The work of the church is often misunderstood. Many see the church as a social club with authority to be involved in catering to the recreational needs of individuals. They feel that a church should offer food, social gatherings, and a “youth minister” designated to coordinate special events for the teens. Are these the works […]

Many fail to see the distinction the Bible makes between the local church and the individual Christian. Some argue that since the church is made up of individual Christians, whatever they do, it also equals the church doing it. This argument is not well thought out and leads to some ridiculous conclusions. When the individual […]

God’s plan for local churches is that they are independent and autonomous. What does this mean? It means that God wants local churches not to be subject to a denominational headquarters or central office (independent). It means that God wants local churches to be self-ruled and self-governing (autonomous). They are not to be independent of […]

God’s plan for local churches is that they are independent and autonomous. What does this mean? It means that God wants local churches not to be subject to a denominational headquarters or central office (independent). It means that God wants local churches to be self-ruled and self-governing (autonomous). They are not to be independent of […]

The scriptures refer to the “church” in two different senses. There is the universal church and the local church. The universal church is also referred to as the “brotherhood” (1 Peter 2:17). It is that which Jesus promised to establish and build (Matthew 16:18). It is comprised of all Christians. The local church is different […]

Some say, “The use of mechanical instruments in worship is okay because God never says it is wrong.” Others even say, “It is okay for us to use the Lord’s money to build a gymnasium or dining hall because God never specifically forbids it.” How are we to respond to these arguments? These arguments are […]

Some say, “The use of mechanical instruments in worship is okay because God never says it is wrong.” Others even say, “It is okay for us to use the Lord’s money to build a gymnasium or dining hall because God never specifically forbids it.” How are we to respond to these arguments? These arguments are […]

People often ask, “Where is the authority for songbooks and PowerPoint slides? What about a church building and electric lights?” These questions are usually raised to suggest that we don’t need authority for all we do. People say, “Since  we do one thing without authority, why can’t we also do something else without authority?” How […]

People often ask, “Where is the authority for songbooks and PowerPoint slides? What about a church building and electric lights?” These questions are usually raised to suggest that we don’t need authority for all we do. People say, “Since  we do one thing without authority, why can’t we also do something else without authority?” How […]

The Bible is a book full of examples. Are we obligated to follow all of them? How are we to determine which examples are binding and which are not? God authorizes many practices through examples. In our case, we are given authority through “approved apostolic examples” (1 Corinthians 4:16-17; 11:1; Philippians 4:9). We say “approved” […]