"THE CHURCH JESUS BUILT" Other Thoughts Related To Authority by Mark Copeland

 

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/church-jesus-built/cjb_08.html

"THE CHURCH JESUS BUILT"

Other Thoughts Related To Authority

INTRODUCTION

1. We saw in our previous lesson...
1. What is our obligation regarding authority
2. How one can use the New Testament to establish authority
2. Two more questions remain in our consideration matters related to authority...
1. Are there limitations placed upon how far we may go in matters of religion?
2. Will having the same standard of authority guarantee unity among followers of Christ?

[To help answer these questions, first consider these...]

1. WARNINGS FOUND IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
1. WE MUST NOT CHANGE ITS MESSAGE...!
1. This is especially true in regards to the gospel of Christ! - Ga 1:8-9
2. Even if authorized by an angelic messenger, we would be accursed!
3. Therefore, the gospel of salvation in Christ must be preserved in every respect!
2. WE MUST NOT ADD TO OR TAKE AWAY FROM IT...!
1. We find such a warning at the conclusion of the last book of the Bible - Re 22:18-19
2. Though primarily applicable to the book of Revelation, this warning is consistent with others pertaining to the revelation of God's will to man - Deut 4:2; Pr 30:5-6
3. WE MUST ABIDE IN THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST...!
1. Otherwise, we will not have fellowship with the Father and the Son - 2Jn 9
2. Is this passage referring to the doctrine about Christ, or the doctrine taught by Christ (along with His apostles)?
1. As pointed out in the Expositor's Bible Commentary, the question is of little importance for John holds equally to both positions
1. It is fundamental to the faith to hold to the proper views about Christ - 2Jn 7
2. It is fundamental to the faith to obey the commandments of Christ - 1Jn 3:24
2. Thus what John says here applies in either case
4. WE MUST NOT ALLOW TRADITIONS OF MEN TO MAKE THE COMMANDS OF GOD OF NO EFFECT...!
1. Jesus charged the Pharisees with 'vain worship' for doing this - Mk 7:5-13
2. In view of this warning, we should evaluate our religious practices:
1. Are they based upon traditions of men, or the commandments of God?
2. If traditions of men, does our keeping them render the commands of God of no effect?
3. E.g., by keeping the man-made tradition of sprinkling for baptism, we render the command of God for immersion (Grk. baptizo) of no effect
5. WE MUST NOT ABUSE OUR LIBERTY IN CHRIST...!
1. In Christ we enjoy freedom, but we must be careful in our use of it - Ga 5:1,13
2. We must be considerate of our brothers' consciences - Ro 14:14- 15:3
3. We should be willing to forego our liberty rather than let it destroy a brother - 1Co 8:9-13
4. We should not only ask "Is it lawful?", but also "Does it edify?" - 1Co 10:23-24,31-33

[With such warnings weighing upon our hearts, we are more likely to approach the Word of God with the humility it deserves as we seek to establish the authority for our service to God.

Now for our last question related to having the same standard of authority: Will it guarantee unity among the followers of Christ...?]

2. HAVING THE SAME STANDARD DOES NOT GUARANTEE UNITY
1. THERE ARE STILL CHALLENGES TO FACE...
1. Which commands are binding today?
1. Some commands must be understood to be limited in application
2. Effort must be made to determine whether a command was intended to be limited or universal in application
2. Which approved examples are to be considered normative for the church today?
1. Much of what we learn about the church pertaining to its work and organization is by example, not precept
2. Effort must be made to determine whether an example should be understood as teaching a binding principle for the church to observe universally
3. When are necessary implications really necessary implications?
1. People often infer things from the Bible and call their conclusion a necessary implication
2. But it may only be a possible implication, not one necessarily inferred
-- These are questions or challenges faced by every congregation of Christians
2. WE NEED THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST...
1. Barton W. Stone, a promoter of Christian unity in the early 1800's, had these insightful words in an article entitled "Christian Union" published in The Christian Messenger (1828): "On no other foundation can the parties ever meet, than on the Bible alone, without note or comment; and in no other name will they ever unite, but in that given to the disciples at Antioch—CHRISTIAN. But should all the professors of Christianity reject all their various creeds and names, and agree to receive the Bible alone, and be called by no other name than Christian, will this unite them? No, we are fully convinced that unless they all possess the spirit of that book and name they are far, very far, from Christian union." (As quoted by J. M. Powell, The Cause We Plead: A Story Of The Restoration Movement, 20th Century Christian, 1987, p. 56)
2. In addition to agreeing on the same standard of authority (i.e., the Word of God), we need the proper spirit to "rightly divide the word of truth" - cf. 2Ti 2:14-16
3. As Paul told Timothy, the servant of the Lord must carefully apply the Word when seeking to teach others - 2Ti 2:23-25
4. We need to have the proper attitudes to maintain the unity of the Spirit - Ep 4:1-3
5. We need to have the mind of Christ to be of one accord, of one mind - Php 2:1-5

