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Land Between the Lakes church of Christ

Authority

 1/14/2010                                               AUTHORITY                                 Earl B. Claud
 
 
Authority is important in every area of life. Authority in religion must come from God. God has all knowledge. I Sam. 2:3; II Chr. 1:12; Heb. 4:12; Jas. 1:5. He cannot lie so will never lead us astray. Titus 1:2 There must be authority from God for everything we do religiously or else it is not of God. John wrote in II John 9, "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the son.” This scripture forbids us acting without God’s approval. Now let us study to learn God’s will in some religious matters.
 
 The Bible approves of a man and woman marrying. Gen. 2:22-25; Mt. 19:4-6. Today we hear of man marrying man and woman marrying woman. We also have people who have divorced for a reason other than fornication and remarrying. We simply ask where is the Bible verses that authorize these actions? If there is no authority for it then God condemns it. In these case God gives clear warning against such marriages. Mt. 19:9; Ro. 1:24-32; I Co. 5:1-5; 6:9-11; I Tim. 1:10.
 
The Bible teaches us in the New Testament to be baptized to have our sins forgiven. Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16. Some teach that one is saved before baptism and that they should be baptized later to show they were saved. If this is true, where is the scripture to prove it? If baptism wasn’t necessary to be saved why did God send Ananias to Paul to tell him to be baptized to remove his sins? Acts 22:16. As we read in Acts 9 Paul had done everything he knew to do to be right with God but he was told to go into Damascus to learn what he MUST do to please Him. This is why Ananias was sent to him. Where is the authority from God to leave off baptism? Or to be baptized to show one has been saved?
 
The Bible teaches us to worship God in spirit and truth. John 4:24. The only possible way to worship God in truth is to follow his word. God’s word gives us instruction in five ways he wants us to worship Him. These instructions authorize us to act in certain ways to please Him in worship.
 
We are instructed to worship God by praying to Him. I The. 5:17; Ro. 12:12; Col. 2:4. The first church did so the first day of its existence. Acts 2:42. We are told to pray through our Lord Jesus Christ. Eph. 5:20. Where is the Bible verse to approve praying through some man or woman that is living or dead? Prayer is a wonderful privilege for God’s children to speak to him.
 
The word of God instructs us to take the Lord’s Supper in remembrance of Jesus. Mt. 26:26-29; Lu. 22:19,20; I Co. 11:23-26. It was taken on the first day of the week. Acts 2:42; 20:7. Unleavened bread and fruit of the vine were used to remember His body and blood. Where is the authority from God to use something else on the Lord’s Table? Where is the authority from God to take it on a day other than the first day of the week? Where is the authority form God to skip a Sunday, month, 6 months or a year in taking the Lord’s Supper?
 
God gives us instruction to praise Him in song. Heb. 2:12. He instructs us to sing psalms, hymns and spiritual song. Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; We are further instructed to do this in our hearts. Our law to follow today is the New Testament. Col. 2:14-16; Heb. 9:15; Gal. 6:2. We ask where does the Law of Christ authorize us to play on a mechanical instrument in worship to Him? How can a mechanical instrument fulfill the commands of Jesus in worshiping Him? Our hearts and lips are to be used to communicate this worship to God. Heb. 13:15
 
 God’s word is clear concerning our offering to Him. Paul taught us to give as prospered. I Co. 16:1,2. He further tells us to give with purpose and to do it in a cheerful way. II Co. 9:7. Where in the Law of Christ are we authorized to give a certain percent. Also where is the scripture authorizing the church to take a collection on another day other than the first day of the week? I Co. 16:1,2
 
 In the word of God we have instruction to preach, teach and read His word. When we study His word together we show Him reverence, honor and respect which is worshiping Him. Acts 2:42; 20:7; II Tim. 2:15. Where is the Bible authority for following man made creeds, bibles and doctrines of men and making them equal to God?
 
My friends if we do not have authority from the Law of Christ (Gal. 6:2) for the things we practice in a religious way we stand condemned by Christ. God has never allowed man to add to or subtract from His word and be pleasing to Him. Duet. 4:2; Josh. 6,7; Pro. 30:6; Rev. 22:18,19. When we go beyond what is written we leave God behind. II Jo. 9. What will we do? Follow the teaching of God and not- those of men? Mt. 15:9. We must not let Satan lead us astray by smooth sounding words. Ro. 16: 18.
 
 For a more complete study of any of the above subjects please contact us at 232-8040.