Is this the best argument we got for "silence"?

[zoonance]

http://home.att.net/~jackthompson/page294.htm

              THE SILENCE OF THE SCRIPTURES

Introduction:
   1. Often when men are asked as to why they practice certain
      things in religion, the answer is, "THE BIBLE DOES NOT SAY
      NOT TO DO IT."
   2. The practice in question is not specifically prohibited by
      the scriptures.
   3. Therefore, men presume to know that God approves of those
      things which He did not specifically prohibit.
   4. Actually, this reasoning presumes to know the mind of God.
   5. Such reasoning is faulty at its very best.
   6. Let us examine this question: Are we at liberty to do
      anything we desire, just so the Bible does not comdemn it?
      Just so long as the Bible does not say not to do it?

BODY:
  I. THERE ARE TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD THE SILENCE OF THE SCRIPTURES:
     1. Where the Bible is silent, that is, God has said nothing on
        the subject, one is at liberty to act.
     2. Where the Bible is silent, man must act accordingly and be
        silent. In other words, we are at liberty to do only what
        is authorized by the Scriptures.

 II. THESE TWO ATTITUDES HAVE BEEN PRESENT THROUGH THE AGES:
     1. The Reformation: Martin Luther claimed liberty to do
        whatever the Bible said nothing about. He was opposed by
        others who believed men could do only what was authorized.
     2. The Restoration: Denominationalist claimed freedom to do
        what was not forbidden by the scriptures. They were opposed
        by those who contended we must be silent. Thomas Campbell
        in 1809 said, "We speak where the Bible speaks and are
        silent where the Bible is silent."
     3. Divisions over Missionary Societies and Instrumental music.
        Those favoring these contended, "Silence is freedom to act
        if desired." Those opposing said, "Silence does not
        authorize."
     4. During the past 50 years both attitudes have been
        expressed:
        (1) Brethren who content that the silence of the scripture
            gives them liberty and freedom to have things without
            authority, calling them "good works" and arguing, "the
            end justifies the means." Look how much good we are
            doing. These often played to emotions saying, "Rather
            do it wrong than not do it at all." And, they often
            charged those opposing them with "Making laws where God
            has not made them."
        (2) Opposition has come because of the attitude that says:
            "Silence does not authorize;" "Good works" must be
            authorized. The plea has been, "Teach and practice only
            what the Scriptures authorize," giving book, chapter,
            and verse for all that is done.
     5. History will repeat itself if we are not careful. We need
        to remember the past and be forewarned.

III. HOW CAN WE DETERMINE WHAT JEHOVAH WANTS OF US??

     1. 1 Cor. 2:9-12,16. The only way to know what is truth, and
        what pleases God, is to find out what He says on any given
        subject.
     2. What color am I thinking of?  I probably would receive as
        many answers as people I ask.
     3. John 8:31-32 -- "If you continue in my word, then are ye my
            disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth and the
            truth shall make you free."
     4. Rom. 11:33-36 -- the Scriptures tell us that no man can know
            the mind of God, unless He reveals it to man.
     5. Eph. 3:1-5 -- God has revealed His will through the apostles
            and inspired men of the first century.
     6. Matt. 7:21 -- He that doeth the will of my Father....
 
IV. OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES:
     1. Jer. 10:23 -- Not in man that walketh to direct own steps
     2. Prov. 14:12 -- Way which seems right....end ways of death
     3. Leb. 10:1-2 -- Nadab and Abihu. They acted without divine
           authority. "God did not say NOT to use this fire. But,
           told them where to obtain the fire.

  V. NEW TESTAMENT:
     1. Heb. 7:11-14 -- Take Priest from tribe of Levi.
     2. Did not need to say, "Not Benjamin, not Dan, not Simeon, not
          Reuben, etc."
     3. Sufficient for the Lord to speak, man needs to listen.

Conclusion:
     1. The Bible is God's revelation.
     2. What is truth and what pleases God is found in His Word.
     3. And in no other place.
     4. Col. 3:17 -- Do all by authority of Christ, in His name.
     5. I cannot enter Heaven of my own will, bukt only through the
           will of the Father.
     6. May we never say, "Well, the Bible doesn't say not to do it."




*  As if we all view "silence" as a license to do whatever we want to.  What a rediculous assertion.  Note who also uses reasoning that presumes to know the mind of God!

[blituri]

Since this is always a RED HERRING connected to the INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC THINGY be advised that:

God is NOT silent about defining the sole role of the synagogue beginning with the church in the wilderness is to be a school of Christ through the Word.

Scripture is not silent when it commanded the word SPEAK to define how you teach that which has been taught with one mind and one mouth defined as Scripture.  The word SPEAK is clearly defined as the OPPOSITE of poerty or music which belonged to the myth writers.

In all periods of church history real scholars restricted the role of the church to Commands, Examples and inferences. Speak where the Bible speaks is found in the Bible and long before the Campbells.  Scripture is not SILENT about what we are supposed to do.

