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When is an Example Binding?

Examples

  1. Authority for doing things is sometimes found in examples.

    1. An example is defined as: "An action or attitude which represents Christian conduct in doctrine or practice."

    2. Examples are patterns left by the early Church recorded in the New Testament. They illustrate how Christianity was lived. They are valuable models left for Christians of every generation to follow.

  2. There are two types of examples. (Note: While all examples establish authority, not all examples are binding.)

    1. Some examples illustrate essential matters. That is, they have background requirements or guidelines and are, therefore, binding.

    2. Some examples illustrate optional matters. That is, they have no background requirements or guidelines and are, therefore, not binding.

    3. Examples illustrating required matters.

      1. Baptism on Pentecost, Acts 2:41  background requirement, Matt.28:19

      2. Philip preaching, Acts 8:5  background requirement, Mk.16:15

      3. Baptism a burial, Acts 8:36,39  background requirement, Rom.6:4

      4. Communion on the first day of the week, Acts 20:7  background requirement, Heb.10:25; I Cor.16:2; I Cor.11:20

      5. Resisting human demands that oppose God, Acts 4:13-20  background requirement, Acts 5:29  (cf. II Tim.4:2)

    4. Examples illustrating optional matters.

      1. Acts 13:4 - traveling by boat ➔ no background requirement

      2. Acts 20:7 - preaching until midnight ➔ no background requirement

      3. Acts 20:8 - assembling in an upper room ➔ no background requirement

      4. Acts 19:8 - preaching three months in one place ➔ no background requirement

      5. Acts 19:9,10 - teaching in a school ➔ no background requirement

      6. Acts 16:13 - teaching on a river bank ➔ no background requirement

      7. Communion at night – Acts 20, Matthew 26:20

      8. Communion in upper room – Acts 20:8, Mark 14:15

      9. Third flood – Acts 20:9

      10. Breaking bread – before or after the prayer?

      11. Bow head, close eyes for prayer

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