, the individual may have a spouse and is to fulfill the duties of that spouse (1 Cor 7:3-5).

CONCLUSION

1. No matter how long the world continues to turn, there will always be situations where people are in need.1. Knowing this, we must do what we can to understand the Lord’s will

regarding our responsibility in helping the needs of others.1) We have no right to change what God has commanded, or assume that He

allows us to do that which He has not authorized.2) We cannot argue from the silence of the scriptures.3) Rom 11:34: “Who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His

counselor?”

Bible Authority (14)LOCAL CHURCH ACTION VS INDIVIDUAL ACTION-Part 2

INTRODUCTION

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REVIEW:

A. The failure to separate what the congregation can do and what the individual Christian can do in the service of the Lord continues to be the cause of much misunderstanding in the Lord’s church today.1. 2 Tim 2:15: We are responsible to accurately apply the word of God.

1) In doing so we will be able to discern the difference between what individual Christians have the liberty to do that the local church does not have the liberty to do.

B. There are two separate extreme views that are advanced:1. “Whatever the individual Christian can do, the church can do.”

1) If the individual can be involved helping the poor of the world, so can the church. The same argument is made for social & recreational activities.

2. “Whatever the church cannot do, individual Christians cannot do (together).”1) This view limits Christians’ group actions strictly to collective actions of

the local church.2) If the church cannot support a school in which the Bible is taught along

with secular subjects, then individual Christians cannot do so.

C. Some duties are assigned to both individual Christians and the local church.1. Both are to teach the gospel.

1) But the local church is limited by the NT pattern.2) Sent preachers or money directly to preachers.3) To form another organization or send to another organization or church

who in turn oversee the work of the contributing churches clearly violates the NT pattern.

D. We looked at some scriptures that clearly show there is a distinction between local church action and individual action.1. 1 Tim 5:162. The very existence of the church=called out – group or assembly.

1) EX: “Flock” or “Herd” – must be more than one.2) Heb 10:25: If individual can fulfill – the church is unnecessary.

3. Matt 18:15-17: Individual action BEFORE church action.4. Acts 5:1-4: Ananias & Sapphria – Land and money belonged to them.5. Individual duties – Work; Marriage; Parents – duties not given to the church.

I. TWO ABUSED, MISUSED AND MISAPPLIED TEXTS

A. Are the following texts speaking to churches or individuals?John 15 Galatians 6 James 1

2: Every branch 1: If anyone is…you… 1: Addressed to 12 tribes

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3: You are already clean…spoken to you

4: I in you…branch cannot bear fruit

5: you are the branches; he who abides…you can do nothing

6: If anyone does not abide…he is thrown away as a branch…burned

7: If you abide in Me…ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you

restore such a one…looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted

2: Bear one another’s burdens

3: If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself

4: Each one must prove his own work…in regard to himself alone

5: Each one will bear his own load

6: The one who is taught

7: Whatever a man sows

8: The one who sows to his own flesh

9-10: Us…We(Paul is not a member here)Let us do good to all people

who are dispersed abroad

2-3: Joy…testing of your faith produces endurance

4: You may be perfect

5: If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask…it will be given to him

6: One who doubts7: Let not that man expect8: Double-minded man9: But the brother10: And the rich man11: Midst of his pursuits12: Blessed is a man…he has been approved, he will receive13: Let no one say…I am14: Each one…when he is…by his own lust

19-27: Singular nouns and pronouns26: this man’s religion27: Pure religion…visit fatherless and widows… keep oneself unstained

1. As we consider the above chart, let us realize the use our denominational friends have made of John 15:1-7. 1) In an attempt to justify the existence of different denominations, they

have argued that Jesus is the vine and the branches are denominations.

2) We have correctly noted that the branches are individuals, not churches.

3) Why is this distinction not made by our institutional brethren in their use of Galatians 6:10 and James 1:27?

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2. It is argued by some that this letter is addressed “to the churches of Galatia” (Gal 1:2) and therefore all of its instructions must be talking about church (collective) action. 1) If, however, all of its instructions denote group activity, it would

unquestionably have to denote the group composed of the parties addressed. Since churches (plural), not a church, are addressed, the argument would prove the scripturalness of diocesan action, i.e. the churches of Galatia as a group “working that which is good toward all men.”

2) To say that everything in the letter applies to collective action is a flawed conclusion.

3. If being addressed “to the churches of Galatia” means Gal 6:10 refers to organized church action, then why doesn’t Gal 3:27, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ,” refer to churches?1) Likewise, why doesn’t Gal 3:29, “And if you belong to Christ, then

you are Abraham's seed,” refer to churches? 2) Why doesn’t Paul’s statement in Gal 5:2, “if you receive

circumcision, Christ will profit you nothing,” refer to circumcising churches?