CONCLUSION

1. The Bible teaches us, not only by way of direct commands, but through approved examples and necessary implications
2. It is helpful to understand the principles of general and specific authority, and when something may be expedient to fulfill things that are authorized
3. Warnings throughout the scriptures should serve to keep us on "the straight and narrow"
4. But as valuable and needful the same standard of authority may be, simple agreement on what the standard is will not guarantee unity
   - we need to apply the proper spirit of love, patience and humility as we grow together towards unity in Christ
5. What is our attitude toward the authority of God's Word? Are we willing...
1. To accept the authority of Jesus Christ, as delegated to His apostles?
2. To adopt the mind of Christ, as illustrated in His sacrificial life and death?

Again, our answer will determine whether we are "The Church Jesus Built"... - cf. Mt 28:18-20

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"THE CHURCH JESUS BUILT" How To Establish Authority by Mark Copeland

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/church-jesus-built/cjb_07.html

"THE CHURCH JESUS BUILT"

How To Establish Authority

INTRODUCTION

1. In the past two lessons in this series, I have stressed that for us to be "The Church Jesus Built" we must have the proper standard of authority...
1. That standard is the Will of Christ...
1. As revealed in the apostles' doctrine, that is, the teaching of Christ's apostles
2. As inspired by the Holy Spirit, and preserved for us in the pages of the New Testament
2. Other standards are not suitable guides to lead us in the way of salvation
1. Not the Old Testament, majority rule, parents, preachers, creeds and traditions of men
2. Nor our conscience, human wisdom, or feelings
2. Before we leave the subject of authority, there are questions worthy of our consideration...
1. What is our obligation regarding authority?
2. Exactly how does one use the New Testament to establish authority?
3. Are there limitations placed upon how far we may go in matters of religion?
4. Will having the same standard of authority guarantee unity among followers of Christ?

[In this lesson and the next, I wish to share some thoughts along these lines, beginning with...]

1. OUR OBLIGATION REGARDING AUTHORITY
1. EVERYONE HAS AN OBLIGATION...
1. Jesus did not speak without having authority - Jn 12:49-50
2. Even the Spirit did not speak on His own authority - Jn 16:13
3. Those who despise authority are ill-spoken of in the Scriptures - 2 Pe 2:10; Jude 1:8
2. WHAT IS OUR OBLIGATION...
1. To do all things in the name (by the authority) of Jesus Christ - Col 3:17
1. To provide authority for all that we believe and do in religion
2. A duty enjoyed upon all who presume to speak for God - cf. 1Pe 4:10
2. Note well: the burden of proof is on the affirmative, not the negative
1. We do not have to prove some practice is wrong (e.g., instrumental music)
2. Those who affirm some practice scriptural have the burden to provide authority for it
3. Our duty then would be to examine the evidence to see if it supports what is affirmed
1. Does the evidence adequately not support what is affirmed?
2. If not, the practice is without authority and thereby unscriptural!

[The burden to provide authority is upon any and all who wish to engage in some religious practice or preach some religious doctrine. How does one provide such authority? Here are some basic principles to remember...]

