Applying Bible Authority Drilling Bible Basics Title Page Applying Bible Authority

The Need for Authority “Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” Matthew 7:21

The Need for Authority “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17

Establishing Authority Statement of Fact Commands Approved Examples Necessary Inference Acts 15 Are we willing to apply this authority?

Biblical Examples of Applied Divine Authority Noah building the ark Genesis 6:14-16 Direct command for specific use of gopher wood and dimensions Any other wood or dimensions excluded by divine authority How he built (tools, time of day) was left generic; whatever was expedient (best method)

Biblical Examples of Applied Divine Authority Uzziah burning incense 2 Chronicles 26:16-20 Uzziah trespassed because he did what he had no authority to do Exodus 30:7-9 Cannot change what God says for another “good work” or “special circumstances”

We Must Apply Authority Nadab and Abihu Leviticus 10:1,2 “This is what the LORD spoke, saying: 'By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; And before all the people I must be glorified…” Leviticus 10:3

How We Apply Bible Authority Today Lord’s Supper What? Meaning? When? Why? Answers can come from either divine or human wisdom

Understanding the Lord’s Supper Why? Delivered Command 1 Corinthians 11:23,24 What? Meaning? Statement of Fact Bread: “This is my body” Fruit of the Vine: “This is My blood” Remember Jesus’ death 1 Corinthians 11:24-26 Matthew 26:26-28

Understanding the Lord’s Supper When? Approved example No authority for any other day Acts 20:7 Acts 2:42 How Often? Necessary inference Each time there is a first day of the week; what authority do we have for not partaking on the first day of the week?

Missionary Society A central agency polling local church funds to use in missionary work C MS C P C Authority - from heaven or from men?

Missionary Society Arose from misunderstanding that universal church is composed of local churches C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C CC CC LC LC OR CC LC LC CC MAN BIBLE

Missionary Society Unauthorized human organization supported by churches to do the work of local churches Precursor to present institutionalism C College Hospital Day Care Orphan Home Circus Human Organization C C Build and Maintain

Sponsoring Church Arrangement Local churches pooling money into one church to sponsor radio/TV programs or support preachers C Sp. C Sponsored Work or Preacher C C

Sponsoring Church Arrangement Violates elders’ oversight (1 Peter 5:2) and local-church autonomy (2 Corinthians 11:8-9). C C work P C work C C work C

Social Gospel Local churches involved in recreation (ball teams, gyms) and restaurant (kitchens, social halls) businesses. No authority for this as the work of the church for which Christ died. Church’s work is spiritual – evangelism to the lost, benevolence and edification of the saints.

Mechanical Instruments of Music Music in worship specified – singing, making melody in the heart (Ephesians 5:19). Playing mechanical instruments excluded (not commanded, exemplified, or inferred).

Speak Where the Bible Speaks! “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:11 Let us not add to His words!