Transcript CONGREGATIONALISM

THINKING “INSIDE THE BOX”
ABOUT “BIBLICAL PRIMITIVISM”
AND THE “RESTORATION
PRINCIPLE”
1.
APOSTOLIC AUTHORITY
2. “COMMON SENSE” HERMENEUTICS
3. CONGREGATIONALISM
IS THIS A QUESTION WORTHY
OF OUR STUDY?
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1. An Organization—Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23; I Tim. 3: 1ff;
Titus 1:5ff.
2. An Assembly—Heb. 10:25; I Cor. 11:18
3. Taught—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 14:15
4. Prayed—Acts 12:5; I Cor. 14:19
5. Sang—Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16
6. Lord’s Supper on 1st Day—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 11:20
7. Gave on 1st Day—I Cor. 16:1,2; Acts 2:44-45
8. Treasury—Acts 5:1-4
9. Relieved Needy Saints—Acts 4:34-35; 11:29-30; I Cor.
16:1
10. Supported Preaching—II Cor. 11:8; Phil. 4:15-16
11. Disciplined Unruly Members—I Cor. 5:1-5
12. Discussed Congregational Activities—Acts 6:1-5
THIS IS NOT THE ONLY QUESTION
WE ASK
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IT IS A CENTRAL QUESTION FOR
BIBLICAL PRIMITIVISTS
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Act 9:18-28 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it
had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and
arose, and was baptized. (19) And when he had received
meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain
days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
(20) And straightway he preached Christ in the
synagogues, that he is the Son of God. (21) But all that
heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that
destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem,
and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them
bound unto the chief priests? (22) But Saul increased the
more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at
Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
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Act 9:18-28 (23) And after that many days were fulfilled,
the Jews took counsel to kill him: (24) But their laying
await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day
and night to kill him. (25) Then the disciples took him
by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket. (26)
And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he
assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they
were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a
disciple. (27) But Barnabas took him, and brought him
to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen
the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and
how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of
Jesus. (28) And he was with them coming in and going
out at Jerusalem.
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1 Timothy 3:14-15 These things write I unto thee, hoping to
come unto thee shortly: (15) But if I tarry long, that thou
mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the
house of God, which is the church of the living God, the
pillar and ground of the truth.
Titus 1:2-5 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot
lie, promised before the world began; (3) But hath in due
times manifested his word through preaching, which is
committed unto me according to the commandment of God
our Saviour; (4) To Titus, mine own son after the common
faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the
Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. (5) For this cause left I thee
in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that
are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had
appointed thee:
Uniformity a repetitious theme in Corinthians.
I Cor. 4:17 For this cause have I sent unto you
Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in
the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of
my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where
in every church.
I Cor. 7:17 But as God hath distributed to every man, as
the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And
so ordain I in all churches.
I Cor. 11:16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we
have no such custom, neither the churches of God.
I Cor. 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints,
as I have given order to the churches of Galatia,
even so do ye.
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Ephesians 1:22-23 And hath put all things
under his feet, and gave him to be the head
over all things to the church, (23)
Which is his body, the fulness of him
that filleth all in all.
Early Christians assumed
uniformity in a catholic (universal)
church.
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I believe in God the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth. . . . I
believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy
catholic Church; the communion of
saints; the forgiveness of sins; the
resurrection of the body; and the life
everlasting. AMEN.
Apostles Creed (2nd century)
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We covenant with the Lord and one with
another and doe bynd our selves in the
presence of God, to walke together in all his
waies, according as he is pleased to reveal
himself unto us in his blessed word of truth.
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For in the End of the Day, after the finishing of our Publick Duties,
we do all, . . . Promise, and enter into a sure Covenant with the
Lord our God, and before him with one another, by Oath and
serious Protestation made, to renounce all Idolatry and
Superstition, Will-Worship, all Humane Traditions and
Inventions whatsoever, in the Worship of God; and forsaking
all Evil Ways, do give ourselves wholly unto the Lord Jesus, to do
him faithful Service, observing and keeping all his Statutes,
Commands, and Ordinances, in all Matters concerning our
Reformation; his Worship, Administrations, Ministry, and
Government; and in the Carriage of our selves among our
selves, and one another towards another, as he hath
prescribed in his Holy Word. Further swearing to cleave unto
that alone, and the true Sense and meaning thereof to the utmost
of our Power, as unto the most clear Light and infallible Rule, and
All-sufficient Canon, in all things that concern us in this our Way.