2. HOW AUTHORITY IS ESTABLISHED
1. AUTHORITY CAN BE ESTABLISHED IN THREE WAYS...
1. Direct command or precept - a direct statement of something that can or cannot be done
1. E.g., "repent and be baptized" - Ac 2:38
2. E.g., "love one another" - Jn 13:34
3. E.g., "abstain from sexual immorality" - 1Th 4:3
2. Approved example - an illustration that shows a practice was done with the approval of the Lord's apostles
1. As an apostle, Paul taught by both precept and example
1. He encouraged others to imitate him, and sent Timothy to remind people of "his ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church" - 1Co 4:16-17
2. The God of peace will be with those who do the sort of things both heard (precept) and seen (example) in an apostle like Paul - cf. Php 4:9
2. So when we have an example that meets with apostolic approval, we know there is authority for the practice
1. E.g., having a plurality of elders in one church - Ac 14:23; 20:28; Php 1:1
2. E.g., meeting on the first day of the week for the purpose of breaking bread (i.e., the Lord's supper, cf. 1Co 10:16-17) - Ac 20:7
3. Necessary implication, or 'forced conclusion' - something neither expressly stated nor specifically exemplified, yet it is necessarily implied by the clear import and meaning of the language used so that one can only draw a particular conclusion
1. Jesus appealed to necessary implication when He reasoned that there must be a resurrection of the dead based upon the implication of God's statement to Moses - cf. Mt 22:29-33
2. Peter and the brethren in Judea understood the necessary implication of the Gentiles receiving the Holy Spirit, that it meant Gentiles were permitted to be baptized and enjoy the repentance that leads to life - cf. Ac 10:44-48; 11:15-18
3. Therefore, if the evidence of the Scriptures warrant it, we may draw certain conclusions through necessary implication
1. E.g., the issue of baptizing infants
1. The prerequisites for baptism include faith and repentance - Mk 16:16; Ac 2:38; 8:37
2. Infants are incapable of faith and repentance
3. The necessary implication (or forced conclusion) is that baptism is not required of infants
2. E.g., the matter of using unleavened bread in partaking the Lord's Supper
1. There is nothing expressly stated nor specifically exemplified in reference to using unleavened bread as we observe the Lord's Supper
2. But when Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper at the Last Passover, we know He was using unleavened bread - cf. Lk 22:7-19
3. The necessary implication is that we should use unleavened bread as we keep His command to observe the Lord's Supper
2. THERE IS BOTH GENERAL AND SPECIFIC AUTHORITY...
1. Using a direct command as an example, sometimes it is general in its authority
1. That is, "not limited in scope, area, or application" (American Heritage Dictionary)
2. The command 'go' in Mt 28:19 is generic and authorizes all methods of transportation
2. Sometimes a direct command is specific in its authority
1. That is, "explicitly set forth; definite" (American Heritage Dictionary)
2. When God commanded Noah to build the ark with gopher wood (Gen 6:14), the specific nature of the command ruled out using any other kind of wood
3. A specific command may itself have a degree of general authority
1. E.g., the command to sing specifically authorizes acapella music
2. It is not generic enough to authorize instrumental music, a totally different class (or kind) of music
3. But it is generic enough to authorize different aids or expedients (see below), such as song books, to carry out the command to sing
3. EXPEDIENTS MAY BE USED TO CARRY OUT AUTHORIZED PRACTICES...
1. Expedient means "appropriate to a purpose" (American Heritage Dictionary)
2. Thus an "expedient" is an aid that is suitable for carrying out that which is authorized
3. Sample expedients based upon what is authorized in the Scriptures...
1. Assembling is authorized, so the meeting house is an expedient to carry out the command to assemble
2. Teaching is authorized, so arrangement in classes is an expedient to carry out the command to instruct
3. Giving is authorized, so baskets are an expedient for gathering the contribution
4. Baptism is authorized, so the baptistery is an expedient to provide a place for immersion
5. Singing is authorized, so hymn books are expedient to helping us sing

CONCLUSION

1. These principles on how to establish authority from the Scriptures may seem prosaic, but they are very useful in applying the apostles' doctrine (i.e., the Word of God)
2. When understood properly and applied correctly, they can be useful to maintain the unity and peace of a local congregation

Our next study will examine what limitations are placed upon how far we may go in matters of religion, and whether having the same standard of authority guarantees unity among followers of Christ...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

 

"THE CHURCH JESUS BUILT" Other Standards Of Authority by Mark Copeland

 

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/church-jesus-built/cjb_06.html

"THE CHURCH JESUS BUILT"

Other Standards Of Authority

INTRODUCTION

1. In our previous study, I endeavored to show...
1. That it is through the apostles' doctrine, that the Lord speaks to and directs His Church
2. That the New Testament is how Christ speaks to us today and leads us to life everlasting
3. That it is the apostles' doctrine which ought to be our standard of authority in matters of religion - cf. Ac 2:42
2. Many say that they accept the apostles' doctrine as their authority in religion...
1. But when faced with an issue in which a cherished position or view is being challenged...
2. ...they often appeal to a source for their authority that is quite different
3. Perhaps the best way to avoid this is to be aware of other sources of authority in religion...
1. Some sources are objective - where we look outside of ourselves for authority
2. Other sources are subjective - where we look within ourselves for authority

[This study shall briefly touch upon standards that people commonly turn to when faced with questions about what they believe and why they practice the things they do in religion. Let's start with...]

