a brief review n we must have bible authority for everything we do. (col 3:17)

A Brief ReviewA Brief Review

We must have Bible authority for We must have Bible authority for everything everything we do. we do. (Col 3:17)(Col 3:17)


Colossians 3:17 (NKJV)Colossians 3:17 (NKJV) - And - And whateverwhatever you do in word or deed, you do in word or deed, dodo all in the name all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.Father through Him.


This means giving This means giving book, chapter and versebook, chapter and verse for our practices!for our practices!


Any practice for which we cannot give Any practice for which we cannot give scripture should be given up.scripture should be given up.



We will always first give the scripture and We will always first give the scripture and show how a practice is authorized when our show how a practice is authorized when our practice is called into question.practice is called into question.



We will always first give the scripture and We will always first give the scripture and show how a practice is authorized when our show how a practice is authorized when our practice is called into question.practice is called into question.

Bible authority is established in three ways; Bible authority is established in three ways; command, approved example, and command, approved example, and inescapable conclusion.inescapable conclusion.


Bible authority may be placed under Two Bible authority may be placed under Two categories: general authority and specific categories: general authority and specific authority.authority.


Bible authority may be placed under Two Bible authority may be placed under Two categories: general authority and specific categories: general authority and specific authority.authority.

General authority General authority includes all things includes all things necessary to fulfilling a command or necessary to fulfilling a command or authorized action. Here we find that there authorized action. Here we find that there are things authorized by God which my not are things authorized by God which my not be specifically named. be specifically named.


Specific authority Specific authority means that God has means that God has specified a particular thing to be done. specified a particular thing to be done.



When God specifies then we must not When God specifies then we must not substitute!substitute!




There is a difference in the work of an There is a difference in the work of an individual Christian and a local church.individual Christian and a local church.




There is a difference in the work of an There is a difference in the work of an individual Christian and a local church.individual Christian and a local church.

There are three things necessary to establish There are three things necessary to establish a local church.a local church.


There is an agreement to work and worship There is an agreement to work and worship together as a local church. together as a local church. (Heb 13:17)(Heb 13:17)


Hebrews 13:17 (NKJV)Hebrews 13:17 (NKJV) - Obey those who - Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.unprofitable for you.


There is a common oversight. There is a common oversight. (1 Pt 5:1-2)(1 Pt 5:1-2)


1 Peter 5:1-2 (NKJV)1 Peter 5:1-2 (NKJV) - The elders who are - The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: 2 Shepherd the flock of will be revealed: 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;not for dishonest gain but eagerly;


There is a pooling of resources. There is a pooling of resources. (1 Cor 16:1-2)(1 Cor 16:1-2)


1 Corinthians 16:1-2 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 16:1-2 (NKJV) - Now - Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first dayday of the week let each one of you lay of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I prosper, that there be no collections when I come.come.


This requires that the local church be This requires that the local church be addressed in the context of a passage before addressed in the context of a passage before assuming assuming church responsibility.church responsibility.


This requires that the local church be This requires that the local church be addressed in the context of a passage before addressed in the context of a passage before assuming assuming church responsibility.church responsibility.

If a scripture addresses only the individual If a scripture addresses only the individual Christian this would not be enough to Christian this would not be enough to authorize church action.authorize church action.

Defining the terms of our studyDefining the terms of our study

We are dealing with what a We are dealing with what a local church local church may do.may do.



Again what the individual Christian may do Again what the individual Christian may do is not under consideration! is not under consideration!




This means This means collective collective action and not action and not individual individual action.action.




This means This means collective collective action and not action and not individual individual action.action.

The work of the church involves that which The work of the church involves that which is authorized by scripture.is authorized by scripture.


Did the Lord provide sufficient instructions Did the Lord provide sufficient instructions to guide us in our collective work? to guide us in our collective work? (Jude 3; 2 Tim 3:16-17)(Jude 3; 2 Tim 3:16-17)


Jude 1:3 (NKJV)Jude 1:3 (NKJV) - Beloved, while I was - Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. all delivered to the saints.


2 Timothy 3:15-17 (NKJV)2 Timothy 3:15-17 (NKJV) - and that from - and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture Scripture isis given by inspiration of God, and given by inspiration of God, and isis profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.every good work.


