1. A Review of Lesson 1 n A review our previous study on Bible Authority.

2. A Review of Lesson 1 n A review our previous study on Bible Authority. n We must have Bible authority for everything we do (Col 3:17, 2 Jn 9).

3. A Review of Lesson 1 n Colossians 3:17 (NKJV) - 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.

4. A Review of Lesson 1 n 2 John 1:9 (NKJV) - 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.

5. A Review of Lesson 1 n This means giving book, chapter, and verse for our practices!

6. A Review of Lesson 1 n This means giving book, chapter, and verse for our practices! n Any practice which we cannot give scripture should be given up.

7. A Review of Lesson 1 n Authority may be expressed in both a specific and general way.

8. A Review of Lesson 1 n Authority may be expressed in both a specific and general way. n General authority includes all things necessary to fulfilling an authorized action. Here we find that there are things authorized by God which may not be specifically named.

9. A Review of Lesson 1 n Specific Authority means that when God has specified a particular thing to be done, we must not make a substitute!

10. A Review of Lesson 1 n We must consider context, settings and many other things to properly apply Bible authority.

11. A Review of Lesson 1 n We must consider context, settings and many other things to properly apply Bible authority. n We can look at how the words of the Bible communicate to us by the common classifications of command, approved example, and inescapable conclusion.

12. A Review of Lesson 1 n This is not “a church of Christ invention" but a common sense way of understanding any language.

13. A Review of Lesson 1 n We could use other terminology.

14. What is a local church? n There are two common positions that brethren may take.

15. What is a local church? n Whatever the individual Christian may do, the church may do.

16. What is a local church? n Whatever the individual Christian may do, the church may do. n Sometimes it is worded like this "The church, after all, is the members so when a Christian does a good deed, it is really the Lord's church that does it."

17. What is a local church? n This view makes no distinction between the work of a Christian and the work of a local church.

18. What is a local church? n There is a distinction between the work of an individual Christian and a local church.

19. What is a local church? n There is a distinction between the work of an individual Christian and a local church. n This view requires that the local church be addressed in the context of a passage before assuming church responsibility.

20. What is a local church? n Therefore If a scripture addresses only the individual Christian this would not be enough to assume church action.

21. What is a local church? n Therefore If a scripture addresses only the individual Christian this would not be enough to assume church action. n What do we mean by the term "church"?

22. What is a local church? n Therefore If a scripture addresses only the individual Christian this would not be enough to assume church action. n What do we mean by the term "church"? n There are three common usages in the New Testament.

23. What is a local church? n Therefore If a scripture addresses only the individual Christian this would not be enough to assume church action. n What do we mean by the term "church"? n There are three common usages in the New Testament. n It can be viewed as a relationship to Christ, sometimes distinguished in our language as "the universal church".

24. What is a local church? n (Mt 16:18; Eph 4:4; 1:22 ‑ 23) ‑ There is only ONE church when used in this sense. Every Christian is a member of this church.

25. What is a local church? n Matthew 16:18 (NKJV) - And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

26. What is a local church? n Ephesians 4:4 (NKJV) - There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;

27. What is a local church? n Ephesians 1:22-23 (NKJV) - And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

28. What is a local church? n This church is not a functional body, that is it does not have a organization or earthly headquarters by which it functions. The head of this church is Christ who is quartered or resides in heaven.

29. What is a local church? n This church is not a functional body, that is it does not have a organization or earthly headquarters by which it functions. The head of this church is Christ who is quartered or resides in heaven. n In the universal church there is no distinction between the individual and the church because the individual is the only functional part.

30. What is a local church? n It can be viewed as a functional body al. a given location which we commonly call a local church or congregation (1 Cor 1:2; Rom 16:16; Gal 1:2)

31. What is a local church? n 1 Corinthians 1:2 (NKJV) - To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

32. What is a local church? n Romans 16:16 (NKJV) - Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.

33. What is a local church? n Galatians 1:2 (NKJV) - and all the brethren who are with me, To the churches of Galatia:

34. What is a local church? n In contrast with the universal church there are several local churches. This does not contradict Ephesians 4:4 when it speaks of ONE CHURCH. There is only one church (relationship to Christ) but many local congregations (Rom 16:16).

35. What is a local church? n Ephesians 4:4-6 (NKJV) - There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

36. What is a local church? n This is where the real controversy lies. Is there a distinction between an individual Christian and a local church?

37. What is a local church? n It can be viewed as an assembly (1 Cor 14:33 ‑ 34).

38. What is a local church? n 1 Corinthians 14:33-34 (NKJV) - For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. 34 Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says.

