How do we find Bible authority for what the church does today?

Direct Statements Mark 16:16 Declarative Statement – A Statement of fact Mark 16:16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

Direct Statements Conditional Statements – A statement of conditions Colossians 3:1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.

Direct Statements Mandatory (Command) – A statement that cannot be countered Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

Example Definition of the word “example” – one that serves as a pattern to be imitated or not to be imitated There are two forms of binding or authorization through example by God. Binding Examples – examples that must be followed

Example Consider the Lord’s Supper 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

Example Consider the Lord’s Supper Example demands that we partake on the first day of every week.

Example Consider the Lord’s Supper We know they church was meeting every first day of the week (1 Cor 16:2) We also know they were partaking of the Lord’s Supper each first day of the week (1 Cor 11:20; Acts 20:7). Thus we are to partake of the Lord’s supper every first day of the week.

Example Non-Binding Examples The early church partook of the Lord’s supper in the “upper room” with “many lights or lamps.” Why do we not “have” to be in an upper room with “many lamps?”

Example Non-Binding Examples Because we see the church partaking the Lord’s Supper in different rooms where lamps were not necessarily needed Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Example Non-Binding Examples Because we see the church partaking the Lord’s Supper in different rooms where lamps were not necessarily needed Acts 2:46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,

Implication Acts 16:15 Many assume Lydia was married. Many assume therefore she they had children. Many assume then some of these children were infants.

Implication Acts 16:15 Many assume some of the infants were baptized then. It is reasoned then that infant baptism is authorized. This is untrue as a person must first “receive” the word of God (Acts 2:41).

Implication We know Baptism is a requirement by God. Why? Because God does not require an action for salvation for one group of people and not require it for a different group of people who are under the same law. Romans 2:11 For there is no partiality with God.

Implication There for those who were baptized in order to have the forgiveness of sins. Acts 2:37-38 37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” 38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Implication The same would be required of anyone else. Those who were baptized were added to the body of Christ at baptism. Galatians 3:26-27 26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Implication Therefore all who are baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:37-38) are also at the same time added to the body of Christ (Gal 3:26-27). This applies to all or else God would be showing partiality (Romans 2:11).

Expedience Expedience defined – “a means of achieving a particular end” There is no expedience where there is no advantage. If there is not biblical advantage, just desire, there can be no authority for a matter. Expedience is always in harmony with the scriptures, not in contradiction to it.

Expedience Partaking of the Lord’s supper – before the sermon or after? Either time is acceptable. Partaking of the Lord’s supper – on a Saturday afternoon or evening? This is not the first day of the week, thus its not acceptable to God.

Expedience Are songbooks an expedient? One is able to sing the correct words and sing the same exact words as the rest of the congregation. Other examples could be given. An aide helps expedite an action it does not change an action or add to the Biblical pattern, nor does it contradict the pattern.

Lessons for us today

God’s Word provides the pattern to be followed. When we follow the form discussed we can see clearly the pattern God has laid out in His Word. It should be our desire to follow the pattern found in the New Testament so that we can know that we are doing what is pleasing to God.

God’s pattern eliminates possible problems Jeremiah 32:35 And they built the high places of Baal which are in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire to Molech, which I did not command them, nor did it come into My mind that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin.’

God’s pattern eliminates possible problems 6 And when they came to Nachon's threshing floor, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. 7 Then the anger of the Lord was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him there for his error; and he died there by the ark of God. 8 And David became angry because of the Lord's outbreak against Uzzah; and he called the name of the place Perez Uzzah to this day. 9 David was afraid of the Lord that day… 2 Samuel 6:6-9a

Conclusion God’s way is the only way that matters. We must be humble enough to follow God’s pattern if we are to be pleasing to Him.