Remember the gospel was spread to the Remember the gospel was spread to the whole world under the arrangements God whole world under the arrangements God authorized for the church in the first authorized for the church in the first century. century. (Col 1:23)(Col 1:23)


Colossians 1:23 (NKJV)Colossians 1:23 (NKJV) - if indeed you - if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.


The church may use its The church may use its resourcesresources for that for that which it is authorized to do.which it is authorized to do.


God has authorized a collection for the God has authorized a collection for the work of the local church. work of the local church. (1 Cor 16:1‑2)(1 Cor 16:1‑2)


1 Corinthians 16:1-2 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 16:1-2 (NKJV) - Now - Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first dayday of the week let each one of you lay of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I prosper, that there be no collections when I come.come.


The resources of the local church constitute The resources of the local church constitute the treasury and those things purchased the treasury and those things purchased from the treasury that are overseen by the from the treasury that are overseen by the church. church.



This would include the building or other This would include the building or other things purchased from the treasury.things purchased from the treasury.



This would include the building or other This would include the building or other things purchased from the treasury.things purchased from the treasury.

The church may do only that which is The church may do only that which is wholly wholly its work.its work.


Only that which is authorized may be done Only that which is authorized may be done with God's approval. To mix that which is with God's approval. To mix that which is authorized in with things that are not authorized in with things that are not authorized is in effect is a substitution for authorized is in effect is a substitution for what God has said. what God has said.


For example, playing baseball is not For example, playing baseball is not authorized wider passages that instruct us to authorized wider passages that instruct us to preach the gospel. Someone may preach preach the gospel. Someone may preach while the game is being played, but playing while the game is being played, but playing baseball and preaching the gospel are baseball and preaching the gospel are two two separate activities! separate activities!


Remember that false doctrine is most Remember that false doctrine is most effective when combined with a high effective when combined with a high percentage of truth. Just because something percentage of truth. Just because something is 95% correct will make it true.is 95% correct will make it true.

God has called His people forth for a God has called His people forth for a great work.great work.

How did God choose to equip His people? How did God choose to equip His people? (Eph 4:11-12)(Eph 4:11-12) Ephesians 4:11-12 (NKJV)Ephesians 4:11-12 (NKJV) - And He Himself gave some - And He Himself gave some to beto be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of

the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, It is easy to become sidetracked on things that appeal to our flesh but in the It is easy to become sidetracked on things that appeal to our flesh but in the end do nothing for the work of God.end do nothing for the work of God. 1. All apostasy can be traced to this desire of God's people to satisfy 1. All apostasy can be traced to this desire of God's people to satisfy themselves. themselves. (2 Tim 4:2-4)(2 Tim 4:2-4) 2 Timothy 4:2 through 2 Timothy 4:4 (NKJV)2 Timothy 4:2 through 2 Timothy 4:4 (NKJV) 2Preach the word! Be ready in season 2Preach the word! Be ready in season andand out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3For the time will come when they will out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3For the time will come when they will

not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, becausebecause they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4and they will turn they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4and they will turn theirtheir ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

2. Please notice that the only thing that can pull God's people away from the 2. Please notice that the only thing that can pull God's people away from the flesh is the word of God.flesh is the word of God. 3. Be prepared! You will be in for a fight with those who close their Bibles! 3. Be prepared! You will be in for a fight with those who close their Bibles! (Rom 8:5-8; Jer 6:16-17)(Rom 8:5-8; Jer 6:16-17) Romans 8:5 through Romans 8:8 (NKJV)Romans 8:5 through Romans 8:8 (NKJV) 5For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those 5For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who livewho live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6For to be according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6For to be

carnally minded carnally minded isis death, but to be spiritually minded death, but to be spiritually minded isis life and peace. 7Because the carnal mind life and peace. 7Because the carnal mind isis enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.indeed can be. 8So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

4. When we close our Bibles it is easy to be comfortable with the things we 4. When we close our Bibles it is easy to be comfortable with the things we have always done. Also when one generation adds things having no Bible have always done. Also when one generation adds things having no Bible authority, the next generation will go much further.authority, the next generation will go much further. 5. In time we will be indistinguishable from the churches of the world.5. In time we will be indistinguishable from the churches of the world. C. When you examine all the verses on the work of a local church, you will find a C. When you examine all the verses on the work of a local church, you will find a threefold work; Evangelism to the lost, Edification of its members, and relief of threefold work; Evangelism to the lost, Edification of its members, and relief of its members.its members.


