1 What Standard?

1 What Standard?Bible

P TU ER XE T

Inject HumanTraditions& Opinions

PollutedStandard

2 The Scriptures Furnish Us With All TruthJohn 16:13

“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but what-ever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.”

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3 How We Learn From The BibleColossians 3:17 “And whatsoever ye do In word or deed, do all in the name of (by the authority - jts) of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.”Philippians 4:9 “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard (statement or command - jts), and seen (example - jts) in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”

4 Authorization Involves Methods and Aids

God authorizes the use of anything that is necessary in carrying out His commands, or that aids in so doing so long as some Scriptural principle is not violated.

ACTION METHOD AID Traveling Walking, Riding Crutches, Matthew 28:18 Swimming Automobile, Boat, Teaching Speaking, Writing TV, Radio II Timothy 2:2 Sign Language Computer Relieving Food, Clothing Fork, Knife, I Timothy 5:16 Shelter, Nursing House, Medicine

“A method is a means or manner of procedure, especially, a regular and systematic way of accomplishing anything” (American Heritage Dictionary, Page 826)

5 According To The Pattern

• Obeying ChristHebrews 5:9 “And being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him.”• Scriptures Furnish Us Unto All Good

WorksII Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

6 Work of the Church • Work

1. Evangelism — I Timothy 3:152. Edification — Ephesians 4:16

3. Benevolence — I Timothy 5:16

Any Work God Gave A Local Church To Do May Be Done By That Church Without Its Setting

Up Or Working Through Any Other Organization!

The Word “Church” Neither Singular,

Nor Plural,

But Collective

Link Saint

Links Saints

Chain Church

I Corinthians 12:14Matthew 18:15-17

7

OVERSIGHT LIMITED

Local Church - EldersIndependent

Equal

Autonomous

Sufficient

Acts 20:28 “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”I Peter 5:2-3 “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.”

8

9 What Has God Assigned To•The Church In Benevolence?

• Saints Acts 2:44-45 “And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.”Acts 4:32- 37 “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distri-bution was made unto every man according as he had need. 36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, 37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”


• Saints

Acts 6:1-3 “And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were negle-cted in the daily ministration. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.”


• Saints

Acts 11:27-30 “And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. 28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. 29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: 30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.”


• Saints

Romans 15:25-27 “But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. 26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. 27 It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been par-takers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things.”


• Saints

I Corinthians 16:1-2 “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. 2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.”


• Saints

II Corinthians 8:1-4 “Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; 2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. 3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; 4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.


• Saints

II Corinthians 9:1-5 “For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: 2 For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many. 3 Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready: 4 Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.


• Saints

II Corinthians 9:12-14 “For the adminis-tration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; 13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection into the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men.” 14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.”


• Saints

I Timothy 5:16 If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.


• Saints

16 What Has God Assigned The Church In Benevolence?

Scripture? Authority for Aliens and others ? ?

SaintsActs 2:44-45……...…Needy BelieversActs 4:32-37………. Needy BelieversActs 6:1-3 ……… .Needy WidowsActs 11:26-30 …… Needy BrethrenRomans 15:25-31…… .Poor SaintsI Corinthians 16:1-2 . . . . . Poor SaintsII Corinthians 8:1-4…. . Poor SaintsII Corinthians 9:1-5, 12…Poor SaintsI Timothy 5:16………. Widow Indeed

Church of Christ

God’s Treasury

ThisChurch

ChristEphesians

1:22-23Elders

DeaconsMembers

Philippians 1:1

May ProvideHouse, Food, Clothing,Medicine, Care

17

Or ThisChurch

ChristEphesians

1:22-23Elders

DeaconsMembers

Philippians 1:1 $$$ $$$

Mount Dorah Children’s Home Board of DirectorsSupt. and Helpers

May Provide

18 No Scriptural AuthorityMid-Western

Children’s Home

Board of

DirectorsSupt. and

HelpersPay for Services

Build HouseBuy HouseRent HouseBuy Clothes

Buy MedicinePay Helpers

ChristEphesians

1:22-23Elders

DeaconsMembers

Philippians 1:1

$

Church

“Tennessee Children’s Home serving children since 1909

Sharing Faith, Hope and LoveSupported by Churches of Christ”

Individuals: Gather Food and Clothing – Truck Will Pick them up once a month.Congregations: Send fifty Sunday Contribution to Tennessee Orphan Home

Some History of Orphan Homes

35 Orphans Home - Divine or Human InstitutionN B Hardeman - Then President of Freed-Hardeman College wrote in The Firm Foundation, October 28, 1947 trying to justify churches sending funds to Freed-Hardeman College:“Note the parallel: 1. The school is a human institution; it has a board of directors; it teaches secular branches in connection with the Bible. 2. An orphan home is a human institution; it has a board of directors; it teaches secular branches in connection with the Bible. The same principle that permits one, must also permit the other.”

20 Passages Describing Individual - Not Church ActionJames 1:25-27 “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. 26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. 27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”

“Individual” Passages

Passage Context Shows James 1:27 Individual Action Church Action PerversionPerversion

19

20 Passages Describing Individual - Not Church ActionGalatians 6:7-10 “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”

“Individual” Passages

Passage Context Shows James 1:27 Individual Action Church Action PerversionPerversion Galatians 6:10 Individual ActionChurch ActionPerversionPerversion

19

22 Passages Describing Individual - Not Church ActionMatthew 5:43-48 “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”

21 “Individual” Passages Passage Context Shows PerversionPerversion James 1:27 Individual Action Church Action Galatians 6:10 Individual Action Church Action Matthew 5:43-48 Individual Action Church Action

24 Passages Describing Individual - Not Church ActionMatthew 25:34-36 “Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me’.”

