Personal Bible Study
Lesson 1

AUTHORITY, AND THE CHURCH

How long do you think this line is?

Just like that line, so it is in religion. Opinions really don’t count. What we need to do is all agree upon the standard we will use, and let that standard judge things for us.

Our standard in religion is the word of God, the Bible. Matthew 28:18-19; Eph. 3:1-6; 2 Tim.3:16,17

Before We Begin

1. Have you ever made a commitment to Christ? Yes No

If so, how old were you?

2. Did you make a confession at that time? Yes No

If so, what did you confess?

3. Have you ever been baptized? Yes No

a . If so, how were you baptized?

b .What was the purpose of your baptism?

c .Were you saved before or after your baptism? Before After

Authority in Religion

1. Read Matthew 28:18. Who has been given all authority in heaven and on earth?

a. Does this leave room for any other authority? Yes No

2.Read I Corinthians 14:37. Was what Paul wrote simply his own opinion? Yes No

3.Read Galatians 1:11-12. From whom did Paul receive the gospel he preached?

4. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Based upon this verse, can we say that we need anything other than the Scriptures
to equip us to every good work? Yes No

5. Read 2 John 9. Can we go beyond the doctrine of Christ? Yes No

6. Read Ephesians 3:3-4. Is it possible to understand the things Paul wrote, which were
revealed to him? Yes No

7. Read Acts 23:1 and 26:9. Is conscience a safe guide to truth? Yes No

8. Read Matthew 7:13-14. Is simply following the majority the way to get to heaven? Yes No

9. Read Galatians 1:13-14. Is following family religious traditions the way to get to heaven? Yes No

CONCLUSION:

Jesus is our sole authority in religion today, and he has spoken through his apostles. These apostles recorded Christ’s will in the New Testament, and we must not go beyond it.

The Church

1. Read Matthew 16:18 and Ephesians 4:4. How many churches did Jesus speak of?

2. Read Colossians 1:18 and Ephesians 1:22-23. Who is the head of the church?

a. Should the body (church) be subject to anyone else? Yes No

3.Read Acts 11:26. Were the disciples members of the church?

a .By what name did the disciples come to be known?

4. Read 1 Corinthians 1: 10-13. Is religious division acceptable? Yes No

5. Read John 17:20-21 Did Jesus pray that his followers (Christians) be united or divided? United Divided

6. Thought Question: If you follow the Bible and only the Bible, will it make you a Christian? Yes No

a .Will it make you a member of the church described in the New Testament? Yes No

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