Historical Posts
Danger of Extremes
When eyeglasses were first introduced they created quite a stir. Doctors opposed them as harmful to the eyes, and the clergy insisted that trying to restore failing eyesight by artificial means was an act of defiance against God. Both saw them as a danger to the wearer.
Around the turn of the 20th century, a group of Christians in Evanston, Illinois decided that the fizz in carbonated drinks was a danger as a corrupting influence on the young. They forbade the sale of ice cream sodas on Sunday. To circumvent the rule, ice cream parlors left out the soda and put a topping on their ice cream. This new concoction became known as the “Sunday.”
In Matthew 15 the Lord’s disciples were criticized for eating without first washing their hands. The tradition of the Jewish elders called for the washing of hands before meals. Hand washing among Jews was not simply an act of cleanliness, but a ceremony, and to neglect it was a sin as great as that of eating pork. “He who neglects hand washing deserves to be punished here and hereafter,” says the book of Sohar. They argued, “He is guilty of death…It is better to go four miles to water than to incur guilt by neglecting hand washing…He who does not wash his hands after eating is as bad as a murderer.”
The Law, however, said absolutely nothing regarding this practice. The Law did, however, command that children honor their parents, a practice which the Pharisees sought to free themselves from. Thus, they were more interested in upholding their traditions than adhering to the law of God. Jesus indicted them for binding traditions while ignoring direct commands from the Almighty. He further accused them of paying lip service and not offering heartfelt worship. This was precisely what Isaiah had predicted (Isaiah 29:13). Their worship was “vain” because it exalted the “doctrines of men” and ignored the commandments of God (Matthew 15:9).
In their quest for spirituality they had become ardent enforcers of tradition, but careless in regard to divine commands. Christians must be mindful of that danger and careful not to make a similar mistake. If we do, we will be just as guilty and our worship just as vain!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Take Heed Unto Thyself And The Doctrine
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Introduction
- As a Christian, it should be your earnest desire to be able to enter in the everlasting Kingdom of our Father in heaven. In order to do this, it is important to look at yourself in relationship to the Word of God. Because it is possible that some of us might miss heaven.
- Let us focus on a passage of scripture in 1 Timothy 4:16, where Timothy is admonished to take heed to himself and the doctrine that he might save himself and those that hear him.
You Must Take Heed Unto Yourself
- In Romans 12:3, we are taught not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think. Anytime we place ourselves or exalt ourselves to a place where God has not placed us, we will find ourselves in trouble with God – Proverbs 16:18.
- In Numbers chapter 12, two prominent Israelites, Aaron and Miriam attempted to exalt themselves over Moses as prophet but God punished them [Numbers 16; Numbers 26:9-11 Korah].
- We must take heed to ourselves, because oftentimes self will prevent one from having a right relationship with God. Did not self get in the way of Peter’s relationship with Jesus? – Matthew 16:21-24; Luke 14:26-27.
- We must also take heed to ourselves and make sure we are not spotted by the evil, filthy, and profane influences of this world that Satan presents as harmless. In James 1:27, we are reminded of what pure religion is.
You Must Take Heed Unto The Doctrine
- It is also important to take heed to the doctrine of Christ. What is doctrine? Doctrine is the body of authoritative teachings of God, found in the New Testament (Salvation, Worship, Organization, Personal Responsibilities) – 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
- You must understand that the doctrine of Christ is exclusive, meaning that no other doctrines or teachings from other sources are acceptable to God – Galatians 1:6-8. This is why Christians are instructed to mark and avoid those that are causing divisions by teaching false doctrine – Romans 16:17-18.
- In (Jude 3-5), Jude admonishes the church to earnestly contend for the faith.
- Did you know, if you’re transgressing and abiding not in the doctrine of Christ, you hath not God and you have no relationship with God? – 2 John 9-10.