1. OBJECTIVE STANDARDS OF AUTHORITY
1. THE OLD TESTAMENT...
1. It is common for people to resort to the O.T. to provide authority for some practice
1. When they can't find authority for it in the teachings of Christ and/or His apostles
2. For example, a clergy-laity system, burning of incense or use of instrumental music in worship, keeping the Sabbath
2. But the O.T. was designed to be temporary, to fulfill a specific purpose and as a covenant has been replaced by the New Covenant (i.e., the New Testament)
1. It was given because of transgressions, till Christ should come - Ga 3:19
2. For those under the Law (Israel), it was a tutor
1. A tutor designed to lead them to Christ - Ga 3:24
2. A tutor that has been taken away - Ga 3:25
3. When those who were under the Law came to Christ...
1. They became dead to the Law - Ro 7:4
2. They were delivered from the Law - Ro 7:6
4. As prophesied by Jeremiah, God has made a "new covenant" to replace the "first covenant" which is now obsolete - He 8:7-13
3. In the issue of circumcision, the apostles demonstrated that one cannot use the O.T. to teach something which the apostles themselves did not command
1. Some sought to enforce circumcision and the Law upon Gentile believers - Ac 15:1,6
2. But the apostles, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, were able to defuse the problem by simply stating they "gave no such commandment" - Ac 15:22-29
4. This is not to say the O.T. is not of value to Christians...
1. It was written for our learning, to provide patience, comfort, and hope - Ro 15:4
2. It was written for our admonition, that we not make similar mistakes - 1Co 10:6,11
5. We just can't use it to enjoin religious practices upon others which the apostles themselves did not teach!
2. MAJORITY RULE...
1. Many people accept whatever the majority thinks about something
2. But consider the words of Jesus, in describing the end of the majority - Mt 7:13-14
3. If you followed the majority...
1. In Noah's day, you would have perished in the flood
2. In Joshua's day, you would have perished in the wilderness
4. Rather than simply follow the majority, let our attitude be like that of Joshua: "as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." - cf. Josh 24:14-15
3. PARENTS...
1. Some think "If it was good enough for Mom and Dad, it is good enough for me."
2. As much as we may love and respect our parents, Christ must come first - Mt 10:37
3. If every generation had simply followed their parents, then we who are Gentiles would still be idol-worshippers and polytheistic!
4. PREACHERS...
1. It is common for people to place their trust in their preacher, priest, or pastor
2. They reason that surely these 'men of God' could not be wrong or lead them astray
1. Yet Paul warned of how we can easily be misled - cf. 2 Co 11:13-15
2. And Jesus warned about the 'blind leading the blind' - Mt 15:12-14
3. Our attitude needs to be like that of the Bereans, who carefully examined Paul's teachings in light of the Scriptures - Ac 17:11
5. CREEDS AND TRADITIONS OF MEN...
1. This is where the denominations really get most of their authority
2. Indeed, adherence to the creeds of men is what produces denominations
1. Accept the Bible only, and you become a Christian only
2. Accept the Bible along with some Creed, and you become something else!
1. Accept the Bible and the Book of Mormon, and you become a Mormon
2. Accept the Bible and papal authority, and you become a Roman Catholic
3. Accept the Bible and the Lutheran Catechism, and you become a Lutheran
3. Creeds are really not even necessary...
1. If they say more than what the Bible says, they say too much
2. If they say less than what the Bible says, they say too little
3. If they say exactly what the Bible says, then why not let the Bible be our creed book?
4. The fact is, creeds are filled with the traditions and commands of men, many which conflict with and displace the commands of God! - cf. Mk 7:6-9

[Creeds of men, preachers, parents, majority rule, even the Old Testament, are objective standards that many turn to rather than the authority of the Lord's apostles. Some turn to...]

2. SUBJECTIVE STANDARDS OF AUTHORITY
1. CONSCIENCE...
1. "Let your conscience be your guide" is the motto of many
2. But our conscience cannot always be reliable
1. Paul had served God with a good conscience throughout his life - Ac 23:1
2. Even at a time when he was persecuting Christians! - cf. Ac 26:9-11
3. Our conscience is like a clock, which works properly only if set properly
4. Once our conscience has been set by the apostles' doctrine, then it can be a good guide
2. HUMAN WISDOM...
1. Many feel that through their own wisdom they can determine right and wrong
2. But God's thoughts and ways are not always our own - cf. Isa 55:8-9
3. In fact, God has chosen to save man in a manner specifically designed to confound those who depend solely upon human wisdom
   - cf. 1Co 1:18-29
4. For us to know God's will, it was necessary for Him to reveal it to us - 1Co 2:9-12
1. This He has done through His Spirit-inspired apostles
2. Who in turn shared it with us through their writings - Ep 3:1-5
3. FEELINGS...
1. This is often the standard of authority for many people
1. Who go by whatever 'feels right'
2. Who place stock in a religion 'better felt than told'
2. Yet the Bible declares the danger of trusting in feelings
1. "There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death." - Pr 14:12
2. "He who trusts in his own heart is a fool..." - Pr 28:26
3. "O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps." - Jer 10:23

