DO NOT GO BEYOND

“Do Not Go Beyond What Is Written” (I Cor 4:6). This command was written to the church in Corinth. They had trouble with division because some did not hold their teaching, their behavior, their worship to the “pattern of sound words” (2 Tim 1:13). Unity among Christians is only achieved and maintained by “speaking the very words of God” (I Peter 4:11). This is the only way we can “agree with one another” and be “perfectly united in mind and thought” and avoid “division” (I Cor 1:10). This is especially important “when we come together as a church” (I Cor 11:18). Preaching: The preacher must only “preach the word,” not adding fables, doctrines or ingenious schemes (2 Tim 4:2-4). Lord’s Supper: Bread and fruit of the vine on the first day of the week, not adding water or weekdays (I Cor 11; Acts 20:7). Pray: Men pray through Christ, not adding Mary as intercessor (Col 3:17). Sing Praise: Not adding mechanical instruments, rhythmic clapping, dancing, etc (Col 3:16). Giving: As purpose in heart, not marked by lack of plan (I Cor 16:1-2). If Jesus, the Son of God, did “NOTHING ON HIS OWN” but only spoke and acted as His Father in heaven had directed (Jn 8:28), how much more cautious must we be lest we act on our own without God’s authority! Ask for study on instruments and clapping in worship.

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