39. What is a local church? n The basic meaning of the Greek word ekklesia translated "church" means to call out. Sometimes it means an assembly. In Acts 19:32 this word is translated "assembly" and is dealing with an unruly mob.

40. What is a local church? n Acts 19:32 (NKJV) - Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together.

41. What is a local church? n In 1 Cor 14:33 ‑ 34 the word church must mean an assembly or else a woman could never speak again after becoming a member of the church universal or a local church if either is the meaning!

42. What is a local church? n 1 Corinthians 14:33-34 (NKJV) - For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. 34 Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says.

43. What is a local church? n There are three things necessary to establish a local church.

44. What is a local church? n There are three things necessary to establish a local church. n There is an agreement to work and worship together as a local church (Acts 9:26).

45. What is a local church? n Acts 9:26 (NKJV) - And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple.

46. What is a local church? n There is a common oversight (1 Pt 5:1 ‑ 2).

47. What is a local church? n 1 Peter 5:1-2 (NKJV) - The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: 2Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;

48. What is a local church? n There is a pooling of resources (1 Cor 16:1 ‑ 2).

49. What is a local church? n 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 (NKJV) - 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.

50. What is a local church? n Please be careful how you use terms! Much confusion is created when we do not understand the meaning of words.

51. What is a local church? n Please be careful how you use terms! Much confusion is created when we do not understand the meaning of words. n Some say any coming together of Christians constitutes a local church. For example some Christians may get together and pool their money to buy pizza. This is not a local church at work!

52. What is a local church? n With these definitions in mind let us go to the Bible and see if any distinction exists.

53. Bible Passages that make a Distinction Between the Church and the Individual. n (Mt 18:15 ‑ 17) ‑ Notice the responsibilities given by Jesus in each step.

54. Bible Passages that make a Distinction Between the Church and the Individual. n Matthew 18:15-17 (NKJV) - “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’

55. Bible Passages that make a Distinction Between the Church and the Individual. n 17And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.

56. Bible Passages that make a Distinction Between the Church and the Individual. n In Verse 15 the individual is to act, no church action yet.

57. Bible Passages that make a Distinction Between the Church and the Individual. n In Verse 15 the individual is to act, no church action yet. n In verse 16 two or three individuals act, still no church action.

58. Bible Passages that make a Distinction Between the Church and the Individual. n In Verse 15 the individual is to act, no church action yet. n In verse 16 two or three individuals act, still no church action. n In verse 17 the church now acts!

59. Bible Passages that make a Distinction Between the Church and the Individual. n When one individual acts or even a group acts this does not constitute church action in this passage.

60. Bible Passages that make a Distinction Between the Church and the Individual. n When one individual acts or even a group acts this does not constitute church action in this passage. n (1 Tim 5:16) ‑ When an individual takes care of his own, this does not constitute church action.

61. Bible Passages that make a Distinction Between the Church and the Individual. n 1 Timothy 5:16 (NKJV) - If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows.

62. Bible Passages that make a Distinction Between the Church and the Individual. n Acts 5:4 (NKJV) - While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”

63. Bible Passages that make a Distinction Between the Church and the Individual. n Example: Consider the Christian who is a member of the Lion's Club.

64. Bible Passages that make a Distinction Between the Church and the Individual. n As he took time to help a needy person two individuals, one a Christian and the other a member of the Lion's club discussed his benevolent act.

65. Bible Passages that make a Distinction Between the Church and the Individual. n As he took time to help a needy person two individuals, one a Christian and the other a member of the Lion's club discussed his benevolent act. n The member of the Lion’s club said "Look, theirs the Lion's Club helping the poor!" while the Christian said "No, that is the local church helping the poor". Which is it?

66. Bible Passages that make a Distinction Between the Church and the Individual. n Neither! In fact it was that Christian helping the poor.

67. Bible Passages that make a Distinction Between the Church and the Individual. n Neither! In fact it was that Christian helping the poor. n What if two Christians committed adultery, would the local church be guilty of adultery?

68. Bible Passages that make a Distinction Between the Church and the Individual. n Neither! In fact it was that Christian helping the poor. n What if two Christians committed adultery, would the local church be guilty of adultery? n Denominations make the same mistake in John 15:1 ‑ 8 when they want the branches to be denominations. No, the branches are individuals.

69. Bible Passages that make a Distinction Between the Church and the Individual. n John 15:1-8 (NKJV) - “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

70. Bible Passages that make a Distinction Between the Church and the Individual. n 5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.

71. Bible Passages that make a Distinction Between the Church and the Individual. n 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

72. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n Consider the various God given relationships the Christian sustains and what each Involves.

73. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n Consider the various God given relationships the Christian sustains and what each Involves. n (Eph 6:4) ‑ There are family responsibilities of the Christian.

74. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n Consider the various God given relationships the Christian sustains and what each Involves. n (Eph 6:4) ‑ There are family responsibilities of the Christian. n These involve discipline, recreation, education, shelter, etc...

75. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n Ephesians 6:4 (NKJV) - And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

76. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n (Gal 6:10) ‑ There are community responsibilities of the Christian. These involve benevolence, community groups such as PTA, little league, Civic groups, and other groups such as March of dimes, etc...

77. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n Galatians 6:10 (NKJV) - Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

78. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n (Rom 13:1 ‑ 8) ‑ There are governmental responsibilities of the Christian. These involve paying taxes, any positive influence towards righteousness such as campaigning, running for office or making a contribution to a candidate.

79. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n Romans 13:1-8 (NKJV) - Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.

80. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.

81. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n 5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

82. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n (Eph 4:28; 2 Thess 3:10 ‑ 12) ‑ There are economic responsibilities of the Christian. These involve any honest means of earning money such as working for an employer or operating your own business such as a hardware store, a college, a printing company, a bicycle shop, etc...

83. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n Ephesians 4:28 (NKJV)- Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.

84. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 (NKJV) - For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.

85. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n 12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.

86. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n Let us consider the consequences of failing to make a distinction.

87. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n Let us consider the consequences of failing to make a distinction. n Look at the above responsibilities. Are you prepared to say that the church may do ALL of these things?

88. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n If no, then on what basis can you oppose them and not distinguish between the work of the local church and the work of an individual Christian?

89. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n If no, then on what basis can you oppose them and not distinguish between the work of the local church and the work of an individual Christian? n Sadly false arguments used to justify pet projects of one generation will be taken to their consistent conclusion by another generation!

90. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n Brethren who push for no distinction are powerless to oppose the great church sponsored recreational projects and businesses of our day.

91. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n Brethren who push for no distinction are powerless to oppose the great church sponsored recreational projects and businesses of our day. n Some have tried to limit their argument by saying there is no distinction in "spiritual works" while only the individual may participate in "secular" work.

92. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n The Bible no where makes such a distinction! Can you give the scripture?

93. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n The Bible no where makes such a distinction! Can you give the scripture? n In Eph 4:28 what is "spiritual" and what is "secular"?

94. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n The Bible no where makes such a distinction! Can you give the scripture? n In Eph 4:28 what is "spiritual" and what is "secular"? n A Christian is to work in order to give to the needy.

95. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n The Bible no where makes such a distinction! Can you give the scripture? n In Eph 4:28 what is "spiritual" and what is "secular"? n A Christian is to work in order to give to the needy. n Both are God given works and it is given in this passage to the individual!

96. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n A person would be out of order to apply it to the local church.

97. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n A person would be out of order to apply it to the local church. n Let us summarize the differences between the church and the individual.

98. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n TWO TREASURIES

99. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n TWO TREASURIES n METHOD OF RAISING

100. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n TWO TREASURIES n METHOD OF RAISING n By Honest Labor (Eph 4:28)

101. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n TWO TREASURIES n METHOD OF RAISING n By Honest Labor (Eph 4:28) n By Voluntary Offering (l Cor 16:1 ‑ 2)

102. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 (NKJV) - Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2On 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.

103. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n OVERSIGHT

104. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n OVERSIGHT n The Individual (Acts 5:4)

105. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n OVERSIGHT n The Individual (Acts 5:4) n Local Elders (Acts 11:30; Pt 5:1-3)

106. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n Acts 5:4 (NKJV) - While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”

107. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n Acts 11:30 (NKJV) - This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

108. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n 1 Peter 5:1-3 (NKJV) - The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;

109. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n USE

110. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n USE n Contribution (1 Cor 16:1 ‑ 2)

111. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n USE n Contribution (1 Cor 16:1 ‑ 2) n Pay Taxes (Rom 13:17)

112. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n USE n Contribution (1 Cor 16:1 ‑ 2) n Pay Taxes (Rom 13:17) n Provide for Family (1 Tim 5:16)

113. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n Edify Saints (Eph 4:15 ‑ 16)

114. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n Edify Saints (Eph 4:15 ‑ 16) n Preaching Gospel (2 Cor 11:8)

115. There is a difference between the responsibilities of an individual and the local church. n Edify Saints (Eph 4:15 ‑ 16) n Preaching Gospel (2 Cor 11:8) n Relieving Saints (Acts 4:32 ‑ 34)