It is easy to become sidetracked on things that appeal to our flesh but in the end do nothing for the work of God.It is easy to become sidetracked on things that appeal to our flesh but in the end do nothing for the work of God. All apostasy can be traced to this desire of God's people to satisfy themselves. All apostasy can be traced to this desire of God's people to satisfy themselves. (2 Tim 4:2-4)(2 Tim 4:2-4) 2 Timothy 4:2-4 (NKJV)2 Timothy 4:2-4 (NKJV) - Preach the word! Be ready in season - Preach the word! Be ready in season andand out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering

and teaching. 3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, and teaching. 3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, becausebecause they have they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4and they will turn itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4and they will turn theirtheir ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

2. Please notice that the only thing that can pull God's people away from the 2. Please notice that the only thing that can pull God's people away from the flesh is the word of God.flesh is the word of God. 3. Be prepared! You will be in for a fight with those who close their Bibles! 3. Be prepared! You will be in for a fight with those who close their Bibles! (Rom 8:5-8; Jer 6:16-17)(Rom 8:5-8; Jer 6:16-17) Romans 8:5 through Romans 8:8 (NKJV)Romans 8:5 through Romans 8:8 (NKJV) 5For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those 5For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who livewho live according to the Spirit, the according to the Spirit, the

things of the Spirit. 6For to be carnally minded things of the Spirit. 6For to be carnally minded isis death, but to be spiritually minded death, but to be spiritually minded isis life and peace. 7Because the carnal mind life and peace. 7Because the carnal mind isis enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.



2 Timothy 4:2-4 (NKJV)2 Timothy 4:2-4 (NKJV) - Preach the word! Be ready in season - Preach the word! Be ready in season andand out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own longsuffering and teaching. 3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, desires, becausebecause they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4and they will turn they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4and they will turn theirtheir ears away ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

Please notice that the only thing that can pull God's people away from the Please notice that the only thing that can pull God's people away from the flesh is the word of God.flesh is the word of God. 3. Be prepared! You will be in for a fight with those who close their Bibles! 3. Be prepared! You will be in for a fight with those who close their Bibles! (Rom 8:5-8; Jer 6:16-17)(Rom 8:5-8; Jer 6:16-17) Romans 8:5 through Romans 8:8 (NKJV)Romans 8:5 through Romans 8:8 (NKJV) 5For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those 5For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who livewho live according to the according to the

Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6For to be carnally minded Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6For to be carnally minded isis death, but to be spiritually minded death, but to be spiritually minded isis life and peace. 7Because life and peace. 7Because the carnal mind the carnal mind isis enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8So then, those who are enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.in the flesh cannot please God.



Please notice that the only thing that can Please notice that the only thing that can pull God's people away from the flesh is the pull God's people away from the flesh is the word of God.word of God.

Be prepared! You will be in for a fight with Be prepared! You will be in for a fight with those who close their Bibles! those who close their Bibles! (Rom 8:5-8; Jer 6:16-17)(Rom 8:5-8; Jer 6:16-17)


Romans 8:5-8 (NKJV)Romans 8:5-8 (NKJV) - For those who - For those who live according to the flesh set their minds live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those on the things of the flesh, but those who livewho live according to the Spirit, the things of the according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded isis death, death, but to be spiritually minded but to be spiritually minded isis life and life and peace. peace.


7 Because the carnal mind 7 Because the carnal mind isis enmity against enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.in the flesh cannot please God.


When we close our Bibles it is easy to be When we close our Bibles it is easy to be comfortable with the things we have always comfortable with the things we have always done. Also when one generation adds things done. Also when one generation adds things having no Bible authority, the next having no Bible authority, the next generation will go much further.generation will go much further.


Jeremiah 6:16-17 (NKJV)Jeremiah 6:16-17 (NKJV) - Thus says the - Thus says the Lord: “Stand in the ways and see, And ask Lord: “Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way for the old paths, where the good way is, is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.in it.’ 17’ 17 Also, I set watchmen over you, Also, I set watchmen over you, saying, saying, ‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’ ‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’ But they said, ‘We will not listen.’.But they said, ‘We will not listen.’.


