1. Don McClain 1

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3. 3  Expediency in human wisdom involves the right of choice within the realm of things generally authorized – When God specifies, then man has no choice but to obey or be in rebellion to God. To go beyond or fall short of that which is specified is “EVIL” –  Expediency in human wisdom involves the right of choice within the realm of things generally authorized – When God specifies, then man has no choice but to obey or be in rebellion to God. To go beyond or fall short of that which is specified is “EVIL” – Numbers 20:8-12

4. Don McClain 4 Through the centuries a misunderstanding concerning expediency has dealt the church untold misery. Innovations under the guise of expediency, has caused Wholesale apostasies in the work and worship of the church.

5. Don McClain 5 Sponsoring church arrangements – Sponsoring church arrangements – Support of colleges from the treasuries of local churches – Support of colleges from the treasuries of local churches – Orphan homes supported from the churches treasury - Orphan homes supported from the churches treasury - Fellowship Halls Fellowship Halls Providing Recreation and Entertainment Providing Recreation and Entertainment Today’s innovators cry “expediency” in an effort to promote

6. Don McClain 6 To Define - Students Reference Dictionary 1.Appropriate to a purpose. 2. Something contrived or used to meet an urgent need. 3.Suited to one's comfort, purpose, or needs. Webster –"Cultivation of, or adherence to, expedient means and methods."

7. Don McClain 7 Expediency, then, has to do with "means and methods " that is, the manner or way in which a given work is accomplished. In short, an expedient in religion is the best means or method of executing a divine command when the way to do it is not specified. To Define -

8. Don McClain 8 It Must Be Lawful - Romans 3:7,8 It Must Be Lawful - Romans 3:7,8 It Cannot Be Specified - Num 4:4-6 It Cannot Be Specified - Num 4:4-6 It Must Edify - 1 Cor 10:23,33; 14:26 It Must Edify - 1 Cor 10:23,33; 14:26 It Must Not Cause My Brother To Violate His Conscience - Rom 14:13-23 It Must Not Cause My Brother To Violate His Conscience - Rom 14:13-23 It Can NOT Be An Addition To God’s Way – Deut 4:2; 2 Jo 9; Rev 22:18 It Can NOT Be An Addition To God’s Way – Deut 4:2; 2 Jo 9; Rev 22:18

9. Don McClain 9 8 Lying is not lawful – Romans 3:7,8 8 Divorce (for any cause other than fornication) is not lawful – 1 Corinthians 7:10,11 8 The end DOESN’T justify the means!! Abortion- Murder - Stealing Women Preachers Fellowshipping Denominations

10. Don McClain 10 Nothing unauthorized can be classified as an expedient - 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.

11. Don McClain 11 Nothing unauthorized can be classified as an expedient - 2 John 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.

12. Don McClain 12 Nothing unauthorized can be classified as an expedient - Expediency is NOT A LAW but rather only a course or rule of conduct based on existing law. (Foy Wallace Jr. – The One Book Analyzed and Outlined, pg. 422) Just because a thing expedites a lawful thing does not make it lawful (1 Chr. 13; 1 Cor 6:12)

13. Don McClain 13  The kind of wood used in preparing the ark was specified; Gopher Wood –Gen 6:14,22; Heb 11:7 Noah could choose  Which tree to cut,  Which board to use for a particular need –  Nails, rope, or other aides to fix the board in the place needed

14. Don McClain 14  The kind of wood used in preparing the ark was specified; Gopher Wood –Gen 6:14,22; Heb 11:7  Noah could not use a different KIND of wood –  Even if more expedient  Or even – NO WOOD AT ALL, Noah would have disobeyed God!

15. Don McClain 15 The method of moving the Ark of the Covenant was specified – Numbers 4:4-6 Selecting which men from sons of Kohath the sons of Levi, to bring the ark of God from Kirjath Jearim to Jerusalem could be claimed as an expedient – Selecting which men from sons of Kohath the sons of Levi, to bring the ark of God from Kirjath Jearim to Jerusalem could be claimed as an expedient – BUT – To select men from another tribe, or to select another method than the one specified was sinful – BUT – To select men from another tribe, or to select another method than the one specified was sinful –

16. Don McClain 16 Consulted with every leader – (1 Chr 13:1) but forgot to consult God’s word (15:13) Consulted with every leader – (1 Chr 13:1) but forgot to consult God’s word (15:13) The Ox Cart was unauthorized The Ox Cart was unauthorized The ox cart could not be claimed as an expedient – The ox cart could not be claimed as an expedient – Was not specifically condemned – but condemned because the method was specified! Was not specifically condemned – but condemned because the method was specified! The method of moving the Ark of the Covenant was specified – Numbers 4:4-6

17. Don McClain 17 Ephesians 5:19 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, God commands that we sing –

18. Don McClain 18 Colossians 3:16 16 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. God commands that we sing –

19. Don McClain 19 God commands that we sing – Instrumental music is NOT AN AIDE. 8NOT INCLUDED within the practice specified – SING God specified the instrument – THE HEART

20. Don McClain 20 God specified baptism as a necessary act of obedience God specified baptism as a necessary act of obedience (following, hearing the truth, faith confession & repentance) – 4 Expedients - –A baptistery –Baptismal clothing 8 Not Expedient - –Sprinkling – it is a substitution for what God has enjoined upon us.

