1. 1 Do you understand the Re-Defining of the “Local Autonomy” Argument? Roy Cogdill in response to the “sponsoring church arrangement” practiced by the liberal churches of his day, pointed out the error of one local church surrendering it’s authority over its treasury to another local church. 1 Cor. 16:1-3

2. Behold the term “Local Autonomy” has been redefined. Roy Cogdill correctly used 1 Peter 5:1-3, to prove that those Brethren who practiced such things were going far beyond what was written, when local elders began ruling over other congregations. He correctly called this unscriptural practice a violation of “local autonomy.”

3. 3 “Local Autonomy” Redefined Brethren are not aware of the new definition of congregational autonomy, used by those teaching an “Open Fellowship” standard. 2 Peter 3:16-18* (Where does the Bible teach the church is to be Self Ruled in “matters of faith”?) Ephesians 1:15-23; 4:11-1 5*

4. 4 “Autonomous Churches” Are they Christ Ruled? If you ask some Brethren worshipping in local congregations why they refuse to mark false teachers, withdraw or withhold fellowship from those that continue to walk disorderly, their answer is found in their practice, just as it was in the church at Corinth. 1 Corinthians 5:1-2

5. 5 “Autonomous Churches” are they Unscriptural in their “Self Rule”? Is it right to maintain fellowship with the disorderly, false teachers, or factious Christians just because they were not marked in this local church? Galatians 2:1-5*

6. 6 “Autonomous Churches” are they Unscriptural in their “Self Rule”? “Well, we can’t mark them or even call them into question, because they did these things while in another local church, therefore we would be crossing lines of local autonomy if we took any action based on what they did while in another local church.” Ephesians 5:11; 2 John 9-11 “Unity in Christ”, based on What?

7. 7 “Self Ruled” congregations? Many teach that Local Autonomy must be observed and honored by all regardless of who or what it hides. Are we hiding behind the invisible (lines) walls of false “local autonomy” that continues to protect the wicked or the false teacher? Paul didn’t! 1 Cor.5

8. 8 The Perversion of Matthew 18:15-17 “Open Fellowship” Brethren use the false argument that the exposing of error must be done in accordance with Matthew 18:15-17, yet these passages in their context are speaking of a personal sin between two people. (What about Titus 3:10-11, two steps versus three steps?) Which Bible pattern shall we follow?

9. 9 The Perversion of Matthew 18:15-17 Marking and Shunning a False Teacher does not belong in the: 1.“restorations” of Galatians 6:1-3 2.“patience” of 1 Thessalonians 5:14 3.“with all longsuffering” of 2 Timothy 4:2 4.If it does then why did Paul write this to Christians, Philippians 3:17-19; Romans 16:17-18; 1 Timothy 6:3-5; Titus 3:10- 11?

10. 10 “Local Autonomy” = Self Ruled? Today the promoters of the “Open Fellowship” movement have twisted Brother Cogdill’s words using “Autonomous Church” arguments to cloak the practice of a new age of “Open Fellowship.” (Union is not Unity) We can see this “Autonomous Church Argument” is used to cover up error. It is calculated to deceive the hearts of the simple. The aim is to sooth the nerves of Brethren and establish a “Unity in Diversity in the Brotherhood” 1 Peter 5:8-9

11. 11 Behold the “Self Ruled” Churches When Brethren use such arguments to defend their concealing of the “unfruitful works of darkness” recorded in Ephesians 5:11, they establish an “Autonomous (Self Ruled) Church” in the place of a “Christ Ruled” church. (Churches ruled by Human Rules defined by Human feelings, will not be governed by the Law of Christ) “For ‘who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?’ But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:16

12. 12 “Self Ruled” Churches Churches of Christ become “self ruled” when Brethren in local churches think of the church as their own and seek a democracy. “My church!” “I have rights!” “I have a vote!” “My Way or the Highway!” They pervert Romans 14 & 15, when falsely teaching that “matters of faith” belong in these two chapters dedicated to Christian liberty in “matters of opinion”.

13. 13 Is This Church “Christ Ruled?” Matthew 16:18, ever stands to describe the local church belonging to Christ to be ruled in accordance with His teachings, not by the local consensus of a local group. Acts 2:40-42, 47 The local church that is “Christ Ruled” is ruled by Christ’s teachings, Christ Jesus’ Authority Matthew 28:18-20, not by Brethren following their own “called out” plans and purposes!

14. 14 Behold, the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Churches of Christ! The False “Autonomous Church” concept gained great popularity because Brethren thought of the local church as being a democracy not a monarchy in accordance with Christ’s will for His church. John 8:31; Colossians 1:17-18*

15. 15 “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Churches of Christ! Remember the Old 50’s show “Dragnet”-“The names have been changed to protect the innocent.” But in these churches we find our Brethren concealing the names and deeds of factious Christians and false teachers in the name of love & tolerance, and thereby protecting the guilty and slaying the innocent! Rom.16:18* “Yes we know he teaches wrong on those things, but we didn’t ask him here to speak on that this week!” [OPEN FELLOWSHIP]

16. 16 1 Peter 5:8-9 We see the Brotherhood does exist! How can we “Love our neighbor as ourselves” when we remain silent in regard to the danger of a hidden false teacher, a factious person, or a fornicator? (Why would you leave nails sticking out of a board laying on the ground?)

17. 17 1 Peter 5:8-9 Do you remember what happened when a congregation allowed an evil man or woman to go out from them, and never mark or gave a warning to other Brethren about these false brethren who would destroy the souls of both young people and old? This is “Unity in Diversity” What is wrong with this picture? Is God pleased with those that tolerate sin in the name of peace or in the name of false unity? NO! Revelation 21:7-8

18. 2 Peter 2:1-3 “Mark the false teaching and not the teacher?” (False Doctrine) This is a perversion of 2 Peter 2:1-3, Peter didn’t write, “as there were false prophecies among the people, so shall there be false teaching among you”