In time we will be indistinguishable from In time we will be indistinguishable from the churches of the world.the churches of the world.


In time we will be indistinguishable from In time we will be indistinguishable from the churches of the world.the churches of the world.

When you examine all the verses on the When you examine all the verses on the work of a local church, you will find a work of a local church, you will find a threefold work; Evangelism to the lost, threefold work; Evangelism to the lost, Edification of its members, and relief of Edification of its members, and relief of its members. its members.

The work of the local church in The work of the local church in evangelismevangelism

God has authorized local churches to be God has authorized local churches to be involved in the preaching of God's involved in the preaching of God's word. word. (Phil 4:15-16; 2 Cor 11:8)(Phil 4:15-16; 2 Cor 11:8)


Philippians 4:15-16 (NKJV)Philippians 4:15-16 (NKJV) - Now you - Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aidaid once and again for my necessities. once and again for my necessities.


Let us focus upon God's wisdom and ways Let us focus upon God's wisdom and ways to produce the fruits God will honor.to produce the fruits God will honor.


(Isa 55:11 )(Isa 55:11 ) ‑ God's word will not return ‑ God's word will not return unto Him void. Will you believe it?unto Him void. Will you believe it?


Isaiah 55:11 (NKJV)Isaiah 55:11 (NKJV) - So shall My word - So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper prosper in the thingin the thing for which I sent it. for which I sent it.


A church has several choices under general A church has several choices under general authority. They could pay a preacher, buy authority. They could pay a preacher, buy tracts, have a radio or TV program, conduct tracts, have a radio or TV program, conduct a gospel meeting, publish ads in the a gospel meeting, publish ads in the newspaper… newspaper…


A church has several choices under general A church has several choices under general authority. They could pay a preacher, buy authority. They could pay a preacher, buy tracts, have a radio or TV program, conduct tracts, have a radio or TV program, conduct a gospel meeting, publish ads in the a gospel meeting, publish ads in the newspaper… newspaper…

There are things these verses do not There are things these verses do not authorize:authorize:


Some other activitySome other activity


Some other activitySome other activity False doctrine is not authorized.False doctrine is not authorized.


Some other activitySome other activity False doctrine is not authorized.False doctrine is not authorized. Political campaigns are not authorized.Political campaigns are not authorized.


Some other activitySome other activity False doctrine is not authorized.False doctrine is not authorized. Political campaigns are not authorized.Political campaigns are not authorized. Recreation is not authorized. Recreation is not authorized.


Some other activitySome other activity False doctrine is not authorized.False doctrine is not authorized. Political campaigns are not authorized.Political campaigns are not authorized. Recreation is not authorized. Recreation is not authorized. (Example: How would a Ping-Pong table be (Example: How would a Ping-Pong table be

considered as an aid to preaching the considered as an aid to preaching the gospel?) gospel?)


Violation of other scriptural principlesViolation of other scriptural principles


Violation of other scriptural principlesViolation of other scriptural principles The local church would not use an The local church would not use an

arrangement like the missionary society. arrangement like the missionary society.


Violation of other scriptural principlesViolation of other scriptural principles The local church would not use an The local church would not use an

arrangement like the missionary society. arrangement like the missionary society. Why? Because of what the Bible teaches Why? Because of what the Bible teaches

about the organization of a local church. about the organization of a local church. (We will study this in lesson 4)(We will study this in lesson 4)


Violation of other scriptural principlesViolation of other scriptural principles The local church would not use an arrangement The local church would not use an arrangement

like the missionary society. like the missionary society. Why? Because of what the Bible teaches about Why? Because of what the Bible teaches about

the organization of a local church. (We will study the organization of a local church. (We will study this in lesson 4)this in lesson 4)

We are not to substitute for the drawing power of We are not to substitute for the drawing power of the gospel by an appeal to the flesh. the gospel by an appeal to the flesh. (Jn 6:44-45; (Jn 6:44-45; 26-27, Rom 1:16-17)26-27, Rom 1:16-17)


John 6:44-45 (NKJV)John 6:44-45 (NKJV) - No one can come - No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. him; and I will raise him up at the last day. 45It is written in the prophets, 45It is written in the prophets, ‘And they ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me. the Father comes to Me.