3) By what reasoning does one make such expressions as “a man,” “every man,” “he,” “him,” “us,” and “we,” which appear over and over again in Gal 6:1-10, refer to organized church responsibility?

4. One cannot properly use these expressions to refer to organized church action any more than he could properly apply fleshly circumcision (Gal 5:2; 6:12-13) to the local church. These verses simply mean “we,” “us,” “each of us,” as they are used in Gal 5:25-26. <> Remember Paul is not a member of any church in Galatia

during this time.

4. Gal 6:10: The churches of Galatia were commanded to assist the saints (1 Cor 16:1-2).1) Gal 6:10: Doesn’t tell us what doing good is but rather is an

exhortation to do the good as defined elsewhere in the scriptures.2) Many assume as good whatever they designate.3) There is nothing in the CONTEXT that indicates church action.

5. Jas 1:27: Begins by addressing all the Jewish Christians in the world, not to any particular church.1) James is encouraging all individual Christians to do what is right.2) Practical Christian living for individuals in all their circumstances.3) Matt 25:44: Encouraged to visit the sick and prisoners.

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4) If Jas 1:27 authorizes churches to build and maintain benevolent societies, then by the same token churches are also authorized to build and maintain hospitals and jails!

6. Brethren who obscure the distinction between the church and the individual admit there is no scripture for a church to be involved in the support of institutions and benevolence to non-Christians.1) They also recognize the clear distinction between the church and the

individual in other areas (marriage, parenting, work, church discipline, etc).

2) One reason for brethren to argue that there is no distinction between the church and the individual is that they seek authority for church support of their institutions and benevolence to non-saints.

3) Therefore passages such as Gal 6:10 & Jas 1:27 are used to distort the distinction between church and individual action.

7. Gal 6:10, Jas 1:27 and many other scriptures teach that each one of us as individuals, has an obligation to help anyone in need.1) However, God has a special purpose for the church’s treasury, and

that purpose excludes many things.

CONCLUSION

1. No matter how long the world continues to turn, there will always be situations where people are in need.1. Knowing this, we must do what we can to understand the Lord’s will

regarding our responsibility in helping the needs of others.1) We have no right to change what God has commanded, or assume that He

allows us to do that which He has not authorized.2) We cannot argue from the silence of the scriptures.3) Rom 11:34: “Who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His

counselor?”

2. As a local church, working together from a collective treasury, we are limited by Bible examples. 1. We are authorized to help only saints who are in need.

1) There is also a pattern in how churches cooperated in certain situations in order to fulfill that need.

3. As individual Christians, we have an obligation to do what we can to help anyone who is truly in need.1. We are to be like the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).

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1) Let us understand our responsibility in the area of benevolence, whether it be our individual responsibility or our collective responsibility.

2) We must avoid the extremes (help all or help no one) and reach the middle ground where we understand who we can and cannot help and then possess the compassion to help!

Bible Authority (15)THE WORK OF THE CHURCH IN EDIFICATION

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(AUTHORITY AND EDIFICATION)

INTRODUCTION

A. When souls are converted they must not be forsaken and left to wander back into sin.1. They must be taught how to worship God, how to live a new life in Christ.

1) Christians must be edified or built up in the most holy faith.

2. Edification is defined as: “the act of building; this is used only figuratively in verbs “edify” and “edifying” are used metaphorically, in the sense of edifying, promoting the spiritual growth and development of character of believers, by teaching or by example, suggesting such spiritual progress as the result of patient labour.” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary of N.T. Words)1) Matt 28:18-20: One of the last commandments Jesus gave was “teaching

them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.”2) Paul calls this the work of “perfecting the saints” (Eph 4:12).

I. THE CHURCH IS TO ENGAGE IN THE WORK OF EDIFICATION

A. Authority for this work.

1. Direct statement.1) 1 Cor 14:26: To the church at Corinth Paul wrote, “when you come

together….let all things be done unto edifying.”

2. Approved example.1) Corinth is an example of the local church coming together for the

purpose of edification.2) Although this meeting concerned the use of spiritual gifts, still all

things were to be unto edifying. 3) Certain gifts were forbidden on the grounds that such would not

edify and there were certain regulations in using the gifts. 1 Cor 14:27-31: “If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and one must interpret; 28 but if there is no interpreter, he must keep silent in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment. 30 But if a revelation is made to another who is seated, the first one must keep silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted;”

4) There are examples of teaching being done to the church (those already converted) for the purpose of edification.