- As we take heed to ourselves and to the doctrine of Christ, let us not forget to make sure we continue in the Word of God and to serve Him faithfully to the end – Acts 2:42; Acts 14:22; James 1:25
- Therefore, let us be encouraged to take heed to ourselves and to the doctrine and continue in them that we may save ourselves and those that hear us.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Galatians 03:01-05 Bewitched and Fooled
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Text: Galatians 3:1-5
Introduction
1. When Paul wrote of his concern to the churches in Galatia
a. He described them as “foolish” – Galatians 3:1, 3
1) For seeking to be perfected by the flesh – via circumcision
2) For suffering many things in vain, as their salvation was endangered – Galatians 5:4-8
b. He wondered if they had been “bewitched” – Galatians 3:1
1) A word (baskaino) which means “to be fascinated” (Strong), “charmed”
2) Led astray by charming misrepresentations
c. He sought to reason with them – Galatians 3:1-5
1) Was not Christ clearly portrayed to them as crucified?
2) Had they not received the Spirit by the hearing of faith rather than by the works of the Law?
3) Had not the One who supplied the Spirit done so through the hearing of faith?
2. Could we face similar dangers today…?
a. Might someone bewitch and fool us through false representations?
b. Should we not be led by calm reasoning rather than fascinating claims?
Body
I. A CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER
A. DANGER CLEARLY DECLARED
1. Jesus and John warned of false prophets – Matthew 7:15; 1 John 4:1
2. Paul warned of false apostles, ministers of Satan – 2 Corinthians 11:13-15
3. He warned of being cheated through philosophy and principles of the world – Colossians 2:8
4. He warned of some departing from the faith- 1 Timothy 4:1-3
5. He warned of being turned aside to fables – 2 Timothy 4:3-4
6. Peter warned of false teachers with destructive heresies, by covetousness exploiting with deceptive words – 2 Peter 2:1-3
7. Such warnings clearly confirm the danger of being bewitched and fooled
B. DANGER CLEARLY PRESENT
1. We are beleaguered by traditions of men (e.g., Catholicism and denominationalism)
2. We are assaulted by philosophies of men (e.g., humanism, secularism, postmodernism)
3. We are allured by false teachers who appeal to greed (e.g., gospel of health and wealth)
4. We are challenged by false doctrines denying God and Jesus (e.g., evolution, the ‘Jesus Seminar’)
5. We are assailed by changing trends (easy divorce, same-sex marriage)
6. The world has clearly been bewitched and fooled”; what about us?
7. Yes, there is “a clear and present danger” that we face today. If we are to avoid being bewitched and fooled”, then consider our text.
II. THE SOLUTION
A. REMEMBER WHAT HAS BEEN CLEARLY PORTRAYED
1. Jesus and Him crucified – Galatians 3:1
a. Proclaimed by the apostles – 1 Corinthians 1:23-24; 2:2
b. Proclaimed in the Lord’s Supper – 1 Corinthians 11:26
2. Never forget that Jesus was crucified for our sins
a. Thus the Law of Moses with its works (e.g., circumcision) can’t save us
b. Nor can any doctrine which denies God and the need for Jesus’ death
3. There is no other gospel that can save us – Romans 1:16; Galatians 1:8-9
B. REMEMBER HOW ONE RECEIVES THE SPIRIT
1. It is by the hearing of faith – Galatians 3:2
a. Promised to those who believe, repent and are baptized – John 7:37-39; Acts 2:38
b. Given to those who are the children of God – Galatians 4:6
2. Never forget that our spiritual lives began in the Spirit – Galatians 3:3
a. We are born of the Spirit – John 3:5; Titus 3:5
b. We are strengthened by the Spirit in the inner man – Ephesians 3:16
3. There is no other means by which we can grow as Christians – Romans 8:9-14
C. REMEMBER WHO SUPPLIED THE SPIRIT AND WORKED MIRACLES
1. It was God – Galatians 3:5
a. Who poured out the Spirit abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior – Titus 3:6
b. Who bore witness by the signs, wonders, miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit – Hebrews 2:4
2. Never forget that God bore witness to Christ and His apostles – Hebrews 2:3
a. Miracles confirmed those sent out by the Lord – cf. Mark 16:19-20
b. What miracles have been done by false teachers, foolish professors, pompous theologians who would mislead us today?
