The following are a few quotes from emails I have received in just the past month which we’ll answer in this article.  When
asked to provide Biblical authority for an unauthorized practice, one said: “Brian…  you wrote:  ‘There is nothing else in the
New Testament to even hint at brethren assembling more than once on the first day of the week for the Lord’s Supper.’  Thus,
you forbid what is authorized by general authority.  And so we should also say, ‘There is nothing else in the New Testament to
even hint at brethren singing more than one song per song leader.’  And it would have to be just as binding…  Do I have to
specifically prove that a baptistery is authorized?  What about a building to assemble in?  How would I prove that by specific
authority?  How would I prove specifically that more than one song per song leader is authorized?”  When one was asked to
provide Biblical authority for a “church kitchen”, the response was: “The kitchen is authorized in the same place that song
books and dress clothes in worship are authorized.”  When one was asked to biblically prove his views on divorce and
remarriage, he replied: “God is not clear on what is binding in Matthew 19:9.  How do you know marriage is even authorized
today since the command to replenish the earth is no longer valid?  Brother Yeager, you require me to provide book, chapter,
and verse for my views.  Where is your book chapter and verse for having a website?”

   It has always amazed me that brethren are quick to call you out as a sinner and say you’re are binding or loosing where God
has not bound or loosed.  Yet, when you ask them to show that from the Scriptures, all they can do is throw an argument back
at you.  The old “if you can have a water fountain in the ‘church building’, we can have a basketball court” is too commonly
offered up by those claiming to want to do what is right.  Folks, if the person you are having a discussion with is wrong in
something, that does not authorize you to do something wrong.  We are all going to be held accountable to prove that all we
have done is by the authority of Christ (Colossians 3:17; cf. II Corinthians 5:10).  There’s a right way to prove what is
acceptable to God!


   Can brethren sing more than one song per song leader?  Sure!  First off, a song leader is an expedient to keep things decent
and in order (I Corinthians 14:40).  If a way to sing the same song and have it done decently and in order can be accomplished
without someone selecting and leading the songs, to God be the glory.  Secondly, Jesus and the disciples sang a hymn
(Matthew 26:30) while we are also authorized to sing a plurality of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs together (Colossians 3:
16).  Yes, we must prove a baptistery is authorized.  We need water to baptize someone (Acts 8:38).  A baptistery, creek,
lake, or another source of water deep enough to immerse someone is an authorized expediency in the command to baptize in
water (Mark 16:15-16; cf. John 3:5 and I Peter 3:20-21).  Brethren are to assemble in one place (I Corinthians 11:20).  
Examples authorize us to meet in public (Acts 5:42; 20:20), in homes (Philemon v.2), in a building (Acts 20:7), etc.  Examples
even show us that expediencies to carry out those commands are authorized [i.e. lights] (Acts 20:8).  It is what is expedient in
the local congregation that determines the location and type of meeting place.

   Song books are authorized by approved example.  What is the book of Psalms?  It is a song book.  Furthermore, we must
have something to sing that would be psalms, hymns, or spiritual songs to fulfill the command to sing such (Ephesians 5:19).  A
church kitchen however is provided nowhere in the sacred text.  In fact, we know directly that eating common meals are not a
work of the church at all (I Corinthians 11:18-34).  God is clear in Matthew 19:3-9 on His marriage law.  He said: “…What
therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder… And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife,
except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away
doth commit adultery” (Matthew 19:6; 9).  Marriage is authorized today because God said so (I Corinthians 7:1-5 and
Hebrews 13:4).  The authority to have a website rests in the authority to teach by writing (Acts 15:22-31, II Corinthians 2:9; 9:
1, and Colossians 4:16).  Such enables me as a Gospel preacher to reach the world, as commanded (Matthew 28:19-20).  
Folks, it’s done just like that.  Right actions are found in the word of God.


   From the mountains to the valleys (and even on the internet), we preach and teach that the Scriptures are all sufficient in
saving us (II Timothy 3:16-17).  We teach that the power to convert is in the Gospel (Romans 1:16).  We teach that it is sinful
to follow human traditions (Mark 7:7-9 and Colossians 2:8; 20-23).  These things are right and true.  Now, how about we see
to it that we practice what we preach and teach?  If it takes us putting together a fourteen part syllogism to prove our stand for
or against something, haven’t we missed the mark?  We should be able to give an answer when asked (I Peter 3:15) and it
should be from the Scriptures.  

   Debates have occurred over the question of how many cups can be used to remember the Lord’s death by drinking the fruit
of the vine (Matthew 26:26-29).  Yet, many have missed that it was multiple cups being used for this action (Luke 22:17ff.).  
The debate occurs over what is expedient while the simplicity is missed.  Some debate whether or not a common meal is to be
eaten in the “church building”.  Such should not be an issue.  Regardless of location, it is not a work of the church to provide
common meals (Romans 14:17).  


   Many debates have occurred and arguments made on many subject matters.  Rarely have “brethren” ever let the Scriptures
decide.  Your argument or mine does not constitute authority for anything (Proverbs 21:2 and I Peter 4:11).  If something is
pleasing to God, you’ll read about it in His word (II Peter 1:3).  If something would be pleasing to God as an expedient to an
authorized action, it will be necessary to complete that action (i.e. someone has to be sent to preach for someone to hear and
obey; Romans 10:14-17 and II Timothy 2:2).























 
Volume VII    ~    Issue LI   ~   September 16th, 2007
Words of Truth Weekly - Online Edition
What must one do to be saved (Acts 2:37)?  Hear and believe the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16 & Romans 10:17), repent of their
sins (Acts 3:19), confess Christ (Acts 8:37), and be baptized (immersed) for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38 and
Romans 6:1-6).  Upon your obedience to these requirements of the Lord He will add you to the church of Christ (Acts 2:41; 47
and I Corinthians 12:12-13; cf. Romans 16:16).  One must then remain faithful (Colossians 1:23 and Revelation 2:10).  There is
more to cover than is here.  Contact me today for a study: brianyeager@wordsoftruth.net
Edited by: Brian A. Yeager
When the Truth is Lost in Argumentation
By: Brian A. Yeager
How Should This Be Done?
The Bible Really Does Have the Answers!
Conclusion