2 John 1: I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father. 5 And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another.

6 This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it. 7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward.

9 Whoever transgresses 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. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds. NKJV

DO WE WENEED SCRIPTURAL AUTHORITY FOR EVERYTHING THAT WE DO ?

SOME PEOPLE SAY: IF THE BIBLE DOES NOT SAY, “THOU SHALT NOT” YOU CAN DO IT !

SOME PEOPLE SAY: IF IT IS NOT “IMMORAL” AND “THE ELDERS” APPROVE IT WE CAN DO IT !

THE BIBLE SAYS: YOUCANNOT“ALWAYS” DO EVERYTHING “IF” YOU DO NOT HAVE AUTHORITY TO DO SO !

Matthew 28: Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. NKJV

John 16: I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you. NKJV

Acts 2:1-4 1 Now when the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.

4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. NKJV

Colossians 3:17 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. NKJV

2 John 1:9 9 Whoever transgresses 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. NKJV

AS CHRISTIANS OUR ATTITUDE SHOULD BE: WE MUST HAVE AUTHORITYFROM THE NEW TESTAMENT TO DO EVERYTHING !

JESUS REVEALS HIS WILL BY EITHER: A COMMAND OR TEACHING !

OR “ AN EXAMPLE ” GIVEN AS A RESULT OF PEOPLE OBEYING THE TEACHING FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES !

OR A NECESSARY “CONCLUSION” THAT IS UNDERSTOOD BECAUSE OF THE THINGS THAT ARE SAID AND DONE IN THE NEW TESTAMENT !

NO ONE SHOULD DO ANYTHING WITHOUT THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST SAYING YOU CAN DO IT !

ONE SPECIFIC THING MENTIONED IN THE BIBLE FORBIDS YOU TO DO THE THINGS NOT SPECIFICALLY MENTIONED !

ONE NEW TESTAMENT EXAMPLE IS: THE DAY WE ARE TOASSEMBLE FOR WORSHIP !

Acts 2: Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. NKJV

Acts 20:7 7 Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. NKJV

1 Corinthians 16:1-2 1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. NKJV

ANOTHER EXAMPLE IS: THE COMMAND “TO SING“ EXCLUDES THE PLAYING OF A MECHANICAL INSTRUMENT OF MUSIC WHILE SINGING IN WORSHIP TO GOD !

Ephesians 5: And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, NKJV

Colossians 3: Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. NKJV

CONSIDER THESE NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES: 2 Timothy 3: All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. NKJV

Galatians 1:8-9 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. NKJV

1 Peter 4:11 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. NKJV

2 John Whoever transgresses 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. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds. NKJV

AS CHRISTIANS, WITHOUTAUTHORITYFROM THE NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES, WE DO NOT HAVE ANY AUTHORITY TO DO ANYTHING !

A WORD OFTEN USED TO ALLOW US “LIBERTY“ TO DO SOMETHING IS: EXPEDIENT !

1 Corinthians 6:12 12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. KJV

DEFINITION:EXPEDIENT (a)SOMETHING USEFUL FOR EFFECTING OR ACCOMPLISHING A DESIRED RESULT A DESIRED RESULT

SOME OTHER WORDS TO DESCRIBE ANYTHING EXPEDIENT ARE: PROFITABLE = NASV HELPFUL = NKJV BENEFICIAL = NIV

FOR ANYTHING TO BE EXPEDIENT: ITMUSTFIRST BE LAWFUL !

Ephesians 5: See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. NKJV

2 John 1: Whoever transgresses 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. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds. NKJV

SOME EXAMPLES ARE: TO ASSEMBLE IS LAWFUL ! THE MEETING PLACE IS TO BE EXPEDIENT !

Hebrews 10: And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. NKJV

ANOTHER EXAMPLE IS: BIBLE TEACHING IS LAWFUL ! THE ARRANGEMENT IN TEACHING SHOULD BE EXPEDIENT !

Matthew 28: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. KJV

ANOTHER EXAMPLE IS: BAPTISM IS LAWFUL ! WHERE TO BAPTIZE SOMEONE IS EXPEDIENT !

Mark 16:16 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. NKJV

Acts 2:38 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. 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.NKJV

Romans 6: Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, NKJV

ANOTHER EXAMPLE IS: SINGING IS LAWFUL ! A GIVING OF THE WORDS IS EXPEDIENT ! IS EXPEDIENT !

Ephesians 5: Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, NKJV

Colossians 3: Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. NKJV

FOR ANYTHING TO BE EXPEDIENT: ITMUST EDIFY !

1 Corinthians 10: All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. 24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other's well-being. NKJV

FOR ANYTHING TO BE EXPEDIENT: IT MUST NOT CAUSEOTHERS TO STUMBLE !

1 Corinthians 10: Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. NKJV

Romans 14: Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. 21 It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. NKJV

SOME THINGS TO BE CONSIDERED ARE: WHERE SHALL WE ASSEMBLE ? AND WHAT THINGS SHOULD WE INCLUDE INSIDE THE PLACE OF ASSEMBLY !

SOMETHING TO SIT ON ? VARIOUS CLASSROOMS ? A BAPTISTERY ? RESTROOMS ? A WATER FOUNTAIN ? AIR-CONDITIONING ?

ANOTHER THING TO CONSIDER IS: WHAT SHALL BE ALLOWED IN THE PLACE OF ASSEMBLY: WEDDING CEREMONIES ? FUNERALS ? VARIOUS SECULAR MEETINGS ?

WE NEED TO CONSIDER WHAT WE SHOULD INCLUDE ON THE PROPERTY WHERE WE ARE ASSEMBLING: A PLAYGROUND ? A GYMNASIUM ? A SECULAR SCHOOL ? A PLACE FOR EATING AND SOCIALIZING ?

DO WE NEED SCRIPTURAL AUTHORITY FOR EVERYTHING THAT WE DO ?

LETUSFOLLOW THE TEACHING OF JESUS CHRIST JESUS CHRIST FOR ALL THAT WE DO !

AND LET US USE WISDOM AND LOVE AS WE ARE GUIDED, TO MAKE THE BEST DECISIONS ON HOW TO DO HIS WILL !