When we talk about “Bible Authority,” we really mean the authority of Jesus. Jesus stated, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” Mt. 28:18, KJV. The American Standard Version translates it, “All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth.” the idea of power and authority are the same in this passage. Jesus has all authority or power. Jesus did a lot of teaching on earth that we have recorded in the New Testament, and He went back to heaven and sent the Holy Spirit to guide the apostles and other inspired men into all truth–Jn. 16:13. The Bible contains ALL TRUTH. When we teach the Bible is the complete, inspired Word of God, we are talking about God’s divine book which we can count on to be the truth, the whole truth. To say we need Bible authority is the same as recognizing the authority of God.
Take The Church, How Does One Become A Christian?
Our subject is BIBLE AUTHORITY. We have authority for the church to do what it is authorized in the Bible to do. The church is to assemble (Acts 20:7) on the first day of the week for the Lord’s supper, therefore the church may provide a place to assemble. The same scripture authorizes preaching by example. I Cor 16:2 shows the local church is to have a collection on the first day of the week. Mt. 26:26-28 shows prayers are essential in the Lord’s supper. Mph 5:19 and Col 3:16 show the church is to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs teaching and admonishing one another in such songs. The local church may support its local preacher. I Cor 9:14. Local churches may also support preachers in other places — 2 Cor. 1`1:8. Each local church in the New Testament was independent. This is wonderful, for if many churches go away from the truth, no independent church is dragged wit it away from truth. The only thing a local church in the Bible ever sent funds to another local church for, was to help the receiving church feed its own needy saints– I Cor 16:1-3. Some times today, you will hear of churches sending funds to a small local church to help it build a new building to meet in. In the Bible, churches sent to the preacher, not the church to support its preacher. (2 Cor. 11:8 as above). The work and worship of the local church can be summed up briefly. It is to assemble on the Lord’s day for worship (Lord’s supper – Acts 20:7, to give into the church’s treasury – I Cor 16:2, and it can sing (Eph. 5 19), pray I Thess. 5:17, and have preaching – Acts 20:7). The church can assemble at any time and any days to worship in song and prayer and have preaching. Bible classes can also take place when and where the church wants to conduct such. Individuals ought to study the Bible daily and can get with others to study together any time. The BIBLE is the most wonderful and the most interesting book in all the world. Every Christian and the children shoul have a Bible lesson daily. Just to study even a little will keep you thinking right. Truth In Love, Vol 6, No. 10, October, 2013 |
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