CAMBRIDGE
PLATFORM
OF 1649
CHAPTER I.
Of the form of Church-Government; and that it is one, immutable, and prescribed in the Word of God.
Ecclesiasticall Polity or Church Government (1), or discipline is nothing els, but that Forme & order that is to be observed in the Church of Christ vpon
earth, both for the Constitution of it, & all the Administrations that therein are to bee performed.
2 Church-Government is Considered in a double respect either in regard of the parts of Government themselves, or necessary Circumstances
thereof. The parts of Government are prescribed in the word, (2) because the Lord Iesus Christ the King and Law-giver of his Church, is no less
faithfull in the house of God then was Moses, (3)who from the Lord delivered a form & pattern (4) of Government to the Children of Israel in the old
Testament: And the holy Scriptures are now also soe perfect, as they are able to make the man of God perfect & thorough-ly furnished vnto euery
good work; and therefore doubtless; to the well ordering of the house of God.
3 The partes of Church-Government are all of them exactly described in the word of God (5) being parts or means of Instituted worship according
to the second Commandement: & therefore to continue one & the same, vnto the apearing of our Lord Iesus Christ as a kingdom that cannot be
shaken, untill hee shall deliver it up unto God, enen the Father. Soe that it is not left in the power of men, (6) officers, Churches, or any state in the
world to add, or diminish, or alter any thing in the least measure therein.
4 The necessary circumstances, (7) as time & place &c belonging unto order and decency, are not soe left unto men as that under pretence (8) [2] of
them, they may thrust their own Inventions vpon the Churches: Being Circumscribed in the word with many Generall limitations; where they are
determined in respect of the matter to be neither worship it self, (9) nor Circumstances seperable from worship: in respect of their end, they must be
done vnto edification: in respect of the manner, decently, and in order, according to the nature of the things them selves, & Civill, & Church Custom.
(10) doth not euen nature it selfe teach you ? yea they, are in some sort determined particularly, namely that they be done in such a manner, as all
Circumstances considered, is most expedient for edification: so, as if there bee no errour of man concerning their determination, the determining of
them is to be accounted as if it were divine.
Notes 14 12 19
1. Ezek. 43, 11 Col 2, 5 I Tim. 3, 15
2. Hebr 3, 5, 6
3. Exod 25 40
4. 2 Tim 3 16
5. I Tim 3 15 I Chron 15 13 Ex 20 4 I im 6 13 v 16 Heb 12 27 28 I Cor, 15 22
6. Deut 12 32. Ezek 43 8. I Kings 12. 31 32 33
7. I Kings 12 v: 28 29 Isai 29 13.
8. Col 2 22 23 Acts 15 28
9. Matt 15 9 I Cor 11 23 c 8 34.
10. I Cor 14 26 I Cor 14 40 I Cor 11 14 I Cor 11 16 I Cor Acts 15 28.
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Ecclesiasticall Polity or Church
Government, or discipline is nothing els, but
that Forme & order that is to be observed in the
Church of Christ vpon earth, both for the
Constitution of it, & all the Administrations
that therein are to bee performed.
Thomas
Campbell
(1834)
1763-1854
Barton Warren Stone
1772-1844
DECLARATION
AND
ADDRESS
OF THE
CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION
OF
WASHINGTON.
WASHINGTON, (Pa.)
PRINTED BY BROWN & SAMPLE.
AT THE OFFICE OF "THE REPORTER."
1809.
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PROP. 1. THAT the church of Christ upon earth is essentially, intentionally,
and constitutionally one; consisting of all those in every place that profess
their faith in Christ and obedience to him in all things according to the
scriptures, and that manifest the same by their tempers and conduct, and of
none else as none else can be truly and properly called christians.
2. That although the church of Christ upon earth must necessarily exist in
particular and distinct societies, locally separate one from another; yet there
ought to be no schisms, no uncharitable divisions among them. They ought
to receive each other as Christ Jesus hath also received them to the glory of
God. And for this purpose, they ought all to walk by the same rule, to mind
and speak the same thing; and to be perfectly joined together in the same
mind, and in the same judgment.
3. That in order to this, nothing ought to be inculcated upon christians
as articles of faith; nor required of them as terms of communion; but
what is expressly taught, and enjoined upon them, in the word of God.
