Question Night 2011

Question Night 2011Question Night 2011

At the church that I attend, we have 4 At the church that I attend, we have 4 workgroups which is essentially a sub-workgroups which is essentially a sub-dividing of the congregation into 4 dividing of the congregation into 4 groups. Each group has a month where groups. Each group has a month where they are assigned to carry out the work of they are assigned to carry out the work of the church (ie. Transportation for needy, the church (ie. Transportation for needy, respond to visitors cards). I am beginning respond to visitors cards). I am beginning to have a problem with this. to have a problem with this.


First of all, I think much of the work First of all, I think much of the work being done is the individual's being done is the individual's responsibility first and foremost. responsibility first and foremost. Secondly, where is the authority (either Secondly, where is the authority (either generic or specific) to break off into sub-generic or specific) to break off into sub-divisions (just like the Methodist churches divisions (just like the Methodist churches do) to perform such work?do) to perform such work?


In the scriptures Bible Authority is required In the scriptures Bible Authority is required for us to teach or take action!for us to teach or take action!


Basic reverence for God causes us to stand Basic reverence for God causes us to stand onlyonly in what He teaches. in what He teaches.


Basic reverence for God causes us to stand Basic reverence for God causes us to stand onlyonly in what He teaches. in what He teaches.

Consider what Jesus taught about handling Consider what Jesus taught about handling God’s word. God’s word. (Mt 4:4; Jn 5:19, 30; 8:28)(Mt 4:4; Jn 5:19, 30; 8:28)


Matthew 4:4 (NKJV) Matthew 4:4 (NKJV) - But He answered - But He answered and said, “It is written, and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by bread alone, but by every word that by every word that proceeds from the mouth of Godproceeds from the mouth of God.’.’””


John 5:19 (NKJV) John 5:19 (NKJV) - Then Jesus answered - Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you, the Son can do nothing of Himselfthe Son can do nothing of Himself, but , but what He sees the Father dowhat He sees the Father do; for ; for whatever whatever He doesHe does, , the Son also does in like mannerthe Son also does in like manner..


John 8:28 (NKJV) John 8:28 (NKJV) - Then Jesus said to - Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am then you will know that I am He,He, and and thatthat I I do nothing of Myselfdo nothing of Myself; but ; but as My Father as My Father taught Metaught Me, , I speak these thingsI speak these things..


It is basic reverence to God that It is basic reverence to God that we do we do nothingnothing when God’s word is silent! when God’s word is silent!


Elders may delegate work to deacons and Elders may delegate work to deacons and others while still overseeing the flock! others while still overseeing the flock! (Acts 20:28)(Acts 20:28)


Acts 20:28 Acts 20:28 28 "Therefore take heed to 28 "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.which He purchased with His own blood.


While Elders are to be capable teachers, While Elders are to be capable teachers, they can also have others teach the flock.they can also have others teach the flock.


While Elders are to be capable teachers, While Elders are to be capable teachers, they can also have others teach the flock.they can also have others teach the flock.

One of the early shortcomings of Moses One of the early shortcomings of Moses was his failure to delegate. was his failure to delegate. (Ex 18:13-26)(Ex 18:13-26)


Exodus 18:23-26 Exodus 18:23-26 23 "If you do this thing, 23 "If you do this thing, and God and God so so commands you, then you will commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all this people will be able to endure, and all this people will also go to their place in peace." 24 So also go to their place in peace." 24 So Moses heeded the voice of his father-in-law Moses heeded the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said. and did all that he had said.


25 And Moses chose able men out of all 25 And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the Israel, and made them heads over the people: rulers of thousands, rulers of people: rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. 26 So they judged the people at all tens. 26 So they judged the people at all times; the hard cases they brought to times; the hard cases they brought to Moses, but they judged every small case Moses, but they judged every small case themselves.themselves.


The Apostles also delegated work without a The Apostles also delegated work without a compromise of authority! compromise of authority! (Acts 6:1-4)(Acts 6:1-4)


Acts 6:1-4 Acts 6:1-4 Now in those days, when Now in those days, when the the number of number of the disciples was multiplying, there the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 2 Then the neglected in the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. should leave the word of God and serve tables.


3 "Therefore, brethren, seek out from 3 "Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of among you seven men of good good reputation, reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 "but we may appoint over this business; 4 "but we will give ourselves continually to prayer we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.“and to the ministry of the word.“


These sub-groups would become wrong if These sub-groups would become wrong if they substituted for things God specified.they substituted for things God specified.


If the Elders surrendered their oversight to If the Elders surrendered their oversight to these groups then they would be wrong.these groups then they would be wrong.