21. Don McClain 21 The Lord specified that the church preach the gospel to the lost – 4Expedient –Which preacher to send or support – Radio – TV - Mail 8Not an expedient - –Another organization established and supported by the church to select and support a preacher! –Same is true with benevolent societies – The Lord specified that the church preach the gospel to the lost – 4Expedient –Which preacher to send or support – Radio – TV - Mail 8Not an expedient - –Another organization established and supported by the church to select and support a preacher! –Same is true with benevolent societies –

22. Don McClain 22 Organization of the church is specified – –Elders of one congregation cannot overlook the work of other congregations – (1 Peter 5:2) –The sponsoring church arrangement is not an expedient, but an unlawful extension of the work and oversight of the elders of a congregation.

23. Don McClain 23 If a thing is a matter of human choice or expediency, but causes division in the body of Christ – it is sinful to practice that thing!

24. Don McClain 24 1 Corinthians 14:26 26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 1 Corinthians 14:26 26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.

25. Don McClain 25 1 Corinthians 10:23-33 23 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...

26. Don McClain 26 1 Corinthians 10:23-33.. 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.

27. Don McClain 27 Sometimes the expedient thing is NOT TO DO SOMETHING! 1 Cor. 8:9,13 9 But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak..... 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

28. Don McClain 28 Sometimes the expedient thing is NOT TO DO SOMETHING! 15 Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love.... Rom 14:15-21

29. Don McClain 29 Sometimes the expedient thing is NOT TO DO SOMETHING! 19 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. Rom 14:15-21

30. Don McClain 30 Sometimes the expedient thing is NOT TO DO SOMETHING! Rom 14:15-21 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...

31. Don McClain 31 4 Sometimes subtractions are done unto edification! –To leave off my wants for the unity and peace within the church – –To cease my murmuring and complaining – –Refrain from forcing my opinions on others – –Withdrawing from those who cause division -

32. Don McClain 32 However – If a thing is required by God, it must be done no matter what the consequences may be – even if it divides people –

33. Don McClain 33 4 We must discern between essentials and non- essentials – Essential – –Sound, forceful preaching speaking ALL the truth in love.. Not pleasant –Not pleasant – May make people mad –May make people mad – May cause them to leaveMay cause them to leave But demanded by the Lord – 2 Tim 4:2

34. Don McClain 34 4 We must discern between essentials and non-essentials – Essential – –Observance of the Lord’s Supper upon the first day of the week – –At the beginning, in the middle, or at the end of the service? 4 We must discern between essentials and non-essentials – Essential – –Observance of the Lord’s Supper upon the first day of the week – –At the beginning, in the middle, or at the end of the service? What if all do not agree?

35. Don McClain 35 1 Corinthians 10:32 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.

36. Don McClain 36 Romans 14:13-23 13.. let us... resolve not to put a stumbling block in our brother’s way. 14...nothing unclean of itself; but - 15... Do not destroy 19... pursue the things which make for peace and edification 20... it is evil to eat with offense. 23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.

37. Don McClain 37 We must not force our way upon a brother who sincerely believes that it is wrong and thus he violates his conscience –

38. Don McClain 38 Someone may argue...  We are not helping the kids because we do not offer 8Entertainment – 8Recreation -  We are not helping the hungry in Africa This Rule ONLY Governs Matters of Expediency – The Lord’s church is NOT authorized to engage in entertainment, recreation or general benevolence

39. Don McClain 39 Are we open to study? Or have we decided our opinions and beliefs and have the attitude – “Don’t confuse me with the facts!” Must consider the attitudes involved – Do we have to give in to EVERY LITTLE doubt in the realm of expediencies?

40. Don McClain 40 Are we concerned with the well-being, and growth of the church? Or are we being selfish, nit picky & holding the church back? Do we have to give in to EVERY LITTLE doubt in the realm of expediencies? Must consider the attitudes involved –

41. Don McClain 41 Assembling: Hebrews 10:25 4 Expedients -  Place – Building, home, tent,....  Lights – Lamps, electric -  Windows – air conditioners  Seats – pews, padded, These things Do NOT add to, or change God’s command to assemble, or our worship, but rather expedites our fulfilling the command.

