• I Peter 4:11- All emphasize the necessity of having authority for all we do in the service of God.
    • This is true for the congregation and for the individual Christian.
  • Bible authority comes to use in one of four ways:
    • Statement of fact (Mark 16:16
    • Command (I Corinthians 11:24-25
    • Example (Acts 20:7
    • Necessary inference (Genesis 12:10
  • Bible authority comes to us in one of two forms:
    • General:
      • Build ark
      • Sing, as relates to parts, i.e., bass, tenor, etc.
      • Pray
    • Specific
      • Gopher wood
      • Sing, as relates to kind of music: vocal
      • Unto God
  • General authority allows for choice of specifics
    • Local church to support preacher (I Corinthians 9:14
      • Has choice as to what preacher it supports.
    • Local church to assemble to worship (I Corinthians 11:20
      • Has choice as to where.
  • Specific authority allows no choice.
    • Gopher wood
    • Preach the gospel (Mark 16:15
    • Sing
    • Get funds for church work (I Corinthians 16:1-2
  • Aids are allowed, but no additions are allowed.
    • Container for bread and fruit fo the vine, but no other elements
    • Song books, pitch pipe, PowerPoint, but no other kind of music
    • Radio, TV preaching, but no other collective
  • Authorized work for a local church
    • Assemble for worship (Colossiand 3:16; Acts 2:42
    • Support the preaching of the gospel
      • To edify the saved (Acts 20:28
      • To save the lost (Philippians 4:15-16
    • Relieve the needy saints who are unavoidably destitute
      • Not to relieve them if they bring destitution on by choice (II Thessalonians 3:10
    • Discipline under certain circumstances (I Corinthians 5:1-5
  • The individual Christian must respect Bible authority. He must do with zeal what is authorized and refuse to do what is not.