Levels of authority 02 03

Three Levels of Authority for what a Church Does

We discern three levels of authority for what churches do, 1) New Testament Commands, 2) New Testament Practices (not commanded), and 3) Traditions.

Level 1. New Testament Commands

We obey them without delay or argument. Examples:

Commands of Jesus (foundational) "…teaching them to obey all things that I have commanded you…" Mt 28:18-20

Repent, believe, and receive the Holy Spirit (conversion, regeneration), Mark 1:15; John 3:16; 20:22

Be baptized and live the new life it initiates, leading to all that has to do with ongoing transformation, Matthew 28:18-20

Love God, neighbor, fellow disciples, the needy--in a practical way--and enemies (forgive), Matthew 22:36-40; John 13:34-35, Luke 10:25-37; Matthew 5:43-48

Break bread (Communion, related to all that we do to worship), Matthew 26:26-28; John 4:24

Pray (private and family devotions, intercession and spiritual warfare), John 16:24

Give (stewardship of our time, treasure and talents), Luke 6:38

Make disciples (witness for Christ, shepherd, apply the Word, train leaders, send missionaries), Matthew 28:18-20

Commands of Jesus’ Apostles (for followers of Christ)

The "one another" commands, instructions for naming elders, rules using spiritual gifts, etc.

Level 2. New Testament Practices (not commanded)

We are free to do them or not; we cannot compel nor prohibit them. Examples:

Baptize immediately

Use one cup for the Lord’s Supper
Worship on Sunday

Name several elders to shepherd a church

Etc.

Level 3. Human Traditions (no mention in N.T.)

Most traditions are good; we prohibit those that hinder obedience. Examples:

Wearing a robe in the pulpit

Wearing a tie in the pulpit

Not wearing a tie in the pulpit

The pulpit

Celebrating Communion the first Sunday of the month

Rate the following (to which level of authority do they belong?)
__stand to pray __formally ordain clergy __kneel to pray __women prohesy publicly __circumcise believers __fast __memorize prayers __raise hands to praise God __make decision for Jesus __build church buildings __baptize immediately __name several elders __baptize after long study	__pay full time ministers __give __mentor new leaders __sing to express praise __train leaders in seminary __wash one another’s feet __send missionary teams __disobey unjust civil laws __observe Lent __use business to start churches __form regional associations of churches __a church governs itself democratically __call a cluster of churches ‘the church’			__marry a childless brother’s widow __write church constitutions __use Sunday School to train children __form mission agencies __obey church elders __translate Bible in new fields __receive the Holy Spirit __send missionaries to neglected fields __speak in tongues __provide help for drug rehabilitation, etc. __proclaim Jesus’ resurrection as vital __do mercy ministry (relief, social work)