[Biblemat] The Messenger Vol 003 Iss 016

Sat Apr 19 22:29:14 CDT 2008

      T

he Messenger 2008

Published Weekly by Main Street Church of Christ

306 West Main Street, Newbern, TN 38059   731-627-3514

Bulletin Editor: T. Sean Sullivan

VOLUME 003::ISSUE 016 :: April 20, 2008  

ARTICLE ONE:   Why We Do What We Do: Intro

ARTICLE TWO:  Why We Do What We Do: Lesson One

Article One: Why We Do What We Do: Intro

Introduction:

It is the first day of the week-the Lord's Day. We are here because of this book-the Bible. We have been instructed through the word to: worship God, pursue righteousness, and support one another in both those endeavors. 

Based on the modern evidence and claims of religious bodies anyone might be led to believe that the Bible is full of options. Even in our own town there are many choices.

We need to know why we are here instead of partaking of other options in our local "buffet of faiths". Is it that we are practicing just another choice? Does it really matter?

Let's take the time to consider: what we are striving to do here; how we do it; and whether it really matters according to what the Bible actually says

What Are We Doing Here?

We are worshipping the God of Heaven who we would not know apart from the Bible. We are seeking God with the understanding that He desires our attention (Acts 17:27). We are seeking Him with the knowledge of His willingness to reward us (Hebrews 11:6). We worship God here by song, prayer, and proclamation of His word, remembrance, and monetary offering. 

We are using God's word. We study with the intention of knowing truth-following the teaching of Jesus in John 8:31-32-we are striving to "Abide in My word.you shall know the truth". We know that this study requires knowledge: 2 Timothy 2:15 "Be diligent to show yourself approved to God". We listen to the sermon with the intention that we will be strengthened or edified. (1 Thessalonians 5:11-14). With preaching we are perhaps convinced, sometimes rebuked, and always exhorted (2 Timothy 4:2). 

We are supporting one another even as Romans 12:9-6 directs us to love "without hypocrisy". Every member here needs to know with full assurance that every other member loves them enough to rebuke them; enough to understand and bear with their weakness; also enough to consistently seek the most important factor in this life-the salvation of the soul. We need to be living examples of Hebrews 10:24-25-considering one another-I need you here, to consider me, and to allow be to consider you

How Do We Know What To Do?

The title of this section is a question that everyone needs to ask. Is there a standard of right and wrong that everyone needs to verify with? Is there a guide that can be used as authority for the practices of religion? Certainly the Bible is the standard! If everyone would take the courage and the time to search the scriptures they would see what things are "so" (Acts 17:11). 2 Timothy 2:15 instructs us to "be diligent to show yourself approved"-we need to be found doing what He has authorized-rightly dividing the word of truth. 

We need to study and properly gather information from God's word-the Bible. There are three ways of finding God's authority. They are all used in Acts 15. There was a question concerning Gentile circumcision. The Jewish brethren in Jerusalem wanted to enforce it. The apostles used three methods of determining whether God authorizes the Gentile to be saved without circumcision. In verses 6-11 they used the method of a necessary conclusion. In verse 12 they used an approved example to demonstrate authority. Then in verses 13-18 a direct statement was used as verification. Just before we wrap up in Chapter 15 look over at verse 24 we are told that they were "silent" and that is to be respected. We cannot do God will by practices He has not authorized.

Does It Really Matter?

Does it matter if we add to or take away from God's word. These three verses state that it does: Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 30:6; Revelation 22:18. God has proclaimed yes, it matters! We are to abide "IN" the word (2 John 9; John 8:31)-"IN" demonstrates limitations-not out. 

Does it matter what we teach and preach? Paul declares, yes in Galatians 1:6-9. If we teach anything other than that which is established by the New Testament we will be accursed. 

Does it matter what we do? Jesus teaches us that it does (Matthew 7:21-23). We must do the will of God! 

Conclusion:

God has given His word so that we might actually listen. We must strive, each step of the way, to do God's will. This one book is the key to ultimate success. We must rightly divide this book: Over the next few Sunday evenings we are going to talk about: Why we do what we do and Why we don't do what we don't do. We can know and do the truth. In His will He has established a plan for you to be saved. Will you obey His instructions now? ~tss

Article Two:  Why We Do What We Do: Lesson One

Introduction:

In Matthew 21:23 the Chief Priests and the Elders confronted          Jesus with a question. "By what authority are You doing these things?" That question was valid then and it stands valid today. By what authority do we do these things? By what authority do we sing? Pray?  Partake of the unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine? By what authority do we meet together? Why not have: a gymnasium or a piano? Can you give a clear and concise answer to those questions? All of us need to know why we do the things we do.  And we need to be ready to give a defense of them (1 Peter 3:15).