3. There is no other way to know the will and word of God other than through the apostles of Jesus Christ – 1 John 4:5-6
Conclusion
1. Many people today have been bewitched and fooled
a. Evidenced by the many different religions
b. Exhibited by the rapidly changing moral standards
c. Too many people are being misled so they do not obey the truth
2. If we desire not to be bewitched and fooled
a. Then follow Jesus who was crucified for our sins
b. Listen to Him and His apostles with “the hearing of faith”
3. Only then can we be sure to “know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” – John 8:31-32
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Sound Doctrine – 2 Timothy 4:1-8 – audio
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
(abbreviated audio presentation)
Text: 2 Timothy 4:1-8
Introduction
- Apostasy, is a falling away, a withdrawal, a defection from abiding in the doctrine of Jesus Christ that will lead to your own destruction – Jude 1:3-5.
- The Bible teaches some will depart from the faith – 1 Timothy 4:1-2; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5.
- Apostasy, is the work of the devil to turn the saved to the unsaved, and preacher’s of the gospel must endure the waves of the devil & continue to preach the Word (without addition or subtraction) – Proverbs 30:5-6; 2 Timothy 4:2-5.
- Don’t be fooled, you can fall away and be lost in your sins, just as some of Paul’s fellow laborers in the gospel did – (Philemon 23-24); 2 Timothy 4:10 (Demas).
Return to the Source of Sound Doctrine – The Word
- If you’re in the process of sliding into apostasy, your love for God and His ways have been diminished and you need to ignite the fire for the Lord again – Psalm 119:11; Psalm 119:104-105.
- If you have left your first love, Jesus Christ, it is time return. The church at Ephesus had a similar problem and needed to repent – Revelation 2:1-5.
- An urgent need to study God’s Word, and communicate the truth where unrighteous unveils itself is necessary – 2 Timothy 2:15; Jude 3.
When Some Will Not Endure Sound Doctrine…
- Shall we leave them alone? In Luke 15:3-10, Jesus teaches the value of seeking a lost soul. There’s benefit from turning one in error to the truth – James 5:19-20.
- When you see a brother or sister walking in darkness it is your duty in love to tell/warn them to turn from darkness and walk in the light – Ezekiel 3:17-19 Sometimes we forget that one of the purposes of the Word of God is to rebuke and correct – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
- If your on the brink of apostasy, if you have lost your zeal for the things of God, today is the time to return to your first love. The Bible teaches us that now is the acceptable time, now is the day of Salvation – 2 Corinthians 6:2.
- Why not come.
HEAR BELIEVE REPENT CONFESS BAPTISM
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Isaiah 09:06-07 Christmas
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(The Celebration of Christmas)
Text: Isaiah 9:6-7
Introduction
1. “Christmas” is an annual holiday celebrated by many
a. Millions commemorate the birth of Jesus on this day
b. Many consider it as one of “the most holy” of religious holidays
c. For some, it marks one of the few times they attend church services
2. But were you aware that…?
a. Christians in the NT did not celebrate the birth of Jesus as an annual observance?
b. Most Protestant churches did not begin celebrating Christmas until the 19th century?
c. Most churches of Christ still do not have annual observances of Christ’s birth
3. This may prompt questions in the minds of some
a. How did the yearly observance of Jesus’ birth get started?
b. Should the Lord’s church involve herself in such a holiday?
c. How about observing certain elements of it as individuals?
Body
I. THE BIRTH OF JESUS
A. IN THE BIBLE
1. “The New Testament provides no clues in this regard.” – Encyclopedia Britannica
2. The NT simply states that it happened in the days of Caesar Augustus and while Quirinius was governing Syria – Luke 2:1-2
3. Most scholars place the year of Jesus’ birth between 4 – 6 B.C.
4. The actual year is uncertain, let alone the month and day
B. IN HISTORY
1. Sextus Julius Africanus popularized the idea that Jesus was born on December 25 in his Chronographiai, a reference book written in 221 AD. – Wikipedia, “Christmas”
a. Based on the assumption that Jesus died on March 25
b. Based on a Jewish belief that prophets died on the same date as their conception
c. Thus if Jesus was conceived on March 25, then He was born nine months later assuming a gestation period lasting exactly nine months