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Acts 2:42, 46: “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer…46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,”

II. THERE WERE TEACHERS SET IN THE EARLY CHURCH FOR THE PURPOSE OF EDIFICATION (1 Cor 12:27-31)

A. When Jesus ascended to heaven He gave gifts to the church (Eph 4:7-11).

1. Apostles – “one sent out” – the 12 apostles plus Paul. 1 Cor 15:7-11: “then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; 8 and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me. 11 Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.”2 Cor.11:5: “For I consider myself not in the least inferior to the most eminent apostles.” 1) Their job was to be witnesses of the resurrection of Jesus (Acts 1:21-

22; 2:32-33; 10:29-41; 22:15; 26:16-18).2) Had certain signs which only they could do (Acts 8:14-17; 2 Cor

12:12).3) These signs could be put to the test (Rev 2:2).

2 Cor 11:12-15: “But what I am doing I will continue to do, so that I may cut off opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the matter about which they are boasting. 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.”

4) Revealed divine truth (John 14:25-26; 15:26-27; 16:12-13; 1 Cor 2:10-13; Eph 3:3-5).

2. Prophets

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Eph 2:19-20: “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone,” 1) A mouth or spokesman.

Ex 4:15-16; 7:1: “You are to speak to him and put the words in his mouth; and I, even I, will be with your mouth and his mouth, and I will teach you what you are to do. 16 Moreover, he shall speak for you to the people; and he will be as a mouth for you and you will be as God to him…7:1 Then the LORD said to Moses, " See, I make you as God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron shall be your prophet.”

2) Associated with the apostles in so much as they both receivedREVELATIONS from God.1 Cor 14:29-32: “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment. 30 But if a revelation is made to another who is seated, the first one must keep silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted; 32 and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets;

3) The word is always used to describe a miraculously-inspired individual—or in the case of a false prophet, one who claimed inspiration. One of the apostles laid their hands on such men as Luke, Mark, James the Lord’s brother, Jude.Matt 7:15: “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” 2 Pet 2:1: “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. 1 John 4:1: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

4) The apostles and prophets do not live among us today. Yet, the Lord gave them to equip and edify the church. How can this be?ANSWER: Both received new revelations. Explains why they are listed first.

5) The very existence of the church made necessary the FOUNDATIONAL WORK of these men. Christ is the chief cornerstone. The apostles and prophets are described as being the foundation upon which the church is built. The church is not built or depends on continuous revelation! Just as the cornerstone has been laid, so has the foundation been laid. There is no other need for other cornerstones-Christ finished His work—the church still benefits today. The same is true with the apostles and prophets.

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What would the evangelists, teachers, and pastors preach and teach if not for the complete revelation furnished us by the apostles and prophets?

3. Evangelists – One who makes known the good news; EX: druggist or dentist.1) Had a definite job to do.

2 Tim 4:5: “But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

2) Preach the revealed truth.2 Tim 4:2: “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.”

3) Be an example.1 Tim 4:12: “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.”

4) Preach the word.1 Tim 4:16: “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.”

5) Examples: Stephen of Acts 7; Philip of Acts 8 (21:8); Timothy, Titus, Barnabas.

4. Pastors (poimenas) – This Greek root word “poimen” is translated shepherd(s) in 17 other places. Eph 4:11 is the only place where this Latin word pastor is used. Describes the work of tending. Other words used to denote the same men are: 1) Elders=older—in society. “Presbuteros” is used 67 times in the NT

This Jewish word describes the dignity of the office. 2) Bishops=overseer or superintendent. “Episkopes” is used 5 times

in the NT. This Greek word denotes the authority of the office.3) All 3 words are used interchangeably in Acts 20:17, 28.

17 “From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church…28 Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd (Greek-poimainein) the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”<> Teach (1 Tim 3:2).<> Watch and protect souls - not body unless it affects soul (Heb

13:17; Ezek 3:16-17; 33:7-9.

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<> Rule (1 Tim 3:5; 5:17). Not forcing into personal likes and dislikes, but applying the rule of God. They do not make laws, but enforce God’s laws. The Greek word “egeomai” means to lead; to go before; to be a leader. Rule as leaders not as tyrants.

<> Example (1 Pet 5:3). “Tupos” is an impression made by a blow. The idea is an imprint which bears the likeness of the instrument which made it. IMITATE ELDERS.

5. Teachers – Instructors who impart knowledge. 1) Defined:

Heb 5:12-14: “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.”<> Accustomed to the word of righteousness, mature, practice in

training senses.

B. Eph 4:12-15:

1. Paul said these gifts were given for: “the equipping (perfecting) of the saints” which is the work of teaching in the local church. 1) “For the work of the service (ministry)” (every good work). 2) “To the building up of the body of Christ” 3) Paul declared that we have such gifts so that “we are no longer to be

children…..but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ.”