CONCLUSION

1. Because the way we should live is 'not in man'...
1. We need an objective standard for our authority in religion
2. We can't depend upon subjective standards like conscience, human wisdom, or feelings
2. But which objective standard...?
1. Not creeds of men, preachers, parents, majority rule, or even the Old Testament
2. Only the apostles' doctrine, i.e., the New Testament...
1. For the apostles were personally selected to be Christ's ambassadors
2. For the apostles were inspired by the Holy Spirit, to be guided into all the truth
3. And they were inspired to write all that Christ would have us to know and do

What is our standard of authority? Our answer will determine whether we are the church Jesus built...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"THE CHURCH JESUS BUILT" The Authority Of The Church by Mark Copeland

 

 

 

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/church-jesus-built/cjb_05.html

"THE CHURCH JESUS BUILT"

The Authority Of The Church

INTRODUCTION

1. In examining the nature of the Lord's church as revealed in the Bible...
1. We find a distinction between the church universal and the church local
2. We do not find the denominational concept of the church so prevalent today
2. What has contributed to the development and proliferation of denominations today...?
1. It really comes down to the issue of authority
2. For what distinguishes one denomination from another is their authority
3. Authority in religion is a very important issue for those interested in the Lord's church...
1. It is impossible to maintain unity unless we agree upon the same standard of authority
1. The unity for which Christ prayed - Jn 17:20-21
2. To avoid the division of which Paul condemned - 1Co 1:10-13
2. This is true in all areas of life
1. Imagine the confusion if we did not have a standard relating to weights and measures
2. We could not even agree on the length of a line, the volume of a tank of gasoline, etc.
3. Confusion would reign supreme in the market place if we did not all agree on one standard of authority in regards to weights and measures
3. This is especially true in matters of religion...
1. If people can agree on the standard of authority in religious matters, unity is possible when we submit to that same standard
2. There are other elements necessary to have unity (which I will discuss later), but without a standard of authority upon which we all agree, unity is impossible!

[What should be the standard of authority for Christ's church? Let's begin with a point with which I am sure all those professing to be Christians can agree...]

1. JESUS CHRIST HAS BEEN GIVEN ALL AUTHORITY
1. SO HE CLAIMED...
1. He claimed all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him - Mt 28:18
2. He therefore expects us to observe all things He has commanded - Mt 28:19-20
2. SO HIS APOSTLES TAUGHT...
1. He is the head of the body (the church) - Ep 1:22-23
2. As such, we are to submit to Him in everything - Ep 5:23-24

[If Jesus were on earth today, we could solve all religious questions by simply asking Him. But since He is not on earth, what then? This leads to our next point...]

2. JESUS HAS DELEGATED AUTHORITY TO HIS APOSTLES
1. TO RECEIVE CHRIST, WE MUST RECEIVE HIS APOSTLES...
1. As Jesus taught in Jn 13:20
1. Note that the word 'apostle' means 'one sent'
2. So as Jesus speaks of 'whomever I send', He has particular reference to His apostles
2. The apostles were sent as 'ambassadors' for Christ - cf. 2 Co 5:20
3. Therefore the early church "continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine" - Ac 2:42
2. TO ENSURE RELIABILITY, JESUS PROMISED THE HOLY SPIRIT...
1. Who would teach the apostles all things, reminding them of what Jesus said - Jn 14:26
2. The Spirit would guide the apostles into all truth - Jn 16:12-13
3. THE HOLY SPIRIT GUIDED THEM INTO 'ALL' THE TRUTH...
1. Paul said he taught "the whole counsel of God" - cf. Ac 20:27
2. Peter wrote God "has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness" - 2Pe 1:3

[So the apostles were given all the truth God (and Christ) wanted us to know. If the apostles were on earth today, we could simply ask them to settle religious differences. But again, they are not on earth. What then...?]

3. THE APOSTLES HAVE WRITTEN WHAT CHRIST WANTS US TO KNOW!
1. IN THE N.T., WE HAVE WHAT THE APOSTLES WERE GIVEN BY THE SPIRIT...
1. As Paul explained in Ep 3:1-5
2. He wrote, so that when we read his writings we can have his same understanding
3. Peter wrote his epistles that we might always be reminded - 2Pe 1:12-15; 3:1-2
2. IN THE N.T., WE HAVE THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD HIMSELF...
1. As Paul made clear in 1Co 14:37
2. As Peter confirmed, such writings as Paul's were considered Scripture - 2Pe 3:15-16
3. Therefore, when we have questions about what the Lord would have us to do...
1. We don't have to ascend to heaven for an answer
2. We don't have to ask Jesus personally, nor His apostles
3. We simply need to turn to the apostles' writing (i.e., the New Testament)!

