1. Pattern of Authority
Acts 15:1-20

2. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, & is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

3. Authority is... The right to command or direct
The right to enforce obedience
The right to administer punishment
The right to empower to act
Jesus Christ has authority over all things
Christians submit to His authority

4. Authority of Jesus Christ
“Whatever you do” - Col 3:17
“Abide in the doctrine of Christ” - 2 Jn 9
“Keep His commandments” - 1 Jn 2:3-6
“Keep His word”
“Abide in Him”
“Walk as He walked”

5. Authority of the Apostles
“We are of God” - 1 Jn 4:6
“In every church” - 1 Cor 4:17
“No to think beyond-written” - 1 Cor 4:6
“Walk by the same rule” - Phil 3:16-17
“Be of the same mind”
“Following my example”

6. Authority: Pattern & Practice
Illustration
Direct Statement Command
Acts 15:13-20
Prophecy
Amos 9:11-12
Divinely Approved Example
Acts 15:12
Miracles
Heb 2:1-4
Necessary Conclusion
Acts 15:7-11
Holy Spirit
Acts 10:44-48

7. Authority: Pattern & Practice
Cannot forbid baptism
Acts 10:47-48
Necessary Conclusion
Gentiles given spiritual gifts
Acts 10:44-46
Divinely Approved Example
Peter given a vision
Acts 10:9-16
Direct Statement Command
Illustration
Authority Practice
Authority
Pattern

8. By What Authority? Worship Authority Authority?? Singing
Eph 5:19; Col 3:16
Instrumental Music, Rock bands, Choirs, praise teams
Prayer
Acts 12:5, 12
Gibberish of so-called tongue speaking
Preach/Teach
2 Tim 4:1-5; Cor 14:26
Magic shows, movies, Easter and Xmas Serv
Collection
1 Cor 16:1-2
Monday, Tuesday… bake sale, pancake breakfast
Lord’s Supper
1 Cor 16:1-2; 11;
Acts 20:7
Monday, Tuesday…leavened bread, cookies

9. Edification of the saints Benevolence to needy saints
By What Authority?
Work
Authority
Authority??
Evangelism to the lost
Gal 6:6; Cor 9:11; Thess 1:8
Church sponsored recreation (Lockins, Gymnasiums, Advertising, Family Life Centers), social meals, Secular Education, Hospitals, Orphan and Widow Homes, Church Retreats and Camps, Secular Activities (CPR, Mechanic classes, Dance classes, singles programs)
Edification of the saints
Acts 20:32; Eph 4:11-12; Tim 1:3-4
Benevolence to needy saints
2 Cor 8; Rom 15: Acts 11:27-30

10. Authority: General or Specific
Case
Generic
Specific
Noah (Gen 6)
Wood
“Gopher”
Naaman (2 Kgs 5)
Water
“Jordan”
Jesus (Mk 16:16)
Preach
“Gospel”
Lord’s Supper (1 Cor 11)
Eat
Day, elements, place
Worship in song
(Eph 5:19)
Make Music
“Sing”

11. General Authority: Expedients
Command
Authorizes
Expedients
Build an Ark
Tools
Hammer, Saw
Assemble
Place
Buy, Rent, Build
Lord’s Supper
Bread & Grape juice
Trays & Cups
Baptize
Pool, Lake, Baptistery
Sing
Assembly
Books, Visual aid, Tuning fork

12. to the written Word of God:
Summation
Total Respect &
Complete Submission
to the written Word of God:
Acting immediately to obey Him
Not adding to His Word
Not acting upon His silence