III. HOW THE CHURCH DID ITS WORK OF EDIFICATION (TEACHING)

A. The church is to build up=(edify) itself. Eph 4:16: “from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.”

1. God has so organized the church that it is able to do its work of edification.1) Since the church is to “edify itself” the obligation of teaching rests

upon the LOCAL church.

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2. True edification requires teaching.1) Without teaching or instruction there will be no edification.

1 Cor 14:3-5: “But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation. 4 One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church. 5 Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy; and greater is one who prophesies than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edifying.”

2) The edification of the saints is one of the objectives of our assemblies.

3) The church at Corinth was instructed to conduct assemblies in such a manner “so that the church may receive edifying.”

3. True edification requires understanding (1 Cor 14:6-19).1) The church has the authority to recognize the various stages of

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, and SPIRITUAL development through which people pass, and to arrange teaching for these various groups.

2) PHYSICAL: (Tit 2:1-6, 9; Eph 6:1-4; Eph 5:22-25; 6:5, 9).3) MENTAL: (1 Cor 13:11; 14:20) – Adults, children, (thinking and

understanding differ).4) SPIRITUAL: (1 Pet 2:2; Heb 5:12-14; John 16:12; 1 Cor 3:2;

Rom 14:1; 1 Tim 2:11-12).

4. Edification requires decent, orderly procedure (1 Cor 14:26-40).1) Whatever causes confusion or distraction unnecessarily negates the

right kind of edification that should be received from teaching (1 Cor 11:17-34).

B. Edification Is Possible – God does not require that which we cannot do.

1. True edification will take place… 1) With the teaching of God’s word.2) Understanding its presentation. 3) In an assembly conducted decently and in order with the proper spirit

of brotherly love.

2. Let us diligently be concerned always with “the things which make for peace and the building up of one another” (Rom 14:17-19). 1) We need all the edification we can get to help us make it to heaven!

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3. That which is necessary for teaching.1) PLACE where teaching may be done.2) TIME when teaching is to be done.3) PERSONS who are to teach and those to be taught (students)

(disciples=learners).<> As teachers must study – student must (are required to) learn!

4) ARRANGEMENTS of those who are to be taught.

4. NOTE: If the group arrangement is ruled out it must follow that all teaching must be done when the whole church is come together. 1) But there were women teachers (1 Cor 11:5).2) And they were not to teach over a men (1 Tim 2:11-12).3) Therefore, some arrangement for teaching was made in addition to

the general assembly of the whole church.

5. There is no legislation on HOW, WHERE OR WHEN these groups are to be taught.1) Whatever is necessary for the work of edification is authorized in the

authority to do this work.2) God has authorized the work and left the means and methods of

accomplishing the work up to the LOCAL church.

IV. THE WORK OF THE LOCAL CHURCH IN EDIFICATION DOES NOT INVOLVE SECULAR EDUCATION

A. The church is to teach the gospel of Christ, the word of God.

1. 1 Tim 3:15: The church is the “pillar and support of the truth.”1) The place, facilities and personnel which the church provides for

teaching is provided to teach the word of God.

2. Many churches have gotten into the field of secular education as a business.1) There are church sponsored and supported Kindergartens,

Elementary Schools, High Schools and Colleges. 2) These exist in many places across the country and offer a complete

curriculum as do public school systems, and also conduct Bible classes, since Bible is included in their curriculum they claim a right to church support.

3) However, churches cannot support such works without also supporting the secular education, sports activities, etc.

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3. The churches of the New Testament never engaged in secular education.1) The need for education was as great then as now. 2) The need of a “Christian environment” was as great then as now. 3) But the apostles did not authorize such a work for the church. 4) The work of the church is PREACHING THE WORD, EDIFYING

ITSELF, AND CARING FOR ITS NEEDY SAINTS! 5) There is absolutely no authority from the Lord for the church to

engage in or contribute to secular education. 6) If so, where is the Scripture? 7) Therefore, those who are involved in such work are doing it solely

upon the authority of men.

4. EX: “Several men, each of whom is a dedicated Christian, build and operate a factory. They determine that each day during the noon hour they will conduct a Bible class for all employees who wish to attend. Since the Bible is being taught every day in their factory, does this authorize the church making contributions to their factory? 1) THINK! Since several employees are Christians, can the local

church contribute to the factory on the grounds that the factory is helping to accomplish the work of edification?

2) THINK! If instead of a factory these same men start a school and include Bible classes in the curriculum, does this authorize the church making contributions to their school?

3) THINK! Since several of the students of the school are Christians, and these Bible classes are helping to edify those Christians, can the local church contribute to the school on the grounds that the school is helping to accomplish the work of edification?