[In the New Testament, the repository of the "apostles' doctrine", we can turn to learn the will of Jesus, given through His inspired ambassadors, the apostles. But this raises another question: Is the New Testament a complete guide for us today; i.e., is it sufficient...?]

4. THE NEW TESTAMENT IS A COMPLETE, ALL-SUFFICIENT GUIDE
1. IT MUST BE COMPLETE, FOR "THE FAITH" HAS BEEN REVEALED "ONCE FOR ALL"...
1. Consider carefully the words of Jude - Jude 3
2. "Once for all" literally means "one time for all time"
3. We cannot expect further revelation in the future
4. The writings of the apostles as collected in the New Testament are all we have
5. Our task, is not to look for further revelation, but to "contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints"!
2. ACCORDING TO THE APOSTLES, THESE WRITINGS (SCRIPTURES) ARE INDEED SUFFICIENT...
1. Sufficient to make one complete, furnished unto every good work - 2Ti 3:16-17
2. They provide all we need to enjoy life and godliness - 2Pe 1:3
3. By heeding the writings of the apostles...
1. We will have the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ
   - cf. 2Pe 1:8-9
2. An abundant entrance will be supplied into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ - cf. 2Pe 1:10-11
3. WE ARE LEFT WITH GOD'S PROVIDENCE AND HIS WORD...
1. As Paul prepared the elders of the church at Ephesus for his departure, he commended them to God and the word of His grace - Ac 20:32
1. He did not instruct them to appoint apostles to take his place
2. He did not instruct them to seek further revelation (for Paul had already proclaimed "the whole counsel of God" to them - Ac 20:27
2. He simply directed them to two things:
1. To God Himself (i.e., His Divine Providence)
2. The word of His grace (that word which had been revealed by Paul himself)
3. These two blessings, Paul was confident, were able to do two things:
1. Build them up
2. Give them an inheritance among all those who are sanctified

CONCLUSION

1. The New Testament, then, is how...
1. Christ speaks to us today
2. He leads us to life everlasting!
2. It is through the writing of the apostles, the apostles' doctrine, that the Lord speaks and directs His Church...!
1. It is the apostles' doctrine that is the standard of authority in matters of religion
2. It is the apostles' doctrine in which we must 'continue steadfastly"! - cf. Ac 2:42
3. There is more to be said about authority in religion, which we will cover in the next lesson

But I hope that our attitude is such that what was said about the Thessalonians can also be said of us (cf. 1Th 2:13). Is that our attitude toward "the apostles' doctrine"...?

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

More than just a bird... by Gary Rose

 

My good friend Bruce Arnold sent me this beautiful picture yesterday. An amateur photographer, he often sends me pictures and one of his favorite topics is that of “birds”. I was impressed by the beauty of this picture, especially when I realized it was the best of a series of ten attempts using different lenses. He must have been captivated by this hawk to work so hard at this project. All I know is that I absolutely love this picture. The color, contrast and even the shading amazes me.

When I think about birds, this passage from the New Testament comes to mind…

Matthew 6 ( World English Bible )

²⁴ “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Mammon.

²⁵ Therefore, I tell you, don’t be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food, and the body more than clothing?

²⁶ See the birds of the sky, that they don’t sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you of much more value than they?

²⁷ “Which of you, by being anxious, can add one moment to his lifespan?

²⁸ Why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They don’t toil, neither do they spin,

²⁹ yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these.

³⁰ But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, won’t he much more clothe you, you of little faith?

³¹ “Therefore don’t be anxious, saying, ‘What will we eat?’, ‘What will we drink?’ or, ‘With what will we be clothed?’

³² For the Gentiles seek after all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

³³ But seek first God’s Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.

³⁴ Therefore don’t be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day’s own evil is sufficient.

Initially, I thought of verse 26, ( see above ) but then I began to think of its meaning within its context ( verses 24-34 ). The GOD of all the universe cares for all of HIS CREATION, from the lowliest creature that ever crawled upon the face of the earth to that majestic hawk pictured above or even to human beings like myself. GOD cares, and he especially cares for those of us who have submitted ourselves to HIM as LORD and MASTER.

I remember the Cuban missile crises of the 1960’s and how much fear there was. Today, we are once again faced with the prospect of Thermonuclear war, but this time there is enough destructive power to obliterate the entire world many times over. I do not know what will happen to the world, but I do know GOD and that HE loves and provides for me, for I am worth more than many, many birds- even those as majestic as that hawk. God has given me today and what HE gives me tomorrow is up to HIM, so I will not worry; God has everything under control!