42. Don McClain 42 Lighting candles as part of worship is an addition BECAUSE THE NATURE OF WORSHIP HAS BEEN CHANGED! Assembling: Hebrews 10:25 4 Expedients -  Place – Building, home, tent,....  Lights – Lamps, electric -  Windows – air conditioners  Seats – pews, padded,

43. Don McClain 43 Music: Ep 5:19; Col 3:17  Expedients –Pitch pipes, –Song books, –Song leader. NOTE:---nothing God requires is changed by using such aids

44. Don McClain 44 Music: Ep 5:19; Col 3:17  Expedients –Pitch pipes, –Song books, –Song leader. But addition The instrument is specified – The Heart! But - If a mechanical instrument of music is used, it is an addition - the type (nature, characteristic) of the music “specified” is changed. The instrument is specified – The Heart!

45. Don McClain 45 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; Preaching – 2 Tim 4:2-5

46. Don McClain 46 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. Preaching – 2 Tim 4:2-5

47. Don McClain 47 Do these add to, or change the work & requirements of preachers? OR; Do they ONLY aide him in doing his work?  Expedients – –Chalkboards, –Computers –Overhead projectors, –Electronic Projectors –Microphones, Tape recorders, Radio; TV.. Preaching – 2 Tim 4:2-5

48. Don McClain 48 Additions –  Preaching something other than the word; –Politics – –Economics – –Comedians - –Acting... (Dramas or plays ARE NOT PREACHING!) –Fluff - Preaching – 2 Tim 4:2-5

49. Don McClain 49 Ephesians 4:11-16 11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, Teaching- (Edification) –

50. Don McClain 50 2 Timothy 2:2 commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Teaching- (Edification) –

51. Don McClain 51 Hebrews 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, Teaching- (Edification) –

52. Don McClain 52 In what way would a congregation change or add to God’s instruction to teach its members by providing opportunities based upon the capabilities of the learners? Teaching- (Edification) – Expedients 4 Arrangement in classes to carry out the command to instruct

53. Don McClain 53 Age - Gender – Abilities – Maturity - Teaching- (Edification) – Expedients 4 Arrangement in classes to carry out the command to instruct

54. Don McClain 54 Nothing unauthorized can be classified as an expedient - 8Animal sacrifices 8Burning candles 8Instrumental music Not authorized acts of New Testament worship Can they then be claimed as an expedient in worshipping God?

55. Don McClain 55 Nothing unauthorized can be classified as an expedient - 8Institutions apart from the church cannot be claimed as expedients for doing the work that the church was given to do They are unauthorized institutions –

56. Don McClain 56 Nothing unauthorized can be classified as an expedient - 8Recreation is not a work of the church; 8Therefore to build a recreational facility is not an expedient in carrying out the work of the church.

57. Don McClain 57 Baptize (Mt. 28:18-20) Pool, River, Baptistery, Etc. Basin to Sprinkle – Cup for Pouring CommandsAidsAdditions Assemble (Heb. 10:24-25) House, Hall, Church Building, Family Life Center, Gymnasium, Etc. Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 11:23-29) Cups, Plates, Table, Etc. Social Meal (1 Co. 11:17-22, 34) Give (1 Cor. 16:1-2) Collection Baskets Raffle Tickets, Chili Suppers, Cake Walks, Etc. Sing (Eph. 5:19) Song Book, Leader, Pitch Pipe, Piano, Guitars, Organ, Violin, Etc.

58. Don McClain 58 The principle is: –That which assists is an aid; that which changes (either by addition, subtraction or alteration) is unauthorized. –The first is permitted while the second is condemned. –An "expedient" is an aid that is suitable for carrying out that which is authorized

59. Don McClain 59 It Must Be Lawful - Romans 3:7,8 It Must Be Lawful - Romans 3:7,8 It Cannot Be Specified - Num 4:4-6 It Cannot Be Specified - Num 4:4-6 It Must Edify - 1 Cor 10:23,33; 14:26 It Must Edify - 1 Cor 10:23,33; 14:26 It Must Not Cause My Brother To Violate His Conscience - Rom 14:13-23 It Must Not Cause My Brother To Violate His Conscience - Rom 14:13-23 It Can NOT Be An Addition To God’s Way – Deut 4:2; 2 Jo 9; Rev 22:18 It Can NOT Be An Addition To God’s Way – Deut 4:2; 2 Jo 9; Rev 22:18

60. Don McClain 60

61. Don McClain 61 Innovations under the guise of expediency, has caused Wholesale apostasies in the work and worship of the church. Instrumental Music – Choirs – Soloist -Entertainment Women Leading Prayer, preaching – Raffle Tickets, Bake Sales, Car Washes, Chili Suppers, etc... Communion - Monthly, Quarterly, Annually,. Dedicating Babies - Plays (Drama) – Applause – Hand Waving – Children’s Church –