Ask Your Preacher... an article by Daniel S. Dow

When discussing the Bible with friends, upon hearing a Biblical principle not previously heard or understood, some will respond, "I need to ask my praecher about that!" They will often see the truth of God's Word, but feel the need to ask "an authority figure" what their denomination teaches. Rather than accept the statement of Christ or an inspired writer, they desire to know why they haven't heard this principle before. It's a dangerous thing to accept man's doctrine, especially when it lacks God's endorsement. Sadly, emotional ties to family or a tradition are often stronger than one's love for Christ. If this is your situation it might be good to read John 12:42.

"He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my sayings, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I spake, the same shall judge him in the last day."

Be careful not to put too much trust in a man's word, for the words of Christ will judge us in the last day! Be sure that the man speaks the Words of God.

If you are so inclined though, you might ask your preacher about the importance of AUTHORITY. Paul wrote, "Every Scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness. That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16, 17). The Bible is complete and all we need to live our life. Peter tells us it contains everything that pertains to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Therefore, if we have a prior belief about a Bible doctrine that cannot be found in the Bible, we have only one of two choices: 1) Reject the Scriptures, follow my own opinion and forfeit eternal life or 2) Obey the Scripture and please God.

I am sure your preacher is aware of Jesus' final words before ascending into heaven. "All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth" (Matthew 28:18). Although he delegated his authority to his disciples (Matthew 10:40) he never gave up any of his "all". Paul also wrote, "Faith cometh of hearing and hearing by the word of Christ" (Romans 10:17). Here we are taught that faith is produced only by God's truth (John 17:17). Paul also penned, "Whatsoever is not of faith is sin" (Romans 14:23). Creed books, statement of faiths, manuals, disciplines and catechisms are all creations of men and carry absolutely no weight of authority when it comes to the things of God. They only serve to further divide men religiously. Therefore, if we believe and practice something that is not found nor authorized by New Testament teaching. God considers it sinful

Bible authority can only be established in these three ways:

1) God (or His agent) directly states what he desires (a command). For example in 1 Corinthians 11:24,25 Paul (an apostles) reminds us of the command of Jesus concerning the Lord's Supper -- "This do in remembrance of me..."
2) There is an example given of the early church doing what ever we are to do. For example, according to Acts 20:7 the brethren gathered on the first day of the week to partake of the Lord's Supper. By example, we see when we are to remember the Lord's death -- upon the first day of the week.
3) When there is no direct statement or example present, then we might look for an implied or inferred truth revealed. For example, no where do we find a statement or example of how often the early church partook of the Lord's Supper. Once a month? Yearly? But when we read "upon the first day of the week, when we were gathered together..." (Acts 20:7) we come to a necessary conclusion that we are to partake of the memorial supper every first day of the week. Why every first day of the week? Because every week was one, and God is silent when it comes to any specific or designated dates. Like the Jews, who celebrated the Sabbath on a weekly basis, when the Lord commanded to "Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy" (Exodus 20:8), Christians remember the Lord's death on a weekly basis until he comes again.

Huntington Church of Christ

Ask Your Preacher...