1. “You can’t tell me what to do!”

2. “I have a right to live my life as I see fit!”
Each Individual Responsible for their own decisions- Galatians 6:4,5
Philippians 2:12,13
2 Corinthians 5:10
Ezekiel 18:20

3. We Are Not Free to Do as we Please
We belong to God – Ezekiel 18:4
Our lives belong to the Lord- Romans 14:7,8
We live by the Will of God- 1 Peter 4:1,2
The whole duty of man is to Serve God- Ecclesiastes 12:13

4. Decisions we Make Often Affect Lives of Others
Romans 5:18
Romans 4:16-25
You do NOT have the right to sin as you see fit
Romans 12:9-13
Parents to Train Children- Proverbs 22:6

5. Decisions we Make Often Affect Lives of Others
Fellow Christians to Encourage Each Other – Hebrews 10:23-25
We work to restore lost- Galatians 6:1,2
We seek to persuade others- 2 Corinthians 5:10,11

6. Among Congregations Head of church is Christ – Colossians 1:18
Elders oversee work of local congregation – Acts 14:23
Responsible for local flock- Acts 20:28
They live and work among that flock- 1 Peter 5:2

7. Among Congregations There is No Organization beyond the local church
Independence does not give the congregation the right to determine what is right or wrong
It is Not simply a matter of judgment how we implement a command of God

8. Scriptures Are Complete
Acts 20:27 – “whole council of God”
2 Timothy 3:16,17 “given by inspiration of God"
2 Peter 1:3 “all things that pertain to life and godliness”
Whatever we do must be with the Authority of Christ- Colossians 3:17

9. No Eldership, Preacher or any other man has the right to Loose where God has Not Loosed, or Bind where God has Not Bound

10. Are there decisions that a local congregation must make?
Most Certainly! In all choices, must first be a command that allows latitude where a choice must be made

11. While churches remain independent, One church may send aid to another
Acts 11:19-26
Philippians 4:14-16
Acts 11:27-30

12. While churches remain independent, One church may Advise Another
Acts 15:1-4
Acts 15:12
Acts 15:23,24
Acts 18:27
1 Timothy 1:20

13. What if an individual or congregation leaves the Truth, choosing the Wrong Path?
Romans 16:17 “note those who cause divisions and offenses, …and avoid them.”

14. Individuals were commended for their work
Acts 16:1,2 “well spoken of by the brethren at Lystra and Iconium”

15. Churches also develop Reputations
Romans 16:19
Romans 1:8
Revelation 3:1

16. Whose Business is it if a Congregation is Teaching Falsely?
Everyone’s!
Affects Reputation of the church universal
Impacts those who are traveling

17. While we must make our own decisions & must live with the consequences, our responsibility for our brethren does not end at the door