If the groups acted as a separate If the groups acted as a separate organization from the local church organization from the local church (oversight, collection, work)(oversight, collection, work)



If the groups acted as a separate If the groups acted as a separate organization from the local church organization from the local church (oversight, collection, work)(oversight, collection, work)

We often see both individual responsibility We often see both individual responsibility and collective responsibility overlap.and collective responsibility overlap.


One should never let their participation in a One should never let their participation in a group effort cause them to stop there in group effort cause them to stop there in their work! (Ex. Praying in services)their work! (Ex. Praying in services)


One should never let their participation in a One should never let their participation in a group effort cause them to stop there in group effort cause them to stop there in their work! (Ex. Praying in services)their work! (Ex. Praying in services)

In my experience groups like this are In my experience groups like this are vehicles for communication.vehicles for communication.


As a footnote to this question, I want to As a footnote to this question, I want to briefly address the “Truth Seekers” briefly address the “Truth Seekers” student group mentioned in our bulletin.student group mentioned in our bulletin.



We plan to use this recognized student We plan to use this recognized student group as a means of obtaining rooms for group as a means of obtaining rooms for Bible Studies and speakers on campus.Bible Studies and speakers on campus.



We plan to use this recognized student We plan to use this recognized student group as a means of obtaining rooms for group as a means of obtaining rooms for Bible Studies and speakers on campus.Bible Studies and speakers on campus.

The work we have been doing with small The work we have been doing with small groups will continue as before.groups will continue as before.


This “group” is not a functional body with This “group” is not a functional body with oversight and a treasury apart from the oversight and a treasury apart from the

church. (This is similar to church. (This is similar to incorporation in order to do business)incorporation in order to do business)


This “group” is not a functional body with This “group” is not a functional body with oversight and a treasury apart from the oversight and a treasury apart from the

church. (This is similar to church. (This is similar to incorporation in order to do business)incorporation in order to do business)

We are simply meeting the requirements of We are simply meeting the requirements of the University in order to meet on Campus.the University in order to meet on Campus.


I have recently been given an academic I have recently been given an academic paper written by a Theology Major at the paper written by a Theology Major at the “Harding school of Theology” where the “Harding school of Theology” where the “Deuteronomic History” theory is used in “Deuteronomic History” theory is used in a non-critical way. Should a Christian ever a non-critical way. Should a Christian ever take a neutral stance on such a theory?take a neutral stance on such a theory?


This theory has other writers either writing This theory has other writers either writing or rewriting most of the Old Testament or rewriting most of the Old Testament history books hundreds of years after the history books hundreds of years after the events. Here are some of the implications of events. Here are some of the implications of the theory:the theory:


This theory has other writers either writing This theory has other writers either writing or rewriting most of the Old Testament or rewriting most of the Old Testament history books hundreds of years after the history books hundreds of years after the events. Here are some of the implications of events. Here are some of the implications of the theory:the theory:

The authors named as writing the books did The authors named as writing the books did not actually write them (Moses).not actually write them (Moses).


This theory has other writers either writing or This theory has other writers either writing or rewriting most of the Old Testament history rewriting most of the Old Testament history books hundreds of years after the events. Here books hundreds of years after the events. Here are some of the implications of the theory:are some of the implications of the theory:

The authors named as writing the books did The authors named as writing the books did not actually write them (Moses).not actually write them (Moses).

The precise “prophecies” in the books were The precise “prophecies” in the books were not prophecies at all. not prophecies at all. (Deut 30:1-6)(Deut 30:1-6)


Deuteronomy 30:1-6Deuteronomy 30:1-6 Now it shall come to Now it shall come to pass, when all these things come upon you, the pass, when all these things come upon you, the blessing and the curse which I have set before blessing and the curse which I have set before you, and you call you, and you call them them to mind among all the to mind among all the nations where the LORD your God drives you, nations where the LORD your God drives you, 2 "and you return to the LORD your God and 2 "and you return to the LORD your God and obey His voice, according to all that I obey His voice, according to all that I command you today, you and your children, command you today, you and your children, with all your heart and with all your soul, with all your heart and with all your soul,


3 "that the LORD your God will bring you 3 "that the LORD your God will bring you back from captivity, and have compassion back from captivity, and have compassion on you, and gather you again from all the on you, and gather you again from all the nations where the LORD your God has nations where the LORD your God has scattered you. 4 "If scattered you. 4 "If any any of you are driven of you are driven out to the farthest out to the farthest parts parts under heaven, from under heaven, from there the LORD your God will gather you, there the LORD your God will gather you, and from there He will bring you. and from there He will bring you.