2. However, Orthodox churches celebrate the birth of Jesus on January 6th or 7th
3. The fact is that no really knows what day, month, or year Jesus was born
4. If we don’t know exactly when Jesus was born, then how did the annual celebrations of His birth begin?
II. THE CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS
A. IN THE BIBLE
1. There is no reference to Christians celebrating the birth of Jesus as an annual observance
2. The only event of Jesus’ life that was celebrated regularly was His death, done weekly in the observance of the Lord’s Supper – Acts 20:7
3. Paul expressed concern about observing days, months, and years – Galatians 4:9-10
4. The Bible does not support the idea of an annual celebration of the birth of Jesus
B. IN HISTORY
1. The identification of the birth date of Jesus did not at first inspire feasting or celebration – Wikipedia, “Christmas”
a. Tertullian does not mention it as a major feast day
b. In 245 A.D, Origen denounced the idea of celebrating Jesus’ birthday
c. The earliest reference to Christmas is in a calendar in 354 A.D.
d. Soon after it was introduced to Constantinople (379), Antioch (380), Alexandria (430)
2. Among Protestant churches, especially in the US – ibid.
a. During the Reformation, Protestants condemned Christmas as”trappings of popery” (Christmas literally means “the Mass of Christ”, or “mass on Christ’s day”)
b. England’s Puritan rulers banned it in 1647, it was reinstated in 1660
c. Puritans of New England disapproved of Christmas, it was outlawed from 1659 to 1681
d. Christmas fell out of favor in the US after the American Revolution, as it was considered an English custom
e. Interest in Christmas in America was revived through novels by Washington Irvin and by immigrants from Europe bringing their customs
f. Christmas was declared a U.S. federal holiday in 1870
g. The annual observance of the birth of Christ has been adopted only after great controversy among both Catholic and Protestant churches
3. So we don’t know when Jesus was born, and we do know that an annual observance of His birth did not begin for hundreds of years after the church began, what about today…?
III. SHOULD CHRISTMAS BE A WORK OF THE CHURCH?
A. PAUL GAVE WARNINGS REGARDING FEAST DAYS
1. He expressed his concern for the churches in Galatia – Galatians 4: 8-11
a. Not that their practice was wrong per se, only but he was concerned
b. From the context, his concern pertained to “why” they were doing these things
1) If they believed it was necessary to be saved, then Paul’s labor among them was in danger of being in vain
2) For seeking justification through the Law, religious feast days, etc., causes one to fall from grace and become estranged from Christ! – cf. Galatians 5:4
2. Paul admonished the Colossians not to let anyone “judge” them – Colossians 2:16-17
a. Some were seeking to bind the Law upon the Gentile believers – Acts 15:1,5
b. Gentile Christians were told not to let any one judge (condemn) them, for salvation is in Christ, not in the keeping of the religious feast days of the Law
3. Yet Paul himself was not averse to observing certain feast days apart from the church
a. He did not hesitate to keep Jewish customs when expedient 1 Corinthians 9:19-20
1) He had Timothy circumcised – Acts 16:1-3
2) He took a vow – Acts 18:18
3) He sought to keep a Jewish feast in Jerusalem – Acts 18:19-21
4) He participated in purification ceremonies, which included animal sacrifices – Acts 21:17-26; cf. Numbers 6:13-20
b. However, his teaching made clear:
1) It should be kept on an individual basis – cf. Romans 14:5-6
2) It should not be bound on others – cf. Galatians 2:3-5
3) It had nothing to do with our justification in Christ – Galatians 5:4-6
4. Where Paul drew the line was in making such matters church doctrine or practice, in which people would be compelled to participate in them
B. JESUS WARNED OF THE DANGER OF HUMAN TRADITIONS
1. He rebuked the scribes Pharisees for their use of traditions – Mark 7:1-13
a. They made their traditions necessary for all to observe – Mark 7:7
b. In keeping their traditions, they laid aside the commands of God – Mark 7:8-9
2. Traditions of men are wrong when they:
a. Become matters of doctrine or required practice, bound upon all
b. Displace the commands of God by the very keeping of the traditions
3. Feast days are therefore like traditions; in certain situations they can be matters of expediency, but they can become a stumbling block to others!