Nor ought any thing be admitted, as of divine obligation, in their church
constitution and managements, but what is expressly enjoined by the
authority of our Lord Jesus Christ and his Apostles upon the New
Testament church; either in express terms, or by approven precedent.
NEW TESTAMENT CHURCHES OF CHRIST
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1. An Organization—Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23; I Tim. 3:
1ff; Titus 1:5ff.
2. An Assembly—Heb. 10:25; I Cor. 11:18
3. Taught—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 14:15
4. Prayed—Acts 12:5; I Cor. 14:19
5. Sang—Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16
6. Lord’s Supper on 1st Day—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 11:20
7. Gave on 1st Day—I Cor. 16:1,2; Acts 2:44-45
8. Treasury—Acts 5:1-4
9. Relieved Needy Saints—Acts 4:34-35; 11:29-30; I
Cor. 16:1
10. Supported Preaching—II Cor. 11:8; Phil. 4:15-16
11. Disciplined Unruly Members—I Cor. 5:1-5
12. Discussed Congregational Activities—Acts
6:1-5
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1. An organization—Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23; I Tim. 3:
1ff; Titus 1:5ff.
 Phil. 1:1Paul
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and Timotheus, the servants of
Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ
Jesus which are at Philippi, with the
bishops and deacons.
Acts 14:23And when they had ordained
them elders in every church, and had
prayed with fasting, they commended
them to the Lord, on whom they
believed.
 1 Tim. 3:1This
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is a true saying, If a man desire the
office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2A
bishop then must be blameless, the husband of
one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given
to hospitality, apt to teach;. . .
Titus 1:5For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou
shouldest set in order the things that are wanting,
and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed
thee. . . .
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1. An organization—Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23; I Tim. 3:
1ff; Titus 1:5ff.
2. An Assembly—Heb. 10:25; I Cor. 11:18
 Heb. 10:25Not
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forsaking the assembling of
ourselves together, as the manner of some is;
but exhorting one another: and so much the
more, as ye see the day approaching.
I Cor. 11:18For first of all, when ye come together
in the church, I hear that there be divisions
among you; and I partly believe it.
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1. An organization—Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23; I Tim. 3:
1ff; Titus 1:5ff.
2. An Assembly—Heb. 10:25; I Cor. 11:18
3. Taught—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 14:15
 Acts 20:7And
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upon the first day of the week, when
the disciples came together to break bread,
Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on
the morrow; and continued his speech until
midnight.
I Cor.14:19Yet in the church I had rather speak five
words with my understanding, that by my voice
I might teach others also, than ten thousand
words in an unknown tongue.
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1. An organization—Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23; I Tim. 3:
1ff; Titus 1:5ff.
2. An Assembly—Heb. 10:25; I Cor. 11:18
3. Taught—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 14:15
4. Prayed—Acts 12:5; I Cor. 14:19
 Acts 12:5Peter
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therefore was kept in prison: but
prayer was made without ceasing of the church
unto God for him.
I Cor. 14:15What is it then? I will pray with the
spirit, and I will pray with the understanding
also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing
with the understanding also.
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1. An organization—Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23; I Tim. 3:
1ff; Titus 1:5ff.
2. An Assembly—Heb. 10:25; I Cor. 11:18
3. Taught—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 14:15
4. Prayed—Acts 12:5; I Cor. 14:19
5. Sang—Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16
 Eph. 5:19Speaking
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to yourselves in psalms and
hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making
melody in your heart to the Lord. . .
Col. 3:16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly
in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one
another in psalms and hymns and spiritual
songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the
Lord.
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1. An organization—Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23; I Tim. 3:
1ff; Titus 1:5ff.
2. An Assembly—Heb. 10:25; I Cor. 11:18
3. Taught—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 14:15
4. Prayed—Acts 12:5; I Cor. 14:19
5. Sang—Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16
6. Lord’s Supper on 1st Day—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 11:20
 Acts 20:7And
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upon the first day of the week, when
the disciples came together to break bread,
Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on
the morrow; and continued his speech until
midnight.
I Cor. 11:20When ye come together therefore into
one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper.
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1. An organization—Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23; I Tim. 3:
1ff; Titus 1:5ff.