5 "Then the LORD your God will bring you 5 "Then the LORD your God will bring you to the land which your fathers possessed, and to the land which your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it. He will prosper you and you shall possess it. He will prosper you and multiply you more than your fathers. 6 "And multiply you more than your fathers. 6 "And the LORD your God will circumcise your the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.and with all your soul, that you may live.


Jesus was wrong when He quoted from Jesus was wrong when He quoted from these books as being from Moses. these books as being from Moses. (Mt 8:4; Deut 24:8)(Mt 8:4; Deut 24:8)


Matthew 8:4 Matthew 8:4 4 And Jesus said to him, 4 And Jesus said to him, "See that you tell no one; but go your way, "See that you tell no one; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer the show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.“to them.“


Deuteronomy 24:8 Deuteronomy 24:8 8 " Take heed in an 8 " Take heed in an outbreak of leprosy, that you carefully outbreak of leprosy, that you carefully observe and do according to all that the observe and do according to all that the priests, the Levites, shall teach you; just as I priests, the Levites, shall teach you; just as I commanded them, commanded them, so so you shall be careful to you shall be careful to do.do.


I am not sure how a Christian could ever I am not sure how a Christian could ever attend a theology school much less create attend a theology school much less create one and have churches support it!one and have churches support it!


In theses schools under the banner of In theses schools under the banner of “scholarship” many atheistic “models” are “scholarship” many atheistic “models” are introduced to the young mind. (Ex. Samford introduced to the young mind. (Ex. Samford University)University)


What does Peter teach us about how the What does Peter teach us about how the Bible was written? Bible was written? (2 Pt 1:16-21)(2 Pt 1:16-21)


2 Peter 1:16 - 2:1 2 Peter 1:16 - 2:1 16 For we did not follow 16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For He received from God the His majesty. 17 For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: "This came to Him from the Excellent Glory: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." pleased."


18 And we heard this voice which came 18 And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. 19 And so we have the the holy mountain. 19 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; star rises in your hearts;


20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke man, but holy men of God spoke as they as they were were moved by the Holy Spirit. moved by the Holy Spirit.


How can a Christian passively look on these How can a Christian passively look on these things as “possibilities?” things as “possibilities?”


I have a question that I think you can help I have a question that I think you can help me with. What is the difference between me with. What is the difference between psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs from psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs from Eph 5:19? Eph 5:19?


Ephesians 5:19 Ephesians 5:19 19 speaking to one 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,heart to the Lord,


These are different categories of the kinds These are different categories of the kinds of songs used to praise God.of songs used to praise God.


The Psalms of David were sung by the early The Psalms of David were sung by the early Christians Christians (Mt 26:30)(Mt 26:30)


Matthew 26:30 Matthew 26:30 30 And when they had 30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.Olives.


A "hymn" is properly a song or ode in A "hymn" is properly a song or ode in honor of God.honor of God.


A "hymn" is properly a song or ode in A "hymn" is properly a song or ode in honor of God.honor of God.

Odes or songs relating to spiritual things.Odes or songs relating to spiritual things.


These songs should be tested and should be These songs should be tested and should be sung from the heart! sung from the heart! (1 Cor 14:15)(1 Cor 14:15)


1 Corinthians 14:15-16 1 Corinthians 14:15-16 15 What is 15 What is the the conclusion conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. 16 Otherwise,sing with the understanding. 16 Otherwise,


Do we have the liberty to listen to so-called Do we have the liberty to listen to so-called Christian music, which has instrumental Christian music, which has instrumental accompaniment? Or, if we do not do this, accompaniment? Or, if we do not do this, do we have the right to judge others who do we have the right to judge others who do? do?


Do we have the liberty to listen to so-called Do we have the liberty to listen to so-called Christian music, which has instrumental Christian music, which has instrumental accompaniment? Or, if we do not do this, accompaniment? Or, if we do not do this, do we have the right to judge others who do we have the right to judge others who do? do?

In the study of our praises to God, the In the study of our praises to God, the verses deal with anytime we sing to Him. verses deal with anytime we sing to Him. (Eph 5:19; James 5:13) (Eph 5:19; James 5:13)


Ephesians 5:19 Ephesians 5:19 19 speaking to one 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,heart to the Lord,


James 5:13 James 5:13 13 Is anyone among you 13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.cheerful? Let him sing psalms.


If I sing I will do it with reverence for God If I sing I will do it with reverence for God and in God’s way.and in God’s way.


Do I really understand this issue by taking Do I really understand this issue by taking pleasure in those who are doing wrong?pleasure in those who are doing wrong?


Is it wrong to play a hymn or spiritual Is it wrong to play a hymn or spiritual song (for example, a Christmas carol song (for example, a Christmas carol about Christ) on an instrument without about Christ) on an instrument without singing?singing?