John 6:26-27 (NKJV)John 6:26-27 (NKJV) - Jesus answered them - Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. because you ate of the loaves and were filled. 27Do not labor for the food which perishes, 27Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”Him.”


Romans 1:16-17 (NKJV)Romans 1:16-17 (NKJV) - For I am not - For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17For in it the righteousness of God Greek. 17For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, written, “The just shall live by faith.”“The just shall live by faith.”

The work of the local church in The work of the local church in edificationedification

To edify means to build up.To edify means to build up.


To edify means to build up.To edify means to build up. (Acts 20:32)(Acts 20:32) ‑ Only the application of God's ‑ Only the application of God's

word will build up Christians.word will build up Christians.


Acts 20:32 (NKJV)Acts 20:32 (NKJV) - “So now, brethren, I - “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.who are sanctified.


Even with individual work there is no Even with individual work there is no substitute for God's word. substitute for God's word. (Eph 4:15-16)(Eph 4:15-16)


Ephesians 4:15-16 (NKJV)Ephesians 4:15-16 (NKJV) - but, speaking - but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—16from into Him who is the head—Christ—16from whom the whole body, joined and knit whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.the body for the edifying of itself in love.


God has authorized local churches to be God has authorized local churches to be involved in the edifying of its members. involved in the edifying of its members. (Acts 9:31; 1 Cor 14:26)(Acts 9:31; 1 Cor 14:26)


Acts 9:31 (NKJV)Acts 9:31 (NKJV) - Then the churches - Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.


1 Corinthians 14:26 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 14:26 (NKJV) - How is it - How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. edification.


A church has several choices under general A church has several choices under general authority. They could have bible classes, authority. They could have bible classes, distribute printed material, use an overhead distribute printed material, use an overhead projector, publish a church bulletin…projector, publish a church bulletin…


Some things required are under specific Some things required are under specific authority! There must be an assembly of the authority! There must be an assembly of the whole church to do certain things. whole church to do certain things. (1 Cor 14:23; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor 16:1-2)(1 Cor 14:23; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor 16:1-2)


1 Corinthians 14:23 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 14:23 (NKJV) - Therefore if - Therefore if the whole church comes together in one the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in come in those who arethose who are uninformed or uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? out of your mind?


Acts 20:7 (NKJV)Acts 20:7 (NKJV) - Now on the first - Now on the first dayday of of the week, when the disciples came together the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. message until midnight.


1 Corinthians 16:1-2 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 16:1-2 (NKJV) - Now - Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2On the first Galatia, so you must do also: 2On the first dayday of the week let each one of you lay of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I prosper, that there be no collections when I come.come.


We must have an assembly on the first day We must have an assembly on the first day of the week.of the week.



Some other activitySome other activity Again, false doctrine is not authorized.Again, false doctrine is not authorized.



Some other activitySome other activity Again, false doctrine is not authorized.Again, false doctrine is not authorized. Political campaigns are not authorized.Political campaigns are not authorized.


There are things these verses do not authorize:There are things these verses do not authorize: Some other activitySome other activity Again, false doctrine is not authorized.Again, false doctrine is not authorized. Political campaigns are not authorized.Political campaigns are not authorized. Recreation is not authorized. (Example: How Recreation is not authorized. (Example: How

would a Ping-Pong table be considered as an would a Ping-Pong table be considered as an aid to edifying Christians?)aid to edifying Christians?)


Social functions are not authorized such as Social functions are not authorized such as "fellowship" halls, church parties, church "fellowship" halls, church parties, church camps. camps.



Violation of other scriptural principlesViolation of other scriptural principles If the Bible classes where made into their If the Bible classes where made into their

own separate functional body.own separate functional body.



Violation of other scriptural principlesViolation of other scriptural principles If the Bible classes where made into their If the Bible classes where made into their

own separate functional body.own separate functional body. Women preachers would be a violation of Women preachers would be a violation of 1 1

Cor 14:33-34.Cor 14:33-34.


1 Corinthians 14:33-34 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 14:33-34 (NKJV) - For God - For God is not is not the authorthe author of confusion but of peace, of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. 34 Let as in all the churches of the saints. 34 Let your women keep silent in the churches, for your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are not permitted to speak; but they arethey are to be submissive, as the law also says.to be submissive, as the law also says.