2. An Assembly—Heb. 10:25; I Cor. 11:18
3. Taught—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 14:15
4. Prayed—Acts 12:5; I Cor. 14:19
5. Sang—Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16
6. Lord’s Supper on 1st Day—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 11:20
7. Gave on 1st Day—I Cor. 16:1,2; Acts 2:44-45
 I Cor. 16:1Now
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concerning the collection for the
saints, as I have given order to the churches of
Galatia, even so do ye. 2Upon the first day of
the week let every one of you lay by him in
store, as God hath prospered him, that there be
no gatherings when I come.
Acts 2:44And all that believed were together, and
had all things common; 45And sold their
possessions and goods, and parted them to all
men, as every man had need.
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1. An organization—Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23; I Tim. 3:
1ff; Titus 1:5ff.
2. An Assembly—Heb. 10:25; I Cor. 11:18
3. Taught—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 14:15
4. Prayed—Acts 12:5; I Cor. 14:19
5. Sang—Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16
6. Lord’s Supper on 1st Day—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 11:20
7. Gave on 1st Day—I Cor. 16:1,2; Acts 2:44-45
8. Treasury—Acts 5:1-4
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Acts 5:1But
a certain man named Ananias, with
Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2And kept
back part of the price, his wife also being privy
to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at
the apostles’ feet. 3But Peter said, Ananias, why
hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy
Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the
land? 4Whiles it remained, was it not thine
own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine
own power? why hast thou conceived this thing
in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but
unto God.
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1. An organization—Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23; I Tim. 3:
1ff; Titus 1:5ff.
2. An Assembly—Heb. 10:25; I Cor. 11:18
3. Taught—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 14:15
4. Prayed—Acts 12:5; I Cor. 14:19
5. Sang—Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16
6. Lord’s Supper on 1st Day—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 11:20
7. Gave on 1st Day—I Cor. 16:1,2; Acts 2:44-45
8. Treasury—Acts 5:1-4
9. Relieved Needy Saints—Acts 4:34-35; 11:29-30; I Cor. 16:1
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Acts 4:34Neither
was there any among them that lacked:
for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold
them, and brought the prices of the things that were
sold, 35And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and
distribution was made unto every man according as he
had need.
Acts 11:29Then the disciples, every man according to his
ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren
which dwelt in Judaea: 30Which also they did, and sent
it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
I Cor. 16:1Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I
have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do
ye.
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1. An organization—Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23; I Tim. 3:
1ff; Titus 1:5ff.
2. An Assembly—Heb. 10:25; I Cor. 11:18
3. Taught—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 14:15
4. Prayed—Acts 12:5; I Cor. 14:19
5. Sang—Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16
6. Lord’s Supper on 1st Day—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 11:20
7. Gave on 1st Day—I Cor. 16:1,2; Acts 2:44-45
8. Treasury—Acts 5:1-4
9. Relieved Needy Saints—Acts 4:34-35; 11:29-30; I Cor. 16:1
10. Supported Preaching—II Cor. 11:8; Phil. 4:15-16
 II Cor. 11:8I
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robbed other churches, taking wages of
them, to do you service.
Phil. 4:15Now ye Philippians know also, that in
the beginning of the gospel, when I departed
from Macedonia, no church communicated
with me as concerning giving and receiving,
but ye only. 16For even in Thessalonica ye sent
once and again unto my necessity.
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1. An organization—Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23; I Tim. 3:
1ff; Titus 1:5ff.
2. An Assembly—Heb. 10:25; I Cor. 11:18
3. Taught—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 14:15
4. Prayed—Acts 12:5; I Cor. 14:19
5. Sang—Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16
6. Lord’s Supper on 1st Day—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 11:20
7. Gave on 1st Day—I Cor. 16:1,2; Acts 2:44-45
8. Treasury—Acts 5:1-4
9. Relieved Needy Saints—Acts 4:34-35; 11:29-30; I Cor. 16:1
10. Supported Preaching—II Cor. 11:8; Phil. 4:15-16
11. Discipline Unruly Members—I Cor. 5:1-5
 I Cor. 5:1-5It
is reported commonly that there is
fornication among you, and such fornication as
is not so much as named among the Gentiles,
that one should have his father’s wife. . . . 4In
the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are
gathered together, and my spirit, with the
power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5To deliver
such an one unto Satan for the destruction of
the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the
day of the Lord Jesus.
A NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH
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1. An Organization—Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23; I Tim. 3:
1ff; Titus 1:5ff.