What’s Your Worldview? by Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

 

https://thepreachersword.com/2022/05/31/whats-your-worldview/#more-22562

What’s Your Worldview?

“Shocking,” is how one researcher described a recent study by the Cultural Research Center (CRC) at Arizona Christian University, as reported by The Christian Post.

According to CRC a “nationwide study of about 1,000 Christian pastors conducted between February and March” revealed that “just over half of all U.S. pastors of Evangelical churches (51%) have a biblical worldview.”

CRC Survey

“Perhaps most surprisingly,” observed reporter Ian M. Giatti “just 48% of pastors of Baptist churches, widely viewed as the most enthusiastic about embracing the Bible as the Word of God, held a biblical worldview.

If you wish to read the details of the survey, here’s a link to the report. The findings were based on 54 worldview questions regarding beliefs and behavior in eight different categories. The results were analyzed into what CRC identified as seven “Denominational Family of Churches” as shown by the chart below.

“The old labels attached to families of churches are not as useful as they were in the past, observed lead researcher and Director of the CRC, George Barna. He then offered this assessment.

“With barely half of Evangelical pastors possessing a biblical worldview — and that number continuing to decline — attending what may be considered an ‘Evangelical’ church no longer ensures a pastoral staff that has a high view of the scriptures.”

I supposed we ought not to be shocked or even surprised given the state of our society today and the culture of so many churches. Yet, it ought to give us serious pause and cause us to stop and consider our worldview.

What is a Worldview?

To be clear, your worldview is the overall perspective from which you see and interpret the world. It’s a collection of beliefs about life and the universe held by an individual or a group. The above chart suggests some aspects of one’s worldview that involves ethics, morality, relationships, faith, and family.

The Christians At Work website offered this insight into our worldview.

Everyone has a worldview. Whether or not we realize it, we all have certain presuppositions and biases that affect the way we view all of life and reality. A worldview is like a set of lenses which taint our vision or alter the way we perceive the world around us. Our worldview is formed by our education, our upbringing, the culture we live in, the books we read, the media and movies we absorb, etc.

For many people, their worldview is simply something they have absorbed by osmosis from their surrounding cultural influences. They have never thought strategically about what they believe and wouldn’t be able to give a rational defense of their beliefs to others.

Humanistic Worldview

The worldview of many people today is influenced by secularism, post-modernism, and humanism. While many still profess belief in God, the humanistic mantra that life can be better lived apart from supernatural considerations is the practical approach of a large segment of our society.

The Humanist Manifesto, originally published in 1933, revised in 1973, and further updated by Paul Kurtz in 2003, continues to affirm that “traditional dogmatic or authoritarian religions that place revelation, God, ritual or creed above human needs do a disservice to the human species.”

Kurtz criticizes Christianity because it’s unchanging, based on “the faith once delivered to all the saints” (Jude 3). The worldview of humanism, he believes is evolving. The Third Manifesto speaks of issues that Christians would endorse such as equality, kindness, peace, and everything good and beautiful. However, their basic worldview is unchanged.

“No deity will save us,” they assert. “Morals derive their source from human experience,” they still promote. And “promises of immortal salvation or fear of eternal damnation are both illusory and harmful,” the humanists lament.

Biblical Worldview

ThePreachersWord is based on a Biblical worldview. And the sermons we preach, the meetings we hold, and the classes we teach are built and based on these Bible precepts.

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

“How that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets” (Eph. 3:3-5)

What’s Your Worldview regarding...

…God?

…creation?

…sin?

…salvation?

…life’s purpose?

…faith?

…family life?

…morality?

…relationships?

…Biblical authority?

…Eternity?

If you’re unsure, God’s Word will point you in the right direction. Peter put it this way. “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2 Pet.1:3).

In a chaotic, confused, and cruel culture, Christians are called to both believe and behave according to our professed worldview.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

Prepare Yourself to Talk About the Godhood of Jesus by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

 

 https://apologeticspress.org/prepare-to-talk-about-the-godhood-of-jesus/

 

Prepare Yourself to Talk About the Godhood of Jesus

Eric Lyons, M.Min.

Bulletin Articles Deity of Christ Divine Life and Doctrine In the News

From Issue: R&R – September 2021

Some Christians do not prepare themselves to answer questions people have about Christianity.¹ Other followers of Christ study a sundry of Bible truths and are able to help others see God’s will about various important matters: from the sanctity of life (Genesis 9:6) to the sinfulness of all forms of sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 5-6); from the essentiality of water baptism (Acts 2:38) to the importance of worshiping God Almighty “in spirit and truth” (John 4:23-24).² For those faithful Christians who care enough about teaching heavenly revealed truths to others (cf. Mark 16:15-16; Acts 8:1-4), let me plead with you not to overlook preparing yourself to teach the most fundamental truths of the Christian Faith, including, and especially, the Deity of Christ.