C. MAKING APPLICATION IN REGARDS TO CHRISTMAS
1. The Bible is silent regarding any observance of Christ’s birth
a. God and Jesus evidently did not deem it necessary for the church
b. Any observance is based upon human tradition, not God’s Word
2. As a human tradition, we must be very careful – cf. Mark 7:7-9
a. It cannot become a matter of doctrine, which is bound upon others
b. It cannot displace the keeping of God’s commandments (do those who come only on Easter believe that it renders the command in Hebrews 10:25 of none effect?)
3. An annual observance by the church is certainly unwise, if not wrong
a. It intertwines human traditions with God’s commands for His church
b. It forces people to observe what is a human tradition
4. On an individual basis, if one wishes to esteem one day above another:
a. It is between him and the Lord – Romans 14:5-6
b. Be careful not to condemn those who differ – Romans 14:4, 10-12
c. Be sensitive to the convictions of others – Romans 14:13-19
5. As for pagan elements that have become intertwined with the Christmas holiday
a. Perhaps this is best left on an individual basis
b. My own understanding is that we are free in Christ to change what may have been a religious practice at one time for personal use as expediency
1) E.g., using circumcision for hygienic purposes
2) E.g., exchanging gifts among friends and family
Conclusion
1. My view of Christmas is similar to how I view Thanksgiving
a. I know the idea of an annual observance is foreign to the Scriptures
b. As Christians we should give thanks and celebrate Christ’s birth year around
2. But seeking to “continue steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42)
a. The Lord’s church should refrain from adding human traditions to its work and worship
b. Even so, I am grateful that at least once a year people think about Jesus’ birth
3. My prayer is that people will do more than think about His birth once a year
a. That we be thankful for His coming to this earth every day
b. That we will submit to His rule and be citizens of His kingdom foretold long ago:
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. – Isaiah 9:6-7
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Matthew 21:23-25 Authority in Religion
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Text: Matthew 21:23-25
Introduction
1. The Lord’s church can expect to confront many challenges
a. Opposition by Satan was foretold in the parable of the tares – Matthew 13:24-30, Matthew 13:36-43
b. Attacks from within and without foretold by Paul – Acts 20:29-30
c. Apostasy was foretold, and began very early – 2 Peter 2:1-3; Jude 4
2. The local church will be at the front of the confrontation
a. As the church universal is a spiritual entity well preserved by Jesus
b. But the church local is subject to many things that can threaten its existence
c. How can the church local stand strong and firm in the service of Christ?
3. I believe the key is respecting the proper authority
a. How shall we determine what is right or wrong, good or evil?
b. What shall be our authority in matters of religion?
c. Is a particular doctrine or practice from heaven or from man? – Matthew 21:23-25
Body
I. WHAT MANY CHURCHES ACCEPT AS AUTHORITY
A. THE OLD TESTAMENT
1. From the beginning of the church, many have appealed to the OT – Acts 15:1-5
2. The OT has its place, when properly handled – Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11; 2 Timothy 3:14-17
3. But it can be misused, to authorize things no longer required – Galatians 5:1-4; 1 Timothy 4:1-3
4. We cannot assume that just because something is in the OT, it is authorized!
B. TRADITIONS OF MEN
1. The handing down of traditions was common in Rabbinic Judaism – Mark 7:1-5
2. Traditions of God are not wrong – 1 Corinthians 11:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:15; 3:6
3. But Jesus condemned the traditions of men
a. When they are taught as doctrines of God – Mark 7:6-7
b. When they displace the commands of God – Mark 7:8-13
4. Uninspired traditions cannot be equated with or replacements for the Word of God!
C. MODERN DAY PROPHETS
1. Throughout church history, many have claimed to be prophets of God – Revelation 2:20
2. Christ and His apostles warned against false prophets – Matthew 7:15; 2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 4:1
3. The OT gives us two ways to test the prophets
a. Do their prophecies come to pass? – Deuteronomy 18:20-22
b. Even if they do, is their doctrine consistent with God’s Word? – Deuteronomy 13:1-5