4) THINK! If you reason that the church could contribute to the school, then why not contribute to the factory, since the Bible was being taught in both places? THINK!” (A Study of Authority, by Billy W. Moore)

B. The Purpose of Our Teaching (by Forrest D. Moyer)

1. 1 Tim 1:5: “But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” 1) As Paul writes to Timothy, he gives to him a personal charge urging

him to “instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines” (3) nor be involved in “myths and endless genealogies” (4). Then he pointed out to him what the purpose of gospel preaching really is. It is that we might have:

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2. “Love from a pure heart.” 1) The word for love is agape, the love that comes from intelligence

and understanding and that desires to bring good to all mankind. 2) It is the love that reaches even to our enemies in a desire to do them

good (Matt 5:43-45). 3) This love must be from a pure heart—a heart purified by the gospel.4) This love is not pretended.

1 Pet 1:22: “Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart,”

5) This kind of love from this kind of heart loves God and man sincerely.

3. “And a good conscience.” 1) A clean heart produces a good conscience.

2) The word conscience comes from sun-eidesis which means “knowing with oneself.”

3) We come to know what the will of God is, and then our actions correspond to that will.

4) When that happens, our heart approves our actions and we have a good conscience.1 John 3:19-22: “We will know by this that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart before Him 20 in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; 22 and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.”

4. “And a sincere faith.” 1) Here is a faith that has no hypocrisy. 2) Paul commended Timothy because “of the sincere faith within you.” 3) It is not just lip service, but sincere trust and confidence. 4) With these three attributes, we are well on our way to faithful service

to our God.” 5) SECULAR EDUCATION does not acquire these results!

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CONCLUSION

1. That the church has a work to do in the realm of edification (not secular education) is accepted by all.

2. The Lord has RESTRICTED WHAT the local church is to teach, 1. But the Lord has not restricted the TIME, PLACE, PERSONS TO BE

TAUGHT, or ARRANGEMENTS FOR TEACHING THEM.

3. Let secular schools do its work of teaching secular skills, and let the church do its work of edification (teaching the word of God).1. Keep the church free from making contributions to secular schools or colleges,

and from getting into the school business. Much of this material was adapted from A STUDY OF AUTHORITY, 1996, by Billy W. Moore.

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Bible Authority (16)FELLOWSHIP HALLS AND CHURCH KITCHENS

INTRODUCTION

A. The gospel as God revealed it is pure, unadulterated, unmixed, stands alone, self-sufficient, self-contained, independent, and man needs nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else.1. To know and appreciate the gospel one must be convinced of all the above.

1) However, throughout history, few have fully understood and accepted these clear facts.

2. From the very beginning of the gospel men have mixed it with human philosophies and concepts in a vain and futile effort to help it out.1) Gal 1:6-7: “I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called

you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; 7 which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.”

2) To distort (pervert) a thing is to add something to it that destroys its purity.3) A perverted gospel is to the spiritual well-being of man what poison food is

to his physical well-being.

I. SOME PERVERSIONS OF THE GOSPEL THROUGHOUT ITS HISTORY

A. Jewish perversions – mixed the OT system with the gospel (Acts 15).

1. Essene perversion – human flesh is evil – saved by own righteousness.

B. Greek perversions – Gnosticism (had a great impact; 2 extreme groups).

1. Docetics – denied humanity of Jesus or denied His deity in the flesh.2. Cerinthians – distinguished between Jesus (man) & Christ-came into man

1) Body is evil – indulge sin – forerunner to “once saved, always saved.”

C. Pagan perversions – Rome (emperor Constantine) eventually embraced Christianity in 321 AD.

1. Unconverted pagans poured into the church.2. Pagan temples became church buildings, accommodated the pagan’s

festivals, images, holy days, origin of Christmas, Easter, worship of virgin Mary, etc.

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3. Gradually, the organization of the church copied the organization of the Roman Empire, and eventually the Pope was appointed over the church.

D. Perversions of Protestantism.

1. 1530 AD was the beginning of the protestant reformation sparked by Martin Luther.1) Augustine (400 AD), Thomas Aquinas (1250 AD), and others

influenced the Protestants theology: total depravity, predestination, faith only, sprinkling and pouring for baptism, etc.

2) 1536 AD – John Calvin organized its theology when he wrote Institutes of Religion (5 points of Calvinism.

3) Originally, nearly all Protestant churches bought this whole package, but with the passing of time and division, parts of it have been dropped, but just about 100% of today’s Protestant are influenced to a large degree by Calvin theology.

2. In the 1800’s the social gospel invaded Protestantism.1) Built soup kitchens, gymnasiums and other recreational facilities.2) Orphan and old folk homes, schools, colleges, universities,

Hospitals, counseling centers, apartment complexes, etc.<> All of these serve more to the flesh while neglecting the spirit.

