Introduction:
  I. One Sunday afternoon, while visiting an older couple, a member of the family said, 
     "I could never be a member of the church of Christ because I like the piano too much."  
     My answer was "It doesn't make any difference what we want, it is a question of what 
     God has authorized."  Another member of the family replied, "that there was just as 
     much authority for that 'swimming pool' in the back of your building as there is for 
     a piano."
 II. In a conversation with a man, Bill Hall challenged him with this statement, "You ought 
     to be able to turn in the word of God, and establish scriptural authority for everything 
     you teach and practice in religion.
III. The conversation than centered on church buildings - "How would you establish scriptural 
     authority for a church building?"  "And what is the difference in church buildings and many 
     of the things which you claim are authorized.
 IV. In answering these questions, we need to consider five basic principles related to the question 
     of authority.

BODY
  I. All we do must have Christ's authority behind it. (In 2000, during a TV report on the Southern 
     Baptist Convention's decision had women could not be pastors, one Baptist Pastor commented: 
     "We don't feel the need to be constrained by the Scriptures." 
     A. Matthew. 28:18; 17:5.
     B. Colossians 3:17; II Timothy 3:16-17; II John. 9; John. 14:15; 15:14.
     C. Christ is:
        1. Head of the church.
        2. King.
        3. Lord.

 II. Christ's authority is established either by a direct command, an approved example, or an inescapable 
     conclusion.
     A.	Examples from the Lord's Supper.
        1. That we are to partake in remembrance of Christ - Direct command - I Cor. 11:24.
        2. The time of observance - Example - Acts 20:7.
        3. That the bread used in its institution was unleavened bread - Inescapable conclusion. (Instituted 
           during Passover when no leaven could be used or even in the house.)
     B. Should we:
        1. Baptize? Direct Command, Approved example. Acts 2:38; 8:12, 36-38.
        2. Plurality of elders?  Approved example. Acts 14:23
        3. Wear the name Christian?  Approved example; Direct command. Acts 11:26; I Pt. 4:16.

III. When God has not spoken concerning the details involved in His commands, the details are left to human 
     judgment.
     A. All such details are inherent in the command, and their authority consequently is found within the 
        command.
     B.	Examples:
           Command				God has not spoken
        1. Build an ark (Gen. 6:14).		Tools.
        2. Bread & F. of vine (I Cor.           Containers, tables.
              11:23-25.
        3. Go to all the world (Mk.		Means of transportation.
              16:15).
        4. Sing (Col. 3:16).			Specific song; pitch.
        5. Assemble (Acts 20:7).		Time; Place of assembly.
        6. Baptize (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38)	Place of baptism.
     C.	All such may be referred to as aids - they are needful to the expedient execution of the Lord's commands.

 IV. An aid is authorized only if the activity being aided is authorized.
     A. People will ask, "if we can have a building without specifically stated authority, why can't we have a 
        kitchen and dining area and play room.
     B. Or, "If we can have song books and benches to sit on without specifically stated authority, why can't we 
        have a piano?"
     C. Or, "if we can have a 'swimming pool' without specifically stated authority, why can't we have a piano?"
     D.	The answer is to be found in this principle.
        Examples:
             Command				Aid
      Build an ark (Gen. 6:14).		Tools (authorized because the activity being aided is authorized).
      Bread, fruit of vine (I Cor.		Table, plate, cups.
          11:23-25).
("If we can have plates and glasses without specifically stated authority, why can't we have bowls for ice cream?")
     Ice cream (?)				Bowls and spoons.
     Worship (Acts 20:7).			Building suitable.
     Teach the word (Acts 2:42).		Class rooms.
     Assemble to eat (?).			Kitchen and dining area.
     Assemble to play (?).			Play room or Gym.
     Sing (Col. 3:16; 1 Corinthians 14:15).	Song books, leader.
     Play inst. Music (?).			Piano.

  V. When God has spoken concerning the details, we must not add to what He has said or substitute our ways for His.
     A. John. 14:15; 15:14; II John. 9.
     B. Examples:
         Command		God has not spoken	God has spoken
    Build an ark. 		Tools.		      Structure, Wood, doors, etc.
         Gen. 6:14-16						
    Bread, Fruit of vine	Plate, cups.	      Elements, day.
    Assemble Acts 20:7 	        Building.	      Activities.
    Benevolence		        Means used.	      Whom to help, Organization.
       I Cor. 16:1-2.						   
    Elders. Acts 14:23.	        Number, how to select Scope of oversight. 
								   
Stanton See (based on a sermon by Bill Hall)