1. “…for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God. For all flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls off, But the word of the Lord endures forever” (I Peter 2:23ff).

2. All Kinds of Churches From ultra conservative to ultra liberal. Which is the “right”, “good” one? To what do you compare each one? Can we be judgmental? “I’ve judged you to be judgmental.” Did you say that “in love”? I John 4:1; 2 Peter 2:1 What is a “fundamentalist”? A “primitivist”? Put the “fun” back in fundamentalism. Those folks (1 st century) were filled with joy/rejoicing.

3. You Must Begin With The Word of God! If I devised a church of my own it would reflect my ideas, my goals, my desires. (Joseph Smith, Mary Baker Eddy). The Lord’s church reflects the Lord. Matt. 16:16-18 How did Jesus design His church? How did it function? Read your Bible!

4. Did You Ever Play… “Simon Says…” “Mother May I…” Paying attention is sooooo important in every area. Husband and wife Parent and child Work School

5. Respect for Authority Scripture originates with God: 2 Tim. 3:16-17 Prophets were moved by Holy Spirit: 2 Pet. 1:19ff God now speaks thru Son: Heb. 1:1-3 Apostles delegated to spread God’s (Jesus’) word thru inspiration of Holy Spirit: John 14:16-17, 26; 16:12-14; I Cor. 2:9-13 Mind of God recorded for posterity: Eph. 3:3-4 Once revealed: Jude 3 Once confirmed: Heb. 2:1-4; John 20:30-31

6. Understanding the Mind of God: Doesn’t come thru “reasoning” – Jer. 10:23 Doesn’t come thru conscience – Acts 23:1; 26:9; I Tim. 4:2 Doesn’t come thru teaching of men – Matt. 15:9 Old Testament isn’t sufficient – Heb. 8:13; Col. 2:14

7. New Testament is All Sufficient John 16:13 – ALL Truth. 2 Peter 1:3 – ALL Things. Be satisfied, don’t go “beyond” – 2 John 9-11; I Cor. 4:6; Gal. 1:6-10, Our obligation is to know and obey – Matt. 7:21; 2 Thess 1:7-9 Hope and life come thru the Gospel – Rom. 1:16