2. An Assembly—Heb. 10:25; I Cor. 11:18
3. Taught—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 14:15
4. Prayed—Acts 12:5; I Cor. 14:19
5. Sang—Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16
6. Lord’s Supper on 1st Day—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 11:20
7. Gave on 1st Day—I Cor. 16:1,2; Acts 2:44-45
8. Treasury—Acts 5:1-4
9. Relieved Needy Saints—Acts 4:34-35; 11:29-30; I
Cor. 16:1
10. Supported Preaching—II Cor. 11:8; Phil. 4:15-16
11. Disciplined Unruly Members—I Cor. 5:1-5
12. Discussed Congregational Activity—Acts 6:1-5
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Acts 6:1-5 And in those days, the disciples having
multiplied, a murmuring of the Hellenists against the
Hebrews occurred, because their widows were
overlooked in the daily serving. (2) And the Twelve
called near the multitude of the disciples and said, It is
not pleasing to us, leaving the Word of God, to serve
tables. (3) Therefore, brothers, look out among you
seven men being witnessed to, full of the Holy Spirit
and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this duty.
(4) But we will give ourselves continually to prayer
and to the ministry of the Word. (5) And the saying
pleased all the multitude. And they chose Stephen, a
man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and
Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas,
and Nicholas, a proselyte of Antioch.
ANSWERING THE QUESTION: WHAT DO WE
KNOW ABOUT APOSTOLIC CHURCHES?
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1. An Organization—Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23; I Tim. 3: 1ff;
Titus 1:5ff.
2. An Assembly—Heb. 10:25; I Cor. 11:18
3. Taught—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 14:15
4. Prayed—Acts 12:5; I Cor. 14:19
5. Sang—Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16
6. Lord’s Supper on 1st Day—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 11:20
7. Gave on 1st Day—I Cor. 16:1,2; Acts 2:44-45
8. Treasury—Acts 5:1-4
9. Relieved Needy Saints—Acts 4:34-35; 11:29-30; I Cor.
16:1
10. Supported Preaching—II Cor. 11:8; Phil. 4:15-16
11. Disciplined Unruly Members—I Cor. 5:1-5
12. Discussed Congregational Activities—Acts 6:1-5
THE EVIDENCE EXPLAINS BOTH
WHAT WE DO AND WHAT WE DO
NOT DO
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AN ESSENTIAL DISTINCTION:
APPLYING THE LIST AND
EXPANDING THE LIST
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1. An Organization—Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23; I Tim. 3: 1ff; Titus 1:5ff.
2. An Assembly—Heb. 10:25; I Cor. 11:18
3. Taught—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 14:15
4. Prayed—Acts 12:5; I Cor. 14:19
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5. Sang—Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16
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6. Lord’s Supper on 1st Day—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 11:20
7. Gave on 1st Day—I Cor. 16:1,2; Acts 2:44-45
8. Treasury—Acts 5:1-4
9. Relieved Needy Saints—Acts 4:34-35; 11:29-30; I Cor. 16:1
10. Supported Preaching—II Cor. 11:8; Phil. 4:15-16
11. Disciplined Unruly Members—I Cor. 5:1-5
12. Discussed Congregational Activities—Acts 6:1-5
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Eph. 5:19Speaking
to yourselves in psalms and
hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making
melody in your heart to the Lord. . .
Col. 3:16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly
in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one
another in psalms and hymns and spiritual
songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the
Lord.
1 Corinthians 14:15 What is it then? I will pray
with the spirit, and I will pray with the
understanding also: I will sing with the spirit,
and I will sing with the understanding also.
IS INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC REALLY SUCH
A BIG ISSUE?
Should we divide churches just because of
instrumental music?
IT SEEMS PRETTY MINOR ME!!
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THE VOICE OF VARIOUS RELIGIOUS SOURCES...