The work of the local church in relieving The work of the local church in relieving needy membersneedy members

God has authorized local churches to be God has authorized local churches to be involved in the relief of its members. involved in the relief of its members. (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35; 6:1-6; 11:27-(Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35; 6:1-6; 11:27-30; Rom 15:26; 1 Cor 16:1-4; 2 Cor 9:12-30; Rom 15:26; 1 Cor 16:1-4; 2 Cor 9:12-14)14)


Acts 2:44-45 (NKJV)Acts 2:44-45 (NKJV) - Now all who - Now all who believed were together, and had all things in believed were together, and had all things in common, 45and sold their possessions and common, 45and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.anyone had need.


Acts 4:32-35 (NKJV)Acts 4:32-35 (NKJV) - Now the multitude - Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33And with they had all things in common. 33And with great power the apostles gave witness to the great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. grace was upon them all.


34 Nor was there anyone among them who 34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35and proceeds of the things that were sold, 35and laid laid themthem at the apostles’ feet; and they at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.distributed to each as anyone had need.


Acts 6:1-6 (NKJV)Acts 6:1-6 (NKJV) - Now in those days, - Now in those days, when when the number ofthe number of the disciples was the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 2Then the twelve summoned the distribution. 2Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. God and serve tables.


3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among 3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of you seven men of goodgood reputation, full of reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 but we will appoint over this business; 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” the ministry of the word.”


5 And the saying pleased the whole 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6 whom Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.had prayed, they laid hands on them.


Acts 11:27-30 (NKJV)Acts 11:27-30 (NKJV) - And in these days - And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28Then one of them, named Agabus, stood 28Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. of Claudius Caesar.


29 Then the disciples, each according to his 29 Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. 30 This they brethren dwelling in Judea. 30 This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.hands of Barnabas and Saul.


Romans 15:26 (NKJV)Romans 15:26 (NKJV) - For it pleased - For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. the saints who are in Jerusalem.


1 Corinthians 16:1-4 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 16:1-4 (NKJV) - Now - Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2On the first Galatia, so you must do also: 2On the first dayday of the week let each one of you lay of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I prosper, that there be no collections when I come. come.


3And when I come, whomever you approve 3And when I come, whomever you approve by by youryour letters I will send to bear your gift letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. 4 But if it is fitting that I go to Jerusalem. 4 But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.also, they will go with me.


Remember that we are considering the Remember that we are considering the collective work of the local church. collective work of the local church.


Remember that we are considering the Remember that we are considering the collective work of the local church. collective work of the local church.

Let us not conclude that because a church is Let us not conclude that because a church is limited in its work that the work will not be limited in its work that the work will not be done by the individual!done by the individual!


When you take all the verses together, what When you take all the verses together, what is authorized?is authorized?


When you take all the verses together, what When you take all the verses together, what is authorized?is authorized?

A church has several choices under general A church has several choices under general authority. They could buy or rent a authority. They could buy or rent a building, provide caregivers, buy services building, provide caregivers, buy services of a hospital or nursing facility. of a hospital or nursing facility. (Acts 6:1-(Acts 6:1-7)7)


Acts 6:1-7 (NKJV)Acts 6:1-7 (NKJV) - Now in those days, - Now in those days, when when the number ofthe number of the disciples was the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned the distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. God and serve tables.


3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among 3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of you seven men of goodgood reputation, full of reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 but we will appoint over this business; 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”the ministry of the word.”


5 And the saying pleased the whole 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6 whom Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.had prayed, they laid hands on them.


7 Then the word of God spread, and the 7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.priests were obedient to the faith.


Recreation is not authorized. (Example: Recreation is not authorized. (Example: How would a Ping-Pong table be How would a Ping-Pong table be considered as an aid to reliving a needy considered as an aid to reliving a needy Christian?) Christian?)


Recreation is not authorized. (Example: Recreation is not authorized. (Example: How would a Ping-Pong table be How would a Ping-Pong table be considered as an aid to reliving a needy considered as an aid to reliving a needy Christian?) Christian?)

A business arrangement.A business arrangement.


Violation of other scriptural principlesViolation of other scriptural principles Use of another organization.Use of another organization.


Violation of other scriptural principlesViolation of other scriptural principles Use of another organization.Use of another organization. Church hospitals, etc..Church hospitals, etc..

a brief review n we must have bible authority for everything we do. (col 3:17)

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