Col. 3:17

Authority in Religion What does Authority mean? –The right or power to govern & enforce laws. –Jesus has all right to enforce laws today. Matt 28:18 – “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” What is our Authority today? –Jesus' word the New Testament Heb. 1:1-2; John 12:44-50; John 13:20 “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17)

Authority in Religion There is Strictness in God’s Laws. –Examples of God’s Strictness Adam & Eve – Gen 2:16-17; 3:9-24 Nadab & Abihu – Lev 10:1-3 King Saul – 1 Sam 15 –Has This Changed With Christ? Followers of Jesus – Matt 7:21-23 Ananias & Saphira - Acts 5:1-11 “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17)

Authority in Religion There is Strictness in God’s NT Law. 2 John 9 – “Whoever transgress and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the father and the son.” “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17) DOCTRINE OF CHRIST Has Father & Son Has NOT God!

Authority in Religion There is Strictness in God’s NT Law. Romans 16:17 “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them that are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which ye learned: and turn away from them.” “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17) DOCTRINE OF CHRIST Unity In Truth “Turn Away” From Those Who Contradict Truth! Causes Division & Occasions of Stumbling

Authority in Religion There is Strictness in God’s NT Law. 1 Cor. 5:4-5, 7, 13 “Ye being gathered together… to deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. …Purge out the old leaven… Put away the wicked man from among yourselves.” “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17) DOCTRINE OF CHRIST Saved Pure Judge & Deliver to Satan: (1)To save their spirit. (2)To purify the church.

Authority in Religion There is Strictness in God’s NT Law. 2 Cor. 6:14-18 “Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers: for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? or what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what portion hath a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement hath a temple of God with idols? for we are a temple of the living God; even as God said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore Come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, And touch no unclean thing; And I will receive you, And will be to you a Father, And ye shall be to me sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty..” “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17)

Authority in Religion False Standards of Authority –Conscience or Feelings Prov 14:12; 16:25; Jer 17:9 –The Wisdom of Men 1 Cor 1:21; 2:1-5 –The Majority Lk 13:23-24; Ex. 23:2 “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17)

Authority in Religion False Standards of Authority –Family Matt 10:37 –The Old Testament – Law of Moses Rom. 7:1-6, 7; Col. 2:13-14, 16-19; Heb 9:16-17; 8:6-7 “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17)

Authority in Religion New Testament Authorized Plan of Salvation –Believe in Jesus and the Gospel “unless you believe that I am He you shall die in your sins” (Jn 8:24) –Must repent of sinful ways “God..now commands all men everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30) –Confess Christ’s name If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus..you will be saved (Rom 10:9) –Be Baptized in water “Eight souls, were saved through water: which also after a true likeness doth now save you, even baptism…” (1 Pet. 3:20-21) –Remain faithful till death “He who endures till the end will be saved” (Matt 10:22) “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17)

Authority in Religion New Testament Authorized Church –Established by Jesus’ Death “The church of the Lord which he purchased with his own blood.” (Jn 8:24) –Entered by Obedient Faith “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” (Acts 2:41, 47) –Organized Locally by Christ’s word “And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.” (Acts 14:23) –Worships in Spirit & in Truth “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24) “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17)

Authority in Religion Mercy is no excuse for continued sin! –What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Rom. 6:15-16) Come! –“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Rev. 22:17) “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17)