Introduction

  • Matthew 28:18
  • Exodus 25

Example #1: Transporting the ark

  • Exodus 25:14; Numbers 4:15; 7:6-9 – God’s rules for carrying the ark.
  • I Chronicles 3:7-14; 15:2, 12-15 – Uzzah struck dead for touching the ark.

Example #2: Strange fire

  • Leviticus 10:1-2 – Nadab and Abihu struck dead for sacrificing using the wrong fire.

Example #3: Priesthood

  • Hebrews 7:11-16; 8:4 – There was no authority under the Law of Moses for a priest from Judah. God’s silence did not permit this.
  • II John 9 – We want to stay within Jesus’ teaching.

“Please go buy me a dog.”

  • Buying any other type of pet is not authorized.

“Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood” (Genesis 6:14)

  • Using any other type of wood was not authorized. Any particular type of gopher wood was okay.

Passover: “an unblemished male a year old … sheep or … goats” (Exodus 12:5)

  • God was very particular with exactly what animal this should be.

Korah rebels against God’s authority ( Numbers 16:1-3, 8-10)

  • “You shall anoint Aaron and his sons … as priests to me.” (Exodus 30:30)

Singing

  • Colossians 3:16 – We have clear authority to worship by singing.
  • We have no authority under the New Covenant to worship with musical instruments.

“as I directed the churched of Galatia, so do you also” (I Corinthians 16:1)

  • Work of local churches
    • Provide for needy Christians – Acts 2:44-45
    • Worship and edification – I Corinthians 14:26
    • Preaching the gospel – Philippians 4:15-16

Where is the authority for song books?

  • Singing is authorized. Song books are generally authorized under singing.
  • Even when my choice is not explicitly stated, I’m okay as I’m still within the authority.

Where is the authority for a church building?

  • I Corinthians 14:23, 26
  • Acts 20:7
  • Hebrews 10:25
  • We are generally authorized to assemble.