I. Attitude Toward Authority

Jesus and Authority Teaching: Mk.1:21-22 Works: Mk.1: Three years later: Mk.11:27-33

These things (27-28). What things? By what authority?  Three years of proof… They recognize need of authority Realize need of power to grant it Grand entrance Mk.11:1-11 Cleansed temple Mk.11:15-17 Teaching w. authority Mk.11:18

These things? By what authority? 29-30, His question: heaven or men (only two sources of authority) 31-32, their hedging: more concerned for consequences than truth 33, their final answer: we do not know. True, but they did have convictions Their attitude contradicts entire revelation of God

Deut.4:2 Changing Word prevents doing His will Paste: Ro.3: Scissors: Ac.2:38 You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. “I believe in many different churches” “I reject a god who would punish in hell”

Prov.30:6 Don’t mix dross w. gold  Mt.15:2-9 Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar. “We follow Bible alone” Social gospel Church recreation ??

Jer.10:23 We don’t know what God wants unless He tells us Cannot learn truth by... StarsSigns Omens If these are the standard, why need the Bible? Opinions

Mt.28:18-20 If partial authority, He might have sent them to part of the world If slight authority, He might have sent them w. suggestions All authority (1 Co.15:24) – nothing can escape His jurisdiction Given, Dn.7:13

Gal.1:6-9 Where angels fear to tread Galatians were in the process of deserting or transferring from one thing to another 1 K. 21:25, Ahab changed Dionysius the turncoat Gospel From...To Another gospel

Phil.3:16 Learning how to walk. Jn.3:21 Use light you have…will receive more Col.3:17 You are citizen of Colosse; what does v.17 say to you? “Comprehensive coverage” Personal conductPublic assemblies Private thoughtsPrivate deeds

I. Attitude Toward Authority II. What Is A Local Church?

World Book (III, 421) A world community of Christians Any denomination professing same Christian creed, as Methodist Church National religious body, as Ch. of Eng. In early Christianity, often mean the worship of God by group of Christians, as church in Antioch, Syria

Church 1 “In common usage for several hundred years before the Christian era and was used to refer to an assembly of persons constituted by well-defined membership” (L-N, 11.32) Ac.19:32, 39, 40 Ac.7:38, religious use, Israel Dt.9:10 assembly Nu.15:34-36 authority

Church 2 “A congregation of Christians, imply- ing interacting membership... (L-N, 11.32) Mt.-Jn.: two times Mt.16:18; 18:17 Acts: 19 times NT: 115 times

Church 3 Ac.18:8, Corinthians were not left alone Paul taught authority: 1 Co.9:4-6, 18; 2 Co.10:8; 13:10 1 Co.1:2; 5:2-5; 11:17-34; 14:23, etc. “I am a church of Christ” (1 Co.12:14) “I am an assembly”? “I am a denominational church”?

I. Attitude Toward Authority III. This Is A Test II. What Is A Local Church?

X Ro.15 2 Co Co.16Church aid to church X Ac.2; 4; 61 Tim.5:16Church relief 1 Tim.3:5Ac.14:23Ac.20:28; 1 Pt.5:2-3 Elders: one church Forced Conclusion Approved Example Statement/ Command Subject

???Ch. to ch. to preach ???Ch. recre. ???Miss. Soc. ???Elders: many ch’s. 1 Tim.3:5Ac.14:23Ac.20:28; 1 Pt.5:2-3 Elders: one ch. Forced Conclusion Approved Example Statement/ Command Subject