Eph. 5:14 Wherefore he saith,
        Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead,
        and Christ shall give thee light.
Eph. 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
Eph. 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Eph. 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise,
            but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
Eph. 5:18 And be not drunk with wine,
        wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;  [The Word of Christ John 6:63]
Eph. 5:19

EXTERNAL:Speaking to yourselves
        in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,  [That which is written Romans 15]

INTERNAL: notice the DIAGRAM

        singING
        and
        makING melody
                IN your heart to the Lord;

Eph. 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things
        unto God and the Father
             in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

The NAME of Father, Son and Spirit is Jesus Christ.

Latin of Ephesians 5: Loquor  [Sanscr. lap-, to talk, whisper; to speak, talk, say (in the lang. of common life, in the tone of conversation;
A. To speak, declare, show, indicate or express clear.

Greek: Laleo (g2980) lal-eh'-o; a prol. form of an otherwise obsol. verb; to talk, i.e. utter words: - preach, say, speak (after), talk, tell, utter. Comp. 3004.
        Speak is OPPOSITE  of poetry
        As chatter OPPOSITE articulate speech, pantomime, chatter of the LOCUSTS     
                          of musical sounds, auloi (flute) sound, salpingos (pan's pipe) sound, the magadis
                          kên aulôi doneô,[Reed pipe] kên dônaki*, kên plagiaulôi.[Cross flute]

1) to utter a voice or emit a sound
2) to speak
a) to use the tongue or the faculty of speech
b) to utter articulate sounds
3) to talk
4) to utter, tell
5) to use words in order to declare one's mind and disclose one's thoughts
a) to speak

Lego (g3004) leg'-o; a prim. verb; prop. to "lay" forth, i.e. (fig.) relate (in words [usually of systematic or set discourse
Logik-os, ( [logos 3004]] ) A. of or for speaking or speech, merê l. the organs of speech,  speech, OPPOSITE to mousikê

Psilos  IV. logos ps. bare language, i. e. prose, OPPOSITE to poetry which is clothed in the garb of metre

And then MELOS the word for melody: Psallo is never used in the Greek text to mean "melody"

IF YOU GRASP THAT EKKLESIA AND SYNAGOGUE DEFINES A SCHOOL (ONLY) OF THE BIBLE (ONLY) YOU DO NOT IMPOSE SOMETHING YOU INTEND TO USE TO SOW DISCORD: GOD WILL HATE YOU.

http://www.piney.com/LockeHerSch.html

John Locke defines sectarianism and heresy this:

    Nor does it signify anything for them to say that their confessions and symbols
    are agreeable to Scripture and to the analogy of faith;
        for if they be conceived in the express words of Scripture,
        there can be no question about them, because those things are
        acknowledged by all Christians to be of divine inspiration and therefore fundamental

One wonders why "historians" refuse to accept what ALL history has affirmed.  No creed gives anyone the authority to SUPPLIMENT the bible.

If you THINK that God is SILENT then you intend to IGNORE the meanings of words used in the context of the time they Scriptures were written.  You cannot be capable of defining the TEXT if you plan to ignore the WORDS.  Commands and examples are expressed in WORDS.  If you don't have the WORD and you intend to IMPOSE DISCORD then surely you do not grasp: WHAT IS A CHURCH.

ONLY the intrumentalists USED and CONFESSED to owning THE LAW OF SILENCE.  It is bad news when a Church of Christ preacher has to defend THE LAW OF SILENCE jsut because false accusers accuse them of doing what ONLY THEY have done.  AFTER they have the right to fill in the donut hole, they THEN declared that "this is the will of Jesus Christ."

It is worse news when people impose their guilt on those who THOUGHT that Christ the Spirit could speak pretty clearly.

[zoonance]

You never make any sense.

[blituri]

I was defining the word SPEAK in the NOT MUSICAL PASSAGES such as Ephesians 5.  For peopel who think that Paul was SILENT I noted that Paul used the word SPEAK as that which you do when you are TEACHING one another.  He did not have to say DON'T MAKE MUSIC because even children would understand that when asked to speak they would not run for their banjo.

I went further and showed HOW the word SPEAK is defined in the literature: Speak is the OPPOSITE of poetry or music for those who don't know that you don't MAKE MUSIC when the Word of Christ is being SPOKEN.

Based on looking at the RECORDED LITERATURE scholars notice that SPEAK cannot be used to mean MAKE MUSIC.

Furthermore, I have added some Ephesians 5 to show that--as in all educan--there is an EXTERNAL component and then an INTERNAL component. We SPEAK "that which is written" ONE TO ANOTHER which makes being entertained by a choir and band out of place.  THEN we sing and meditate on the word IN our minds and the singing is directed TO GOD and not to an audience.

No one for several centuries failed to understand that.  That is why singing as an EXTERNAL ACT of worship was not imposed until the year 373 in a few congregations so the bishops could force everyone to sing THEIR  compositions: still never SANG any of the Bible because it is not metrical and you could not sing it tunefully if your life depended on it.

