The Authority of the Silence of Scripture ’S word The Authority of the Silence of Scripture

Attitudes toward the Bible Roman Catholic: Human tradition = Scripture Protestant: The silence of the Scripture does not forbid any action. Correct: Do only those things the Scripture authorizes.

ONLY what the Bible authorizes Faith requires it Heb 11:7, 8, 17, 29, 30; Rom 10:17 To put your faith in God, you must do only what He tells you to do.

ONLY what the Bible authorizes Love requires it John 14:15, 21, 23-24 To love God is to listen to Him & to obey Him (Isa 55:6-11).

ONLY what the Bible authorizes Fear requires it Heb 12:25-28 God punishes transgression (Heb 10:26-31).

ONLY what the Bible authorizes Unity requires it John 17:11, 20-22; 1 Cor 1:10; Phil 1:27; 2:1-4; 3:16 Unity in Christ is achieved through a simple observance of His word.

ONLY what the Bible authorizes Scripture requires it Col 3:17 Act only on the Lord’s authority. His teaching (2 John 9; John 15:10; 14:23).

Doing only what is authorized by God – includes respecting His authority TO TAKE NO ACTION when His word is SILENT.

1 Cor 4:6-7 – Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself & Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, "Do not go beyond what is written." Then you will not take pride in one man over against another. NIV

God’s Silence About… The Old Priesthood Jeroboam’s priesthood (1 Kings 12:31; 15:34) resulted in “sins”. King Uzziah’s offering (2 Chron 26:16, 18) result: “transgressed against the Lord” & ‘trespassed”.

God’s Silence About… The Old Priesthood Jesus was a Priest from Judah (Heb 7:12-14) only AFTER the covenant changed (Heb 7:22; 8:6-13). That Jesus is Divine is also argued from the silence of Scripture (Heb 1:5-6).

God’s Silence About… Striking The Rock Moses was only told to speak to the rock (Num 20:8-12).

God’s Silence About… The Fire For Incense Nadab & Abihu were told how to burn incense (Lev 8; 9; 10:1-3).

God’s Silence About… Washings Scribes & Pharisees used God’s silence to control their people (Mark 7:3-9).

God’s Silence About… The worship of the church: musical bands, non-vocal music, hand clapping, Christmas, Easter & Seder programs. The work of the church: secular education, recreation, contributing to human organizations for general benevolence & evangelism. The organization of the church: sponsoring churches, The World Convention of churches of Christ.

Single-Parent Family Minister (F) Minister of External Focus (M) Minister of Missions (M) Minister of Faith Development (F) Minister of Global Outreach (M) Senior Executive Minister (M) Minister of Adult Assured Care (M) Minister of New Members (M) Minister to College & Young Singles (M) Minister to Senior Adults (M) Praise & Worship Minister (M) Minister of Small Group (M) Minister of Life Stewardship (M) Neighborhood Connections Minister (M) Singles Minister (M) Minister of Body Life (F) Associate Youth Minister (F) Youth Minister (F) Involvement Minister (M) Minister of Outreach (M) Senior Minister of the Word (M) High School Youth Minister (M)

Organizational Structure Governance Council: Online Giving:  Chairman Senior minister A Regular Offering Senior executive minister Harvest Sunday Innkeepers Shepherding Group of Elders Servant Sunday

Respecting the authority of the silence of Scripture… …will keep us from being misled ….will empower us to bring honor to the name of Jesus Christ.

Gospel Plan of Salvation Believe Jesus to be Lord & Christ: Son of God John 8:23-24; 20:30-31; Mark 16:16; Rom 1:16; 10:9-10; Heb 11:6 Repent or turn from your sins Luke 24:46-47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30-31 Confess your faith in Christ Matt 10:32-33; Acts 8:36-38; Rom 10:9-10 Be immersed in water Matt 28:19; Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38; Rom 6:3-4; 1 Pet 3:21 Live in obedient faith to the Lord Heb 5:8-9; 1 Peter 1:14; Rev 2:10