Social betterment became the PRIMARY MISSION of the church.

E. The Lord’s church was brought to America by European immigrants (British Isles) – Thomas and Alexander Campbell, Barton W. Stone, and others came out of the denominationalism and planted the church in the new world (Matt 16:18).

1. Perversions of the gospel within the Lord’s church.1) 1849 – Missionary Society.2) Shortly after – Benevolent Societies (overshadowed by Missionary

Soc.).3) 1860 – Instrumental Music was first introduced – 1905--big split.4) 1940’s – Church contributions to colleges.

2. After WWII – Churches in America was growing by leaps and bounds.1) Elders and leaders came out of the denominational churches and had

little knowledge of how to establish Bible authority.2) Larger churches took charge of “mission” work and became

sponsoring churches for Germany and Japan.

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3) Church buildings became outdated and new multi-purpose buildings, refreshments to young people at VBS, an occasional church sponsored party.

4) To keep the young people – entertainment and recreation.

3. History has a way of repeating itself. 1) The mistakes of the Catholic church and denominationalism are now

being made by churches of Christ.

II. FELLOWSHIP HALLS AND CHURCH KITCHENS PURCHASED WITH THE LORD’S TREASURY FOR SOCIAL PURPOSES

A. History of the social gospel.

1. 1870-1880’s – Darwin’s theories influenced the “elite clergy”.1) Lost faith in spiritual mission of church.2) Institutions were seeking another purpose – addressed social ills.3) Had to attract large numbers to succeed.4) Entertainment & popular appeal of message was their solution

(“P.M.A. Movement”).5) They attracted people with popular methods & replaced the Bible as

the focus of appeal.

2. In the midst of these difficult times where churches were straying from the pattern. Other digressive paths were taken. 1) And the social gospel’s hugest success story is right here. 2) Here is where it got its toe in the door. 3) We now know that the devil never wanted to stop here. 4) He wanted to go much further and he has. With Gyms, Family Life

Centers, Lock In parties, etc.

3. In 1947 Norvel Young in an Abilene lectureship encouraged churches to build new buildings, to build them in good locations, and to include in their buildings, among many other things, a large fellowship room and cooking facilities. He followed this up with further articles.1) Now at the beginning this didn’t catch on to well, but like any error

it just takes time to root. Then brethren started building these halls, and when questioned they defensively answered, “We’re also going to have a Bible class in this room.” And in that way they tried to excuse themselves.

2) But towards the end of the 1960’s most church building plans included a fellowship hall and kitchen.

3) But it wasn’t always so.

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4. Many used to oppose this practice.1) B.C. Goodpasture: “It is not the mission of the church to furnish

amusement for the world or even for its own members. Innocent amusement in proper proportion has its place in the life of all normal persons, but it is not the business of the church to furnish it. For the church to turn aside from its divine work to furnish amusement and recreation is to pervert its mission. If the church will discharge its duty in preaching the gospel, in edifying its members, and helping the worthy poor, it will not have the desire or the time merely to amuse and entertain.” (Torch, Vol. 1, No. 2, pg 26)

2) N.B. Hardeman: “Again, I say to you, with caution and thought, that it is not the work of the church to furnish entertainment for the members. I have never read anything in the Bible that indicates to me that such was the work of the church.” (Hardeman’s Tabernacle Sermons, Vol. 5, p 50)

B. Why we do not have a fellowship hall or a church kitchen. What is the real issue?

1. What the issue is not – Not talking about:1) Is the building sacred (brick and carpet).2) A place to prepare the Lord’s Supper (place to wash trays).3) Christians eating and spending time together.

<> We are talking about: The church providing a place for meals for SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL PURPOSES.

<> Fellowship Halls, Family Life Centers, Mult-purpose Buildings.

2. Eating in the building – The issue was not:1) Benevolent meals or a place to take care of needy saints.2) Can one eat inside the church building?3) Can one eat on church property?

<> The issue was and is: Can the church sponsor a meal for SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL PURPOSES?

3. The church building is not sacred, but it is not a carnal, worldly place either. Money for the building was given to be used in a spiritual work.1) We do not object to eating in the building, but we object to making it

an eating place. 2) It is not wrong to laugh in the church building, but it is certainly

wrong to make it a house of laughter.3) A true case – Brethren were involved in building a meeting place.

As they would take a break on the premises one of them would play

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his harmonica. The day they moved into the facility to worship, playing instrumental music became a sin!

4) Other examples are eating lunch or playing music on the radio. <> There is a difference between church action and individual

action.<> Some have argued that a fellowship hall or kitchen is

authorized by privately donating the necessary funds.<> Would donating a piano authorize instrumental music?

