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By What Authority?

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  • Authority Is Essential in All Things, Especially Religion
    1. “Authority” emphasizes:
      • one’s “power or right”
      • the power of one whose will and commands must be obeyed
    2. Authority is essential in all matters of life (not optional)
    3. Authority is especially critical in religion, because dealing with eternal matters (Matt 25:46)
  • Jesus Identified Only Two Sources of Authority in Religion
    1. Some find their authority in MEN
      • In religious teachers (cf. Acts 17:11; Gal. 1:8-9)
      • In religious tradition (cf. Matt. 15:8-9; Col. 2:8)
      • In the church (cf. Col. 1:18)
      • In religious councils (cf. Acts 14:23; 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:1-4)
      • In personal beliefs, opinion or feelings (cf. Prov. 14:12; Jer. 10:23; Acts 26:9)
    2. Some find their authority in HEAVEN
      • The God of heaven revealed Himself and His will by His Son (Heb. 1:1-2)
      • Jesus Christ spoke with authority (Matt. 7:28-29)
      • Jesus Christ has all authority (Matt. 17:5; 28:18)
      • Jesus Christ will judge all mankind by His word (John 12:48)
      • The Bible is heaven’s authority on this earth today (2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16-17)
    3. The difference between these two authorities is the difference between eternity in heaven and eternity in hell (Matt. 7:21-23)
  • All That We Do and Teach in Religion Must Be By Heaven’s Authority
    1. We must test all teachings and teachers by His Word (1 Thess. 5:21-22; 1 John 4:1; Acts 17:11)
    2. We must not go beyond what is written (1 Cor. 4:6; 2 John 9-11)
    3. We must speak only that which is written (1 Pet. 4:11)
    4. We must not add to or take from what is written (Rev. 22:18-19)
    5. We must not modify or substitute for that which his written (Gal. 1:6-9)
    6. We must not create divisions by speaking different than what is written (1 Cor. 1:10-13)
    7. All that we do must be done by Christ’s authority (Col. 3:17)
    8. No salvation or right relationship with God is found outside Christ’s authority (Acts 4:12)
  • We Must Ask: “Where Is the Divine Authority for…?  Is It from Heaven or from Men?”
    1. Denominations (Mt. 16:18-19; Eph. 4:4; 1:22-23; 5:23; 1 Cor. 1:10; Jn. 17:20-21)
    2. Instrumental music in worship (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; Heb. 13:15; Lev. 10:1-3)
    3. Frequency of Lord’s Supper other than weekly (1 Cor. 11:17-20; 16:1-2; Ac. 20:7)
    4. Women in leadership roles in the church (1 Tim. 2:8-14; 1 Cor. 14:33-35)
    5. Religious titles for church leaders (Matt. 23:8-12; Psa. 111:9; 1 Pet. 5:1-4)
    6. Sprinkling as a mode of baptism (John 3:23; Acts 8:38-39; Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12)
    7. Infant baptism (1 John 3:4; 2 Cor. 5:10; Matt. 18:3; Ezek. 18:20)
    8. Salvation by faith alone without baptism (Mk. 16:16; Ac. 2:38; 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21)
    9. The Sinner’s Prayer (Acts 9:9-11; 22:16; Heb. 5:9; Matt. 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)
  • Have You Been Saved By the Plan of Salvation from Heaven?
    1. Believe Jesus is the Son of God – Acts 16:31
    2. Repent of your sins and turn toward God – Acts 17:30
    3. Confess your faith in Jesus Christ – Acts 8:36-38
    4. Be baptized into Christ – Acts 22:16
      • God will forgive all of your sins – Acts 2:38
      • God will add you to His church – Acts 2:47
      • God will enroll you in heaven – Hebrews 12:23
    5. Continue faithfully serving the Lord – Acts 11:23

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Matthew 21:23-27

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