1. CATHOLIC - "... the first Christians were of too spiritual a fibre to substitute lifeless instruments
for or to use them to accompany the human voice." -- CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA
2. GREEK ORTHODOX - "The execution of Byzantine church music by instruments, or even the
accompaniment of sacred chanting by instruments was ruled out by the Eastern Fathers as being
incompatible with the pure, solemn, spiritual character of the religion of Christ." -- Constantine
Cavarnos, BYSANTINE SACRED MUSIC
3. PRESBYTERIAN - "Musical instruments in celebrating the praises of God would be no more
suitable than the burning of incense, the lighting up of lamps, the restoration of the other shadows
of the law. The Papists, therefore, have foolishly borrowed this, as well as many other things, from
the Jews. Men who are fond of outward pomp may delight in that noise; but the simplicity which
God recommends to us by the apostle is far more pleasing to Him." - JOHN CALVIN, Commentary
on the Book of Psalms, Vol. I, p. 539
4. METHODIST - "I have no objection to instruments of music, in our chapels, provided they are
neither heard nor seen." - JOHN WESLEY (founder)
5. METHODIST - "Music as a science, I esteem and admire: but instruments of music in the house
of God I abominate and abhor. This is the abuse of music; and here I register my protest against all
such corruptions in the worship of the Author of Christianity." - ADAM CLARKE (commentator)
6. LUTHERAN - "Martin Luther called the organ an 'ensign of Baal'." - MCCLINTOCK & STRONG'S
ENCYCLOPEDIA
7. BAPTIST - "I would as soon attempt to pray to God with machinery as to sing to Him with
machinery." - CHARLES H. SPURGEON
ALTHOUGH!!!
•1. CATHOLIC - "... the first Christians were

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


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of
spiritual
a fibre
to substitute lifeless
THE too
VOICE OF
VARIOUS RELIGIOUS
SOURCES...
1. CATHOLIC - "... the first Christians were of too spiritual a fibre to substitute lifeless instruments
for or to use them to accompany
the human
voice." --them
CATHOLICto
ENCYCLOPEDIA
instruments
for
or
to
use
accompany
2. GREEK ORTHODOX - "The execution of Byzantine church music by instruments, or even the
accompaniment
of sacred
chanting by instruments
was ruled out by the Eastern Fathers as being
the
human
voice."
-- CATHOLIC
incompatible
with the pure,
solemn, spiritual
character of the religion of Christ." -- Constantine
Cavarnos, BYSANTINE SACRED MUSIC
ENCYCLOPEDIA
3. PRESBYTERIAN - "Musical instruments in celebrating the praises of God would be no more
suitable than the burning of incense, the lighting up of lamps, the restoration of the other shadows
of the law. The Papists, therefore, have foolishly borrowed this, as well as many other things, from
the Jews.
Men who are fond
of outward pomp may delight
in that noise;
but the simplicity which
•2.
GREEK
ORTHODOX
- "The
execution
of
God recommends to us by the apostle is far more pleasing to Him." - JOHN CALVIN, Commentary
on the Book of Psalms, Vol. I, p. 539
Byzantine
church
instruments,
4. METHODIST - "I have
no objection music
to instrumentsby
of music,
in our chapels, providedor
they are
neither heard nor seen." - JOHN WESLEY (founder)
5. METHODIST
as a science, I esteem and admire:
but instrumentschanting
of music in the house
even
the- "Music
accompaniment
of sacred
of God I abominate and abhor. This is the abuse of music; and here I register my protest against all
such corruptions in the worship of the Author of Christianity." - ADAM CLARKE (commentator)
by
instruments
was
ruled
outof Baal'."
by -the
Eastern
6. LUTHERAN
- "Martin Luther called
the organ
an 'ensign
MCCLINTOCK
& STRONG'S
ENCYCLOPEDIA
7. BAPTIST - "I would
soon attempt
to pray to God with machinery
as to sing
with
Fathers
asasbeing
incompatible
with
theto Him
pure,
machinery." - CHARLES H. SPURGEON
solemn, spiritual character of the religion of
Christ." -- Constantine Cavarnos,
BYSANTINE SACRED MUSIC








THE VOICE OF VARIOUS RELIGIOUS SOURCES...