God is the final and only authority. Certain practices have been established for us and we must do only as He has authorized (1 Peter 4:11 "oracles" = authoritative words). 

Where are the authoritative words of God? The word of God has been given-we know this delivered message as the Bible (Hebrews 1:1-2)?

God the Father gave "all authority" to His Son Jesus Christ and it is the words of Jesus by which we are authorized (Matthew 28:18-20). All authority has been given to Jesus in Heaven and on earth. Therefore we have NO authority to change or add anything to that which He has established. The New Testament provides a fully functional pattern of worship and practice that has been set for us. Let's consider further, subject of scriptural authority.

What Is Scriptural Authority?

In reality, it is God's authorization for our practices as declared through the revealed scriptures. God has given us direction by the means of the written word (Hebrews 1:1-2). That word is a complete and all sufficient guide for all that we must do (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3). It is God's word alone that leads us to righteousness, there are no other options or opportunities-nothing else will do (Galatians 1:6-8). Anything, other than, less than, or more than, the word of God, will lead us away from God.

We need the scriptures to demonstrate God's authorization for what we do. We study the scriptures to learn and know what God expects so we might please God- being approved by Him (Ephesians 5:8-10; 2 Timothy 2:15). 

No man has the ability to authorize a practice separate from that which God authorizes. Today, "churches" have decided to do so many things with total disregard for what God wants. We cannot decide for ourselves how to please God. All that is known about our Creator is found in His word and His word alone tells us what is pleasing to Him.   

We Must Respect The Things That Are Said By God.

God has said some things in the past: God spoke through the prophets to the children of Israel. God gave them commands and they were to follow those commands. We clearly see how serious God was about those commands when we consider: Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-2) or Uzzah (2 Samuel 6:1-8).  

God has some new commands for today: The former things-the Old Testament-is done away (Matthew 17:1-8; Colossians 2:14). The Old Testament is no longer authoritative: We cannot please God by following or practicing the things under the old law (Romans 3:19-24). God has spoken to you and I for a reason and He has accomplished this one specific way-for the period of time known as "the last days" God has spoken through His Son (Hebrews 1:1-2). Jesus has revealed the standard of judgment (John 12:48-50), Jesus has proclaimed the way to eternal life (John 6:67-68). Jesus revealed God's will for your life and mine (Matthew 7:21). His recorded word is our instruction in righteousness       (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Without this revealed communication we could not know what is right-what is pleasing.

God's rewards are for those who do His will (Matthew 7:21-23; Hebrews 10:35). Heaven-eternal life is only for those who DO God's will. Those who go beyond or break God's law will be cast out (Matthew 13:41-42 "Lawlessness"-doing without authority.)

We must do what God has decided is pleasing (1 John 3:4). In 2 John 9 tells us that we must abide "In the doctrine" tells us two important things: There are limitations to His doctrine and to be outside those limitations is to be without. 

Authority is a MUST 

Remember the important question the Chief Priests and Elders asked? Matthew 21:23 "By what authority are You doing these things?"  This is the question that we must ask of ourselves? By what authority we do: Baptize for the remission of sins? Partake of the Unleavened Bread and the Fruit of Vine? Gather on the First Day of the week? If there is no authority from God's word then we must quit the practice.

The importance of Authority is clearly stated by Christ in the words of (Matthew 7:21-23). Not everyone who claims the Lord will be accepted. Not everyone who does religious works will be accepted. Not everyone who does things in the name of Jesus will be accepted. Not everyone will be welcomed into heaven only those who do the will of the Father in Heaven. We cannot determine our own pathway or our own "good works". 

God's will is His own, we do not invent it as we go along, nor to we sway it by our inventions. If you want to go to Heaven there is only one way-by doing the will of the Father. 

Conclusion:

Scriptural Authority is absolute in importance. The Bible is our guide to pleasing God, but it must be followed correctly, or a Paul said, "rightly divided". We need to study the word of God so that we know what to do, how to do it and also so that we are enabled to tell others why we do what we do. The Bible is the only true guide we have; we need to use it properly and diligently find its rewards. ~tss

If you are enjoying The Messenger and you know someone else who would like to receive it. Please forward it to them or send me their email address and I will add it to the list.   

Sean

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