23 “Individual” Passages Passage Context Shows PerversionPerversion James 1:27 Individual Action Church Action Galatians 6:10 Individual Action Church Action Matthew 5:43-48 Individual Action Church Action Matthew 25:31-36 Individual Action Church Action

26 Passages Describing Individual - Not Church ActionLuke 10:29-37 “But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’ 30 Then Jesus answered and said: ‘A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion.

27 Passages Describing Individual - Not Church Action34 So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.' 36 So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves? 37 And he said, ‘He who showed mercy on him.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise’.”

25 “Individual” Passages Passage Context Shows PerversionPerversion James 1:27 Individual Action Church Action Galatians 6:10 Individual Action Church Action Matthew 5:43-48 Individual Action Church Action Matthew 25:31-36 Individual Action Church Action Luke 10:25-37 Individual Action Church Action

29 If Individual Passages Prove Church Action:John 15:1-5 “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. 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.”

28 “Individual” Passages Passage Context Shows PerversionPerversion James 1:27 Individual Action Church Action Galatians 6:10 Individual Action Church Action Matthew 5:43-48 Individual Action Church Action Matthew 25:31-36 Individual Action Church Action Luke 10:25-37 Individual Action Church Action

Proves:

{ John 15:1-6 Denominationalism Right

I Timothy 5:10 “Well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work.”Ephesians 4:28 “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.”

31 If Individual Passages Prove Church Action:

John 15:1-6 - Denominationalism

I Timothy 5:10 - Church Feet Washing

Church Hotels Church Hospitals

Red Cross Ephesians 4:28 - Church Car Washes

30 “Individual” Passages Passage Context Shows Perversion Perversion James 1:27 Individual Action Church Action Galatians 6:10 Individual Action Church Action Matthew 5:43-48 Individual Action Church Action Matthew 25:31-36 Individual Action Church Action Luke 10:25-37 Individual Action Church Action

Proves:

ConseqConsequencesuences{

33 The Term “Home” DefinedCorporate Body

“En Loco Parentis”

Board of Directors who establish a corporation to

provide a home

(Home) # 1

Dwelling Place

(Home) # 2

One’s own dwelling place - the house in which one

lives

Family Relationship

(Home) # 3

An organized center of family life

James 1:27 “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit fatherless and widows in their afflictions, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”

According to some brethren, even though this passage specifies the work (visiting the orphans and widows in their affliction) of an individual (himself) it can also be applied to the church.

ChurchChurch can’t

actually oversee the work

Corporate Body

“En Loco Parentis”

(Home) # 1

$$$$$$$$$$

CHURCH

34

E EDD

35 Orphans Home - Divine or Human InstitutionN B Hardeman - Then President of Freed-Hardeman College said: “Note the parallel: 1. The school is a human institution; it has a board of directors; it teaches secular branches in connection with the Bible. 2. An orphan home is a human institution; it has a board of directors; it teaches secular branches in connection with the Bible. The same principle that permits one, must also permit the other.” (The Firm Foundation, October 28, 1947).

36 Orphans Home - Divine or Human InstitutionIn Torch, Volume 1, Number 2, Foy E. Wallace, Jr. wrote an article on “Secular Institutions.” He said in part: “No one has claimed that these man-made organizations are divine institutions; no one denies that they are secular enterprises in human affairs…”In November and December of 1963, Batsell Barrett Baxter, head of the Bible Department at David Lipscomb College and speaker for the TV and radio programs “Herald of Truth,” preached a

37 Orphans - Divine or Human InstitutionChristian school. It is difficult to see a significant difference so far as principle is concerned. The orphan’s home and the Christian school must stand or fall together.”“I urge elders of the church to contribute to the ongoing of the Christian schools in order that the God-given obligation to train our young people may be discharged.”

38 What God Authorizes

We May Provide ForGod Authorizes Options Aids Additions Lord’s Supper Time, Method Containers Coffee & Cake Luke 22:19-20 (Pass or Pass by) Table, Plates Common Meal

Relieving Food, Clothing Fork, Knife, Human Institution I Timothy 5:16 Shelter, Nursing House, Medicine for Children & Aged

Teaching Assembly TV, Radio Sponsoring & Edifying Bible Classes Projector, Board Church Ephesians 4:16 Home Studies Speakers Arrangement

Those in the New Testament who kept the commandments for salvation:Heard the Word (Romans 10:17); Believed the word (Hebrews 11:6); Repented at the command of God (Acts 17:30); Confessed their faith in Christ (Romans 10:10); and were baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38)

39 God’s Plan For Saving Man By God’s Mercy, Grace and Loving Kindness,He Sent Christ to Die on The Cross - Thus Showing His Love For Us (John 3:16).Christ said, “If you love me you will keepmy commandments” (John 14:15).

When a Christian sinned, he was told to repent and pray (Acts 8:22). They were also told in I John 1:9 to confess their sins.

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