2. General Authority vs. Specific Authority Extreme #1 “We do many things not specifically mentioned in the Bible, having no Bible authority for these practices.” Extreme #2 “We can do nothing unless the Bible specifically refers to it.”

3. General Authority vs. Specific Authority General Authority General - “not specialized, not specific or detailed; not clearly defined.” This includes everything within a given group, although nothing is precisely stated. Something may be authorized although not specifically mentioned.

4. General Authority vs. Specific Authority Specific - “particular and detailed, avoiding vagueness; restricted or explicit.” This includes only what is specified, excluding everything that has not been specified. Something may be unauthorized although not specifically censured. Specific Authority

5. General Authority vs. Specific Authority Bible Examples: ➡ The ark God commanded Noah to build. General authority - He could cut the trees down anyway he wanted, using any tools he wanted. Specific authority - He could only use gopher wood.

6. General Authority vs. Specific Authority Bible Examples: ➡ The Great Commission. General authority - They could go anyway they wanted, teaching anyway they wanted. Specific authority - They could only preach the gospel.

7. General Authority vs. Specific Authority Bible Examples: ➡ Assembling for worship. Specific authority - Assemble regularly, especially the Lord’s Day. General authority - Where to assemble - rented hall, church building, etc.

8. General Authority vs. Specific Authority Bible Examples: ➡ Music to be offered in worship. Specific authority - Vocal music. General authority - Those things that facilitate orderly singing - song books, slides, song leader, etc.

9. General Authority vs. Specific Authority ✴ If something is specified, then the only choice we have is to obey or disobey what God said. ✴ If a command is general, we have the right and the responsibility to use our judgment in seeing that it is carried out.

10. General Authority vs. Specific Authority Expediency Expedient - “appropriate, advisable, useful in a situation, advantageous for practical reasons.” Something that facilitates an action, making that action more efficient, or enabling the action to operate more smoothly.

11. General Authority vs. Specific Authority Expediency ➡ It falls within the realm of “general authority.” ➡ God has not been silent, He has just not specified how a command is to be carried out. Baptize Essential element - lots of water. Expediency - where that water is held.

12. General Authority vs. Specific Authority Expediency ➡ It falls within the realm of “general authority.” Music in Worship Essential element - singing; vocal. Expediency - whatever facilitates singing. ➡ God has not been silent, He has just not specified how a command is to be carried out.

13. General Authority vs. Specific Authority Expediency ➡ It falls within the realm of “general authority.” ➡ God has not been silent, He has just not specified how a command is to be carried out. ➡ Care must be taken not to violate God’s will by claiming something is expedient when it is not. - For something to be expedient it must first be lawful. David’s cart. Instrumental music.