In the latter part of 2020, Newsweek magazine³ reported a survey conducted by a Florida-based, non-profit organization called Ligonier Ministries.⁴ Though the sample size was not the largest in the world (3,002), it was still at least three times greater than the average political poll (500-1,000).⁵ Furthermore, 630 of those surveyed were self-described evangelicals. What did the survey show? No doubt, the most surprising part of the poll for many Christians was that 52% of those surveyed indicated that “Jesus was a great teacher, but he was not God.” What’s more, another 12% were unsure. Only 37% of the Americans surveyed “strongly” or “somewhat” agreed that Jesus was God.

If this poll even remotely reflects the beliefs of the approximate 330 million Americans, Christians must seriously reflect more on God’s saving Gospel—on the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). To be saved, we must come to learn Who Jesus is (Matthew 11:29), and we must come to believe Who He is (John 8:24; cf. 8:48-59—the Great “I Am”). While on Earth, did Jesus not ask pointed questions to various ones about His nature?

• “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” (Matthew 16:13).
• “What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?” (Matthew 22:41).
• “Do you believe in the Son of God?” (John 9:35).
• “Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise, take up your bed and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins…” (Mark 2:9-10; cf. 2:7).

If we care about lost souls and pleasing God (1 Thessalonians 1:6-8), we must prepare ourselves to tell our friends, neighbors, and co-workers Who Jesus is. He was not a created angelic being, and He was not merely a “great teacher”—and certainly not an imperfect “great teacher.” He was not merely a man! As the Scriptures revealed in the Old Testament (Isaiah 9:6; 7:14; cf. Matthew 1:23), so the Scriptures revealed in the New Testament (in many ways⁶): Jesus is Divine. He was and is God⁷—one Personality of the Godhead.⁸

“Christ Jesus, Who being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:5-7). Yes, our holy God lovingly stepped out of the splendors of heaven and humbled Himself so that He might make sinful man holy and acceptable before God (1 Peter 1:15-19).

Friends, in addition to offering evidence for the existence of God and the inspiration of the Bible, nothing is more important nor more fundamental than learning the biblical Truth regarding the nature of Jesus. Let’s take the opportunities that God gives us to immerse ourselves in these truths, and let’s teach the many non-believing, precious souls around us (and abroad!) the soul-saving truths of Who Jesus is and what He has done for us.

[We hope that the Apologetics Press website, study Bible, books, journals, tracts, and videos will be helpful in your studies and evangelistic efforts.]

Endnotes

¹ For a discussion on why every Christian should be involved in apologetics, see Eric Lyons (2021), “Preparing to Give an Answer: God’s Defense Recipe in 1 Peter 3:15,” Reason & Revelation, 41[5]:49-58, May, https://apologeticspress.org/apPubPage.aspx?pub=1&issue=1344.

² For a plethora of material on these subject matters and many more, visit apologeticspress.org. You may especially want to visit the “Doctrinal Matters” section of our site and check out the various topics under which a number of articles are listed.

³ Benjamin Fearnow (2020), “52 Percent of Americans Say Jesus Isn’t God but Was a Great Teacher, Survey Says,” Newsweek, https://www.newsweek.com/52-percent-americans-say-jesus-isnt-not-god-was-great-teacher-survey-says-1528617.

⁴ See “A Majority Of Americans Think Jesus Is A Great Teacher Yet Reject His Claims To Be God,” Cision PR Newswire, https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/a-majority-of-americans-think-jesus-is-a-great-teacher-yet-reject-his-claims-to-be-god-301119281.html. See also “The State of Theology” at thestateoftheology.com.

⁵ See National Council on Public Polls, http://www.ncpp.org/?q=node/6.

⁶ John 1:1-15,14; 10:30-38; 20:28; Romans 9:5; Colossians 1:16; Philippians 2:5-11; etc.

⁷ See the “Deity of Christ” section of the Apologetics Press website (apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=10). Cf. Kyle Butt & Eric Lyons (2006), Behold! The Lamb of God (Montgomery, AL: Apologetics Press).

⁸ See Kyle Butt (2015), “The Trinity,” Reason & Revelation, 35[10]:109-119, October, apologeticspress.org/apPubPage.aspx?pub=1&issue=1203.

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Published September 1, 2021