Birdville Church of Christ
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Birdville Church of Christ
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"By What Authority?"
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It is correct to ask, "By what authority do you do these things?" (Mat. 21:23-27). Whatever we do must be done by the authority of Christ (Col. 3:17). We must not go beyond what is written (1 Cor. 4:6). Many people say, "There is nothing wrong with this. Where does the Bible say I can't do it?" That is the wrong question. The Bible is not a list of everything we can't do. God has told us what to do. To do anything more or less is wrong (Num. 22:18-20, 2 John 9). Sometimes the Bible is very general in giving authority. For example, we are commanded to teach (Mat. 28:19), but we are not given any specific method to use. Therefore, one may use lecture, question/answer, group discussion, etc. On the other hand, the Bible is sometimes very specific in giving authority. For example, we are commanded to sing unto God (Eph. 5:19). Here God specifies the kind of music He wants. Therefore, to play an instrument unto God would be unauthorized. Though the Jews were given such authority (Psa. 150), Christians have no such authority. It is also important that we recognize the difference between an aid and an addition. Microphones and songbooks aid us in carrying out God's command to sing. Using them we have still only done what GOd has commanded. But a musical instrument is an addition to God's command. Let us be careful not to do anything without authority from Christ! Let us use every means to carry out God's command, but never do any more or less than He has commanded (Rev. 22:8-19). Robert Dodson ©2000 Robert Dodson. Permission granted to use
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