4. What was and is the issue:1) Is the local church authorized to plan and provide social meals?

(Fellowship Hall, church kitchen, family life centers etc)2) Is the work of the church spiritual and/or recreational? (1 Tim 3:15)3) Can this be funded by the Lord’s treasury? (Acts 5:1-5).4) How does God want us to reach people? By social functions?5) A social function is not a method of preaching of the gospel or

edification.

5. Would you like it if you set aside money for a purpose and someone comes along and buys what they want?1) Even if it was for a good work??? 2) Think about a Grocery Store Manager that handed out food to poor

people off the shelf. 3) It’s a good work, but what if the owner did not approve of it? 4) We and he would call that stealing!!! And so would the Lord.

6. What is the real issue?1) Let us remember if there is no authority there can be no pleasing

work.2) 2 Tim 3:16-17: Let us come back to the scriptures every time. 3) Let us remember why we have such lessons as these, because the

scripture is clear we must have authority, and God has not left anything out of the church’s mission you can find it all in its completeness in the NT.

4) There is no command, example or necessary inference to authorize the church to arrange and/or support a common meal for social and recreational purposes.

5) If there is, where is the passage?

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7. Aids are authorized within the command.

Command Aid Assemble – Heb 10:25 Water fountain, bathroomEat Bread – I Cor 11 Tables, cups, plates, ushersBaptize – Matt 28:19 Baptistry, heater, towels

Sing – Eph 5:19 Books, pitch pipeGive – 1 Cor 16:2 Basket, bank accountMeals for social &

Recreational purposes(Where is authority??)

Fellowship HallChurch Kitchen

Gymnasium

1) Question: Where is the authority for the church to assemble for social and recreational purposes in the church building?

C. Response to arguments for the fellowship hall.

1. The water cooler (drinking fountain) and bathroom.Response: 1) Heb 10:25: The church building, drinking fountain, bathroom, etc.

are aids to the command to assemble, therefore they are authorized aids.

2) A water fountain is designed to facilitate a gathering of worshipers assembled for worship. A “fellowship hall” is designed to facilitate a gathering of people who come together to socialize, have a birthday or anniversary party, baby shower, etc.

3) The Lord’s Supper is the only meal we eat which is not designed to satisfy physical hunger.

4) Water is used by preachers to aid them in preaching the gospel.5) A bathroom simply aids us in assembling (it expedites it).6) These aids do not change the nature of the command, if one uses a

portable, tree or bush, or a bathroom.7) What Bible command, example or inference does a church kitchen

aid in fulfilling?

2. Love feasts. 2 Pet 2:13: “…They are stains and blemishes, reveling in their own deceptions, as they feast with you.”Jude 12: “These are the men who are hidden reefs (spots) in your love feasts when they feast with you without fear, caring for themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn trees without fruit, doubly dead, uprooted;”

Response: 1) Jude 12: “Feasts” has been supplied by the translators.2) The word translated love feasts is a form of agape (love).

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3) However, the agape word is in the plural.4) The phrase literally says, “hidden reefs in your loves.” 5) The Greek word for “feast with” in both 2 Pet 2:13 and Jude 12 is

suneuocheo (soon-yoo-o-kheh'-o) = “together with.”6) Jude’s point is that false teachers must be rooted out and exposed for

their lack of love, lest they corrupt the true loves presently existing among the saints.

7) Perhaps Jude could simply be referring to the Lord’s Supper. With this explanation Jude is warning of false brethren who “crept in unnoticed” (Jude 4).

8) Jude may have in mind the meals which Christians ate together “from house to house…with gladness and simplicity of heart” (Acts 2:46).

9) Brethren are using historical accounts of an apostate church as proof for their practice today.<> What some fail to remember is that “the mystery of

lawlessness” was already working in the days of the apostles, not to mention during the second century (2 Thes 2:7).

<> They have elevated history to scriptural status in the absence of clear Biblical statements that “love feasts” were “fellowship meals.”

<> Authority comes from the Bible first – then you can find historical examples (which doesn’t prove the Bible but supports Bible truth.

10) Who can say this was a social meal? Could it possibly be the Lord’s Supper? What feast manifests greater love?<> Can anyone prove for the life of them that this was a meal

sponsored by the church? 11) We must be content with what God has said, and not said, about

“love feasts.” <> We must not put one scripture against another!

3. The word “fellowship.”Response: 1) Used 36 times in the NT to describe a spiritual relationship between

people (even while physically apart from each other), never a recreational activity.

2) Fellowship hall is a misnomer at best and at worst it displays an ignorant and completely erroneous view of a biblical term.

