2. What is God intending to show us? Which of these are we to follow?
EXAMPLES
What is God intending to show us?
Which of these are we to follow?
All? Any? Some?

3. Examples - Authority
Phil 3:17 ~ Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.
Phil 4:9 ~ The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

4. Examples - Authority
John 13:20 ~ Most assuredly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me;
1 Cor 14:37~ If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.

5. Uniformity
Does the example represent what was done everywhere by all the churches, or is it an isolated case?

6. Uniformity Conversion Church cooperation
Preaching, teaching, response to the Word of God
Baptized without delay
Church cooperation
Evangelism: sent directly to the preacher
Benevolence: sent to the local church where the needy saints were located

7. Harmony
Each example must be interpreted in light of all else God said on the same theme.
Any example that violates any precept of truth is not an approved (binding) example.

8. Harmony
Divine precept fixes the jurisdiction of the authority of elders of a congregation to the local flock.
Acts 20:28; 1 Pet 5:2
Acts 11:29-30 “…determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea … sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.”

9. Harmony
Acts 20:7 – “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread…”
Command: 1 Cor. 11:24 – “do this”
Example: 1 Cor. 11:20 – “when you come together” ; Heb. 10:25

10. Harmony
Inference that this was a practice on the Lord’s Day as regularly as it came – each week – is in harmony with apostolic teaching that the supper was to be repeatedly observed.
1 Cor. 11:26 – “as often”
1 Cor. 16:2 – “on the first day of every week each one you …” NASB (Regarding contribution)

11. Universal Will it apply equally well at other places?
Is it within the ability of all everywhere to comply with the demand involved?
Eliminates binding examples which reflect modes of travel and customs of the period.
Baptism; Lord’s Supper; Independence of local congregations

12. EXAMPLES
UNIFORMITY
HARMONY
UNIVERSAL