1. CATHOLIC - "... the first Christians were of too spiritual a fibre to substitute lifeless instruments
for or to use them to accompany the human voice." -- CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA
2. GREEK ORTHODOX - "The execution of Byzantine church music by instruments, or even the
accompaniment of sacred chanting by instruments was ruled out by the Eastern Fathers as being
incompatible with the pure, solemn, spiritual character of the religion of Christ." -- Constantine
Cavarnos, BYSANTINE SACRED MUSIC
3. PRESBYTERIAN - "Musical instruments in celebrating the praises of God would be no more
suitable than the burning of incense, the lighting up of lamps, the restoration of the other shadows
of the law. The Papists, therefore, have foolishly borrowed this, as well as many other things, from
the Jews. Men who are fond of outward pomp may delight in that noise; but the simplicity which
God recommends to us by the apostle is far more pleasing to Him." - JOHN CALVIN, Commentary
on the Book of Psalms, Vol. I, p. 539
4. METHODIST - "I have no objection to instruments of music, in our chapels, provided they are
neither heard nor seen." - JOHN WESLEY (founder)
5. METHODIST - "Music as a science, I esteem and admire: but instruments of music in the house
of God I abominate and abhor. This is the abuse of music; and here I register my protest against all
such corruptions in the worship of the Author of Christianity." - ADAM CLARKE (commentator)
6. LUTHERAN - "Martin Luther called the organ an 'ensign of Baal'." - MCCLINTOCK & STRONG'S
ENCYCLOPEDIA
7. BAPTIST - "I would as soon attempt to pray to God with machinery as to sing to Him with
machinery." - CHARLES H. SPURGEON
•3. PRESBYTERIAN - "Musical instruments in
celebrating the praises of God would be no more
suitable than the burning of incense, the lighting
up of lamps, the restoration of the other shadows
of the law. The Papists, therefore, have foolishly
borrowed this, as well as many other things, from
the Jews. Men who are fond of outward pomp may
delight in that noise; but the simplicity which God
recommends to us by the apostle is far more
pleasing to Him." - JOHN CALVIN, Commentary
on the Book of Psalms, Vol. I, p. 539
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
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
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

•4. METHODIST - "I have no objection to
THE VOICE OF VARIOUS
RELIGIOUS
SOURCES...
instruments
of
music,
in our chapels, provided
1. CATHOLIC - "... the first Christians were of too spiritual a fibre to substitute lifeless instruments
for or to use them to accompany the human voice." -- CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA
they
are
neither
heard
nor seen."
- JOHN
2. GREEK
ORTHODOX
- "The execution
of Byzantine
church music by
instruments, or even the
accompaniment of sacred chanting by instruments was ruled out by the Eastern Fathers as being
incompatible with the
pure, solemn, spiritual character of the religion of Christ." -- Constantine
WESLEY
(founder)
Cavarnos, BYSANTINE
SACRED MUSIC
3. PRESBYTERIAN - "Musical instruments in celebrating the praises of God would be no more
suitable
than the burning of incense, "Music
the lighting up of
lamps,
the restoration of theIother shadows
•5.
METHODIST
as
a
of the
law. The Papists, therefore,-have
foolishly borrowed
this,science,
as well as many other things, from
the Jews. Men who are fond of outward pomp may delight in that noise; but the simplicity which
God recommends
to usadmire:
by the apostle is but
far moreinstruments
pleasing to Him." - JOHNof
CALVIN,
Commentary
esteem
and
music
on the Book of Psalms, Vol. I, p. 539
METHODIST - "I have no objection to instruments of music, in our chapels, provided they are
in4.neither
the
house
God
I (founder)
abominate and abhor.
heard
nor seen." of
- JOHN
WESLEY
5. METHODIST - "Music as a science, I esteem and admire: but instruments of music in the house
of God is
I abominate
abhor. Thisof
is the
abuse of music;
and here
I register
protest against all
This
the and
abuse
music;
and
here
I myregister
such corruptions in the worship of the Author of Christianity." - ADAM CLARKE (commentator)
6. LUTHERAN - "Martin Luther called the organ an 'ensign of Baal'." - MCCLINTOCK & STRONG'S
my
protest against all such corruptions in the
ENCYCLOPEDIA
7. BAPTIST - "I would as soon attempt to pray to God with machinery as to sing to Him with
machinery." - CHARLES
worship
of theH. SPURGEON
Author of Christianity." - ADAM
CLARKE (commentator)








THE VOICE OF VARIOUS RELIGIOUS SOURCES...