3) Webster defines “baptism” as “an immersing in or sprinkling with water, as a religious ceremony. The Bible defines ‘baptism” as an immersion or a burial.

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4) Webster defines “fellowship” as companionship, joint interest, an association…” This could include anything, (physical or spiritual).

5) The Bible defines “fellowship” as something spiritual every time. And by implication we learn that it is spiritual joint-participation between man and man and/or God and man.

6) Can’t prove ‘fellowship” included eating of meals.

4. 1 Cor 11:17-34 is not condemning the social meal but is only condemning abusing the L.S. with a social meal.

Response: 1) It is more than just an abuse of the Lord’s Supper.2) The only mention of a meal on the church property and it is

condemned.3) Paul could have said, “Let’s go ahead and eat the Lord’s Supper and

then we can have a banquet after the dismissal prayer!” That’s what he needed to say to justify the so-called “fellowship hall.”

4) Instead, Paul makes a clear distinction between a church function and a home function. Social meals for the members and their guests were nowhere authorized as part of the church’s work. Such a concept is of human origin. Those who originated such a practice may have good intentions but Paul gives that absolutely no consideration. There are some “wonderful works” that will be condemned on judgment day (Matt 7:21-23).

5) Instead of merely telling them to quit abusing the Lord’s Supper with a social meal he tells them to sever the social meal from the church altogether.

D. The Bible pattern: Assembling was and is a spiritual occasion (1 Cor 11:22).

1. TWO ERRORS ADDRESSED:1) Despising the church with a common meal in the church “when you

come together as a church” (v 18).<> Answer: “Do you not have houses in which to eat and drink?”

2) Shaming the poor by parading food before those who have none (some were hungry, v 21).<> Answer, v 33: “wait for one another” to eat the Lord’s Supper.<> v 34: Eat common meals “at home.”

2. Acts 2:42, 46: Early example of Paul’s teaching.1) 2:42: The Lord’s Supper: “in the temple” (46)

<> “as a church” (1 Cor 11:18)<> “when you meet together” in one place (1 Cor 11:20)

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2) 2:46: Common meal: “from house to house”<> In “houses” (1 Cor 11:22)<> “At home” (1 Cor 11:34)

3. Fellowship Halls and Entertainment.1) Entertainment focuses upon what is agreeable to the person, while

worship channels one’s attention to what is DESERVING OF GOD.2) In entertainment man is absorbed with his “likes.” In true worship,

man is absorbed with his “God.”3) True conversion is when man is drawn to Christ by the Father, taught

by hearing and learning God’s word, not drawn by food or games.John 6:44-45: “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, 'AND THEY SHALL ALL BE TAUGHT OF GOD.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father, comes to Me.” <> 2 Thes 2:14: We are called by the gospel which is the power of

God for salvation (Rom 1:16).

4. Where do we draw the line? There would be no rules – Why not have…1) Church gyms? Hospitals? Movie Theaters? Grocery Stores?

Tupperware parties in building? Carnivals? Bingo? Auto Mechanics class?

2) Introduces worldliness – To maintain enthusiasm, bigger and better schemes must be produced.

3) Food for the soul is replaced by food for the stomach.4) Worship and spiritual songs are replaced by play and laughter.5) Prayer and meditation is replaced by fun and frolic.6) Worldliness is at the end of where the long road leads.

5. The kingdom of God – Rom 14:17: Here is where God draws the line.1) “Eating and drinking” have as much to do with the kingdom of God

as they do with “righteousness,” “peace” and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

2) Rom 1:16; 10:17: How does God want us to reach people? By social functions?

3) A social function is not a method of preaching – therefore it can be neither a method of reaching people for Christ.

4) The church is not a “social club.” 5) The gospel is what God gave to reach people for His church.

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6. Incidental matters while at the building vs. Events planned and sponsored by the church.

CONCLUSION

1. Why we do not have a church kitchen or use the building for social purposes.1. There is no Bible authority for it.2. Social, recreational, political events are not the work of the church.3. The church is not a social order / The gospel is not a social gospel.4. Individual liberties and responsibilities are not assumed to be church liberties

and responsibilities.

2. The work of the church is to provide spiritual nourishment for the soul of man.1. The local church is a spiritual institution to provide for the spiritual part of

man.1) Preach the gospel to the lost2) Edify the saints3) Benevolence for needy saints to help them to continue to do their part in

building up the spiritual body of Christ.

Incidental MattersWhile At Building

Events Planned And Sponsored By The Church

Talk about politics Political rallySell or deliver a sold item Church in business

Giving or receiving medical advice

Church hospital / clinic

Eating at work partyPreacher eating lunch

Fellowship hallChurch kitchen

Any gathering for social, entertainment or

recreational purposes

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