Is it wrong to play a hymn or spiritual Is it wrong to play a hymn or spiritual song (for example, a Christmas carol song (for example, a Christmas carol about Christ) on an instrument without about Christ) on an instrument without singing?singing?

No – but I would not play and have another No – but I would not play and have another sing!sing!


Can we suppose that someone like David Can we suppose that someone like David praised God while playing his instrument praised God while playing his instrument himself, while he was watching sheep for himself, while he was watching sheep for example (since he was known to be a example (since he was known to be a musician from 1 Samuel 16)? Did people musician from 1 Samuel 16)? Did people ever praise God on an instrument in their ever praise God on an instrument in their own homes? Why would that be wrong own homes? Why would that be wrong (evil) now if it wasn't wrong then?(evil) now if it wasn't wrong then?


We want to be very careful about mixing We want to be very careful about mixing the covenants! the covenants! (Gal 5:1-4; Rom 7:1-4)(Gal 5:1-4; Rom 7:1-4)


Galatians 5:1-4 Galatians 5:1-4 Stand fast therefore in the Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. 2 Indeed I, Paul, say to you of bondage. 2 Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. profit you nothing.


3 And I testify again to every man who 3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. 4 You have become keep the whole law. 4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who estranged from Christ, you who attempt to attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.grace.


Romans 7:1-4 Romans 7:1-4 Or do you not know, Or do you not know, brethren (for I speak to those who know the brethren (for I speak to those who know the law), that the law has dominion over a man law), that the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives? 2 For the woman who as long as he lives? 2 For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to has a husband is bound by the law to her her husband as long as he lives. But if the husband as long as he lives. But if the husband dies, she is released from the law husband dies, she is released from the law of of her her husband. husband.


3 So then if, while 3 So then if, while her her husband lives, she husband lives, she marries another man, she will be called an marries another man, she will be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law, so that she is no free from that law, so that she is no adulteress, though she has married another adulteress, though she has married another man. man.


4 Therefore, my brethren, you also have 4 Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another Christ, that you may be married to another -- to Him who was raised from the dead, -- to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God.that we should bear fruit to God.


4 Therefore, my brethren, you also have 4 Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another Christ, that you may be married to another -- to Him who was raised from the dead, -- to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God.that we should bear fruit to God.

We are not given the instruction in the Old We are not given the instruction in the Old Testament you mention.Testament you mention.


Many today are using instruments by Old Many today are using instruments by Old Testament authority alone! What are the Testament authority alone! What are the consequences?consequences?


Many today are using instruments by Old Many today are using instruments by Old Testament authority alone! What are the Testament authority alone! What are the consequences?consequences?

We need to re-teach many foundation issues We need to re-teach many foundation issues such as these.such as these.


Ultimately, some of these issues go further Ultimately, some of these issues go further than just the use of instruments to than just the use of instruments to knowing how to apply Biblical authority to knowing how to apply Biblical authority to everyday matters. ..As an example, we everyday matters. ..As an example, we have added extra services during the week have added extra services during the week which are not mentioned in Scripture…which are not mentioned in Scripture…where is the line between Biblical and where is the line between Biblical and man-made authority?man-made authority?


Something does not have to be specifically Something does not have to be specifically named in order to be authorized.named in order to be authorized.


Something does not have to be specifically Something does not have to be specifically named in order to be authorized.named in order to be authorized.

The authority for numerous assemblies is The authority for numerous assemblies is found in the command to teach, to sing and found in the command to teach, to sing and to assemble. to assemble. (Heb 10:23-25)(Heb 10:23-25)


Hebrews 10:23-25 Hebrews 10:23-25 23 Let us hold fast the 23 Let us hold fast the confession of confession of our our hope without wavering, for hope without wavering, for He who promised He who promised is is faithful. 24 And let us faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as assembling of ourselves together, as is is the the manner of some, but exhorting manner of some, but exhorting one another, one another, and so much the more as you see the Day and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.approaching.


When we use PowerPoint projectors, When we use PowerPoint projectors, multiple cups, electric lights and e-mail multiple cups, electric lights and e-mail bulletins, we are acting under authority and bulletins, we are acting under authority and can give book, chapter and verse for our can give book, chapter and verse for our practices.practices.


When we use PowerPoint projectors, When we use PowerPoint projectors, multiple cups, electric lights and e-mail multiple cups, electric lights and e-mail bulletins, we are acting under authority and bulletins, we are acting under authority and can give book, chapter and verse for our can give book, chapter and verse for our practices.practices.

Do you understand how to establish Bible Do you understand how to establish Bible authority?authority?

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Question Night 2011