1. CATHOLIC - "... the first Christians were of too spiritual a fibre to substitute lifeless instruments
for or to use them to accompany the human voice." -- CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA
2. GREEK ORTHODOX - "The execution of Byzantine church music by instruments, or even the
accompaniment of sacred chanting by instruments was ruled out by the Eastern Fathers as being
incompatible with the pure, solemn, spiritual character of the religion of Christ." -- Constantine
Cavarnos, BYSANTINE SACRED MUSIC
3. PRESBYTERIAN - "Musical instruments in celebrating the praises of God would be no more
suitable than the burning of incense, the lighting up of lamps, the restoration of the other shadows
of the law. The Papists, therefore, have foolishly borrowed this, as well as many other things, from
the Jews. Men who are fond of outward pomp may delight in that noise; but the simplicity which
God recommends to us by the apostle is far more pleasing to Him." - JOHN CALVIN, Commentary
on the Book of Psalms, Vol. I, p. 539
4. METHODIST - "I have no objection to instruments of music, in our chapels, provided they are
neither heard nor seen." - JOHN WESLEY (founder)
5. METHODIST - "Music as a science, I esteem and admire: but instruments of music in the house
of God I abominate and abhor. This is the abuse of music; and here I register my protest against all
such corruptions in the worship of the Author of Christianity." - ADAM CLARKE (commentator)
6. LUTHERAN - "Martin Luther called the organ an 'ensign of Baal'." - MCCLINTOCK & STRONG'S
ENCYCLOPEDIA
7. BAPTIST - "I would as soon attempt to pray to God with machinery as to sing to Him with
machinery." - CHARLES H. SPURGEON
•6. LUTHERAN - "Martin Luther called
the organ an 'ensign of Baal'." MCCLINTOCK & STRONG'S
ENCYCLOPEDIA
•7. BAPTIST - "I would as soon
attempt to pray to God with machinery
as to sing to Him with machinery." CHARLES H. SPURGEON
1.
2.
3.
4.
An organization—Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23; I Tim. 3: 1ff; Titus 1:5ff.
An Assembly—Heb. 10:25; I Cor. 11:18
Taught—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 14:15
Prayed—Acts 12:5; I Cor. 14:19
5. Sang—Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16
6. Lord’s Supper on 1st Day—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 11:20
7.
Gave on 1st Day—I Cor. 16:1,2; Acts 2:44-45
THIS
IS NOT THE
8.
Treasury—Acts
5:1-4 ISSUE THAT IS IMPORTANT
9.
Relieved Needy Saints—Acts 4:34-35; 11:29-30; I Cor. 16:1
10.
Supported Preaching—II Cor. 11:8; Phil. 4:15-16
11. Discipline Unruly Members—I Cor. 5:1-5
1. An organization—Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23; I Tim. 3: 1ff; Titus
1:5ff.
2. An Assembly—Heb. 10:25; I Cor. 11:18
3. Taught—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 14:15
4. Prayed—Acts 12:5; I Cor. 14:19
5. Sang—Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16
6. Lord’s Supper on 1st Day—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 11:20
7.
Gave on 1st Day—I Cor. 16:1,2; Acts 2:44-45
8.
Treasury—Acts 5:1-4
9.
Relieved Needy Saints—Acts 4:34-35; 11:29-30; I Cor.
16:1
10. Supported Preaching—II Cor. 11:8; Phil. 4:15-16
11. Discipline Unruly Members—I Cor. 5:1-5
THIS IS THE ISSUE
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Acts 14:21-23 And when they had preached
the gospel to that city, and had made many
disciples, they returned to Lystra, and to
Iconium, and to Antioch, (22) confirming the
souls of the disciples, exhorting them to
continue in the faith, and that through many
tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of
God. (23) And when they had appointed for
them elders in every church, and had prayed
with fasting, they commended them to the
Lord, on whom they had believed.
(ASV)
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1 Peter 4:11 If any man speak, let him
speak as the oracles of God; if any man
minister, let him do it as of the ability which
God giveth: that God in all things may be
glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be
praise and dominion for ever and ever.
Amen.
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1. An Organization—Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23; I Tim. 3: 1ff;
Titus 1:5ff.
2. An Assembly—Heb. 10:25; I Cor. 11:15
3. Taught—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 14:15
4. Prayed—Acts 12:5; I Cor. 14:19
5. Sang—Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16
6. Lord’s Supper on 1st Day—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 11:20
7. Gave on 1st Day—I Cor. 16:1,2; Acts 2:44-45
8. Treasury—Acts 5:1-4
9. Relieved Needy Saints—Acts 4:34-35; 11:29-30; I Cor.
16:1
10. Supported Preaching—II Cor. 11:8; Phil. 4:15-16
11. Disciplined Unruly Members—I Cor. 5:1-5
12. Discussed Congregational Activities—Acts 6:1-5