4. Since the 1st century A.D., all prophets have failed either one or both tests!
D. MAJORITY RULE
1. Many people and church councils decide doctrine or practice based on majority rule
2. Yet Jesus warned of the danger of following the majority – Matthew 7:13-14
3. If we had followed the majority
a. In Noah’s day, we would have perished in the flood
b. In Joshua’s day, we would have perished in the wilderness
4. Following the majority is not a good guide for authority in religion!
E. CONSCIENCE
1. Let your conscience be your guide is the motto of many
2. But our conscience cannot always be reliable
a. Paul had served God with a good conscience throughout his life – Acts 23:1
b. Even at a time when he was persecuting Christians! – Acts 26:9-11
3. The conscience is like a clock, which works properly only if set properly
4. Our conscience is not always a reliable guide in matters of religion
F. HUMAN WISDOM
1. Many feel that through their own wisdom they can determine right and wrong
2. But God’s thoughts and ways are not always our own – Isaiah 55:8-9
3. In fact, God has chosen to save man in a manner specifically designed to confound those who depend solely upon human wisdom – 1 Corinthians 1:18-29
4. For us to know God’s will, it was necessary for Him to reveal it to us – 1 Corinthians 2:9-12
5. This He has done through His Spirit-inspired apostles – Ephesians 3:1-3
6. Who in turn shared it with us through their writings – Ephesians 3:4-5
7. Human wisdom is often the exact opposite of God’s wisdom!
G. FEELINGS
1. This is often the standard of authority for many people and churches
a. Who go by whatever ‘feels right’
b. Who place stock in a religion ‘better felt than told’
c. Who will follow societal trends that may seem good and right
2. Yet the Bible declares the danger of trusting in feelings
a. There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death – Proverbs 14:12
b. He who trusts in his own heart is a fool – Proverbs 28:26
c. O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. – Jeremiah 10:23
3. Such subjective feelings are from the heart of man, not the mind of God!
These seven standards of authority in religion are from men, not from heaven, and are the main reason for much religious confusion and division that exists today.
II. WHAT CHURCHES SHOULD ACCEPT AS AUTHORITY
A. THE WORDS OF JESUS CHRIST
1. Jesus has been given all authority in heaven and on earth – Matthew 28:18
2. He expects us to observe all things whatsoever He commanded – Matthew 28:19-20
3. He is the head of the church, which is to be subject to Him – Ephesians 5:23-24
4. As the body of Christ, we must submit to our Head!
B. THE DOCTRINE OF THE APOSTLES
1. To receive Christ, we must receive His apostles – John 13:20
2. They were sent as His ambassadors – 2 Corinthians 5:20
3. To ensure reliability, Jesus promised them the Holy Spirit – John 14:26; 16:12-13
4. The apostles’ wrote so that we might have their understanding – Ephesians 3:1-5
5. They wrote their epistles that we might always be reminded – 2 Peter 1:12-15; 3:1-2
6. Their writings were the commandments of the Lord – 1 Corinthians 14:37
7. They received their word as the word of God – 2 Thessalonians 2:13
8. Thus the early church continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine – Acts 2:42
9. Any true local church of Christ respects the doctrine of the apostles as their authority
C. THE FAITH REVEALED ONCE FOR ALL
1. The faith or doctrine of Christ was delivered once for all time (NLT) – Jude 3
2. The apostles did not hesitate to proclaim the whole counsel of God – Acts 20:27
3. They proclaimed all things pertaining to life and godliness – 2 Peter 1:3
4. The Scriptures provide everything needed to make one complete – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
5. With the Scriptures as an all-sufficient guide, we need no other authority!
Conclusion
1. The only proper authority in religion
a. Is that which emanates from Jesus as the head of His church
b. Which has come to us through the doctrines of His Spirit-inspired apostles
c. Which has been preserved in the form of the New Testament
2. All other authority in religion comes from:
a. Either misapplication of the Scriptures (e.g., the Old Testament)
b. Or uninspired men (and women) who usurp authority based on feelings, etc.
3. When confronted with any challenge, the church today needs to:
a. Look to the words of Christ, and the writings of His apostles
b. Observe all things He commanded, and continue steadfastly in their doctrine
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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