1. 1 BIBLICAL AUTHORITY "Applying the Principles" Text: Acts 15

2. 2 The Scriptural Dilemma Circumcision was commanded by God Circumcision was a sign of faithfulness Circumcision had been practiced for thousands of years Circumcision was a matter of salvation to many Christians - Acts 15:1 The issue lead to a huge dispute - Acts 15:2, 7

3. 3 Principles of Authority Necessary inference - Acts 15:7-11 Approved (apostle) example - Acts 15:12 Direct statements/commands - Acts 15:13-21 Respect for scriptural silence - 15:24

4. 4 Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation? Necessary inference - Acts 2:36-38; 22:16; 16:33; Romans 6:3-7 Approved example - Acts 8:13; 36-38; 16:15; Direct statements/commands - Matt 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Pet 3:21 Respect for scriptural silence - "Sinners prayer" not in Scripture

5. 5 Is the Lord's Supper Necessary? Necessary inference - Acts 2:42; 20:7 - "first day of the week"; 1 Cor 16:1-2 Approved example - Acts 20:7 Direct statements/commands - 1 Cor 11:23-29 Respect for scriptural silence - No mention of monthly or annual observance

6. 6 Can the "church treasury" be used to support those "outside" the church? Necessary inference - 1 Timothy 5:9-13 Approved example - Acts 2:44; 4:32; Acts 11; 2 Cor 8:9 Direct statements/commands - 2 Cor 9:1-6 Respect for scriptural silence - No mention of supporting non-believers Note: James 1:27 & Gal 6:10 make this an individual responsibility!!!

7. 7 The "church" teaches but "it" does not do it for you! (Eph 4:12) Family responsibilities - Eph 5:22-6:4 Community responsibilities - Lk 10:33; Gal 6:10; James 1:27; Col 4:5; Rom 13:1-7 Occupation responsibilities - Eph 4:5-9 Evangelistic responsibilities - Acts 8:1-2 Teaching responsibilities - Deut 6; Titus 2:4 Servitude responsibilities - Jm 1:27; 2 Tim 6:18 Salvation responsibilities - Phil 2:12

8. 8 God's Word is the ONLY Guide 1. Jesus spoke as He was directed by God - John 12:49-50 2. Holy Spirit speaks as He hears from God - John 16:13 3. All Scripture is sufficient - John 16:13-14; 2 Peter 1:3, 19-21; Jude 3 4. Do not add to God’s word – 2 John 9-11; Proverbs 30:5-6 5. Faith comes by hearing the word of God - Romans 10:17 6. We can only speak the oracles of God - 1 Peter 4:11 7. We must respect the written word - 1 Corinthians 4:6