Silence - $20 in my pocket You knew nothing about a time limit because I was silent as to one. How do we know God disapproves of instrumental music in worship if He did not explicitly ban them?

Silence neither explicitly prohibits or allows anything. God was not silent Boundaries – set by prohibitions and permission Umbrella nature

When God forbids an act He sets limits When God authorizes an act He also sets limits We are looking for permission from God, and that only comes by Him telling us what we can, should, or must do.

It all comes back to the definition of faith. God’s argument (revelation) to Christians is to sing Pis'-tis – “From pi- tho; persuasion, that is credence; moral conviction” (Strong) Pi-tho – “A primary verb; to convince (by argument, true or false)” (Strong)

The question is, what is the foundation of my faith (persuasion or moral conviction)? God’s argument God’s silence A more accurate comparison: If someone asks for $20.00 by 11:30 AM Someone demands the money at 12:00 PM Same Family 11:30 excludes 12:00

New Testament Examples Description of conduct or activity which may or must be followed or avoided Establishes a pattern or model for behavior Statements or commands entwined within the example More was said and done than is recorded, but God gave us all that we need 2 Peter 1:2-4

Examples to avoid  Gal. 2:11-14  1 Cor. 10:6-11 Lust after evil things  Numbers 11:4-6 Idolaters  Exodus 32:6 Sexual immorality  Numbers 25:1-9

Examples to avoid  Gal. 2:11-14  1 Cor. 10:6-11 Tempt Christ  Numbers 21:5-6 Complain  Numbers 14:1-3 & 29

Approved Apostolic Examples How Christians lived and worshipped to please God

Early churches were under the direction and guidance of the apostles Evil and corrupt behavior was corrected by Divine authority Personal lives Local church issues

Early churches were under the direction and guidance of the apostles Approved behavior had the sanction of Divine authority Personal lives Local church issues

The apostles were active in the development and supervision of Christians and local churches. What does the Bible disclose about the authority of approved examples? Remember, our faith must be based on God’s argument, not His silence.

Some approved examples cannot be duplicated today.  Acts 20:7-11  Acts 24:24-25 Some duties were limited to specific individuals  Acts 1:4  Acts 2:1-4 What does and does not apply

Copy, imitate, follow Mimeograph comes from the same root Greek word Take aim at (spy); to fix one’s eyes upon, direct one’s attention to. Philippians 3:17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. a die (as struck), that is, (by implication) a stamp or scar

Philippians 3:17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. Walk according to truth Be faithful and endure Oppose worldly mindedness

1 Thessalonians 1:6-8 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. Imitators, copies They became a die or stamp for others

1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Titus 2:6-8 Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober- minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.

1 Timothy 1:16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. Sketch, outline, form, or pattern 2 Timothy 1:13 Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.

1 Cor. 16:1-2 2 Cor. 8:1-4 Rom. 15:25-26 Local churches serve as an example

Colossians 4:16 Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. Everything in the New Testament is an example to us because we were not there, the words were not spoken to us, and the apostles left us a pattern to follow.

One Indisputable Example Find a scripture where water is commanded as the element of baptism. How do we know the element of saving baptism? Statements and examples reveal that they used water

Approved examples reveal what they did under the apostles’ direction. No one denies God’s approval of these actions. No one believes every approved example should be, can be, or must be precisely followed today.

Approved examples reveal what they did under the apostles’ direction. No one denies God’s approval of these actions. But everyone who practices baptism believes the element should be, can be, and must be followed.

Which approved apostolic examples are binding on us today? Which details in an example are binding on us today?