That is why "congregational singing" in unison was introduced AFTER the Reformation but they had to radically REQRITE the Psalms (only) to make singing possible.

[marc]

Re the OP: That's about like asking, "Is this the best argument we have for Geocentrism?"

[Livelysword]

http://home.att.net/~jackthompson/page294.htm

              THE SILENCE OF THE SCRIPTURES

Introduction:
   1. Often when men are asked as to why they practice certain
      things in religion, the answer is, "THE BIBLE DOES NOT SAY
      NOT TO DO IT."
   2. The practice in question is not specifically prohibited by
      the scriptures.
   3. Therefore, men presume to know that God approves of those
      things which He did not specifically prohibit.
   4. Actually, this reasoning presumes to know the mind of God.
   5. Such reasoning is faulty at its very best.
   6. Let us examine this question: Are we at liberty to do
      anything we desire, just so the Bible does not comdemn it?
      Just so long as the Bible does not say not to do it?

BODY:
  I. THERE ARE TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD THE SILENCE OF THE SCRIPTURES:
     1. Where the Bible is silent, that is, God has said nothing on
        the subject, one is at liberty to act.
     2. Where the Bible is silent, man must act accordingly and be
        silent. In other words, we are at liberty to do only what
        is authorized by the Scriptures.

 II. THESE TWO ATTITUDES HAVE BEEN PRESENT THROUGH THE AGES:
     1. The Reformation: Martin Luther claimed liberty to do
        whatever the Bible said nothing about. He was opposed by
        others who believed men could do only what was authorized.
     2. The Restoration: Denominationalist claimed freedom to do
        what was not forbidden by the scriptures. They were opposed
        by those who contended we must be silent. Thomas Campbell
        in 1809 said, "We speak where the Bible speaks and are
        silent where the Bible is silent."
     3. Divisions over Missionary Societies and Instrumental music.
        Those favoring these contended, "Silence is freedom to act
        if desired." Those opposing said, "Silence does not
        authorize."
     4. During the past 50 years both attitudes have been
        expressed:
        (1) Brethren who content that the silence of the scripture
            gives them liberty and freedom to have things without
            authority, calling them "good works" and arguing, "the
            end justifies the means." Look how much good we are
            doing. These often played to emotions saying, "Rather
            do it wrong than not do it at all." And, they often
            charged those opposing them with "Making laws where God
            has not made them."
        (2) Opposition has come because of the attitude that says:
            "Silence does not authorize;" "Good works" must be
            authorized. The plea has been, "Teach and practice only
            what the Scriptures authorize," giving book, chapter,
            and verse for all that is done.
     5. History will repeat itself if we are not careful. We need
        to remember the past and be forewarned.

III. HOW CAN WE DETERMINE WHAT JEHOVAH WANTS OF US??

     1. 1 Cor. 2:9-12,16. The only way to know what is truth, and
        what pleases God, is to find out what He says on any given
        subject.
     2. What color am I thinking of?  I probably would receive as
        many answers as people I ask.
     3. John 8:31-32 -- "If you continue in my word, then are ye my
            disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth and the
            truth shall make you free."
     4. Rom. 11:33-36 -- the Scriptures tell us that no man can know
            the mind of God, unless He reveals it to man.
     5. Eph. 3:1-5 -- God has revealed His will through the apostles
            and inspired men of the first century.
     6. Matt. 7:21 -- He that doeth the will of my Father....
 
IV. OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES:
     1. Jer. 10:23 -- Not in man that walketh to direct own steps
     2. Prov. 14:12 -- Way which seems right....end ways of death
     3. Leb. 10:1-2 -- Nadab and Abihu. They acted without divine
           authority. "God did not say NOT to use this fire. But,
           told them where to obtain the fire.

  V. NEW TESTAMENT:
     1. Heb. 7:11-14 -- Take Priest from tribe of Levi.
     2. Did not need to say, "Not Benjamin, not Dan, not Simeon, not
          Reuben, etc."
     3. Sufficient for the Lord to speak, man needs to listen.

Conclusion:
     1. The Bible is God's revelation.
     2. What is truth and what pleases God is found in His Word.
     3. And in no other place.
     4. Col. 3:17 -- Do all by authority of Christ, in His name.
     5. I cannot enter Heaven of my own will, bukt only through the
           will of the Father.
     6. May we never say, "Well, the Bible doesn't say not to do it."




*  As if we all view "silence" as a license to do whatever we want to.  What a rediculous assertion.  Note who also uses reasoning that presumes to know the mind of God!

Lively:  I applaud this post... well done whether it was your own work or anothers...  well, after looking again at your post, I seen the link... but glad to see you post it... +1 manna...

[Livelysword]

I was defining the word SPEAK in the NOT MUSICAL PASSAGES such as Ephesians 5.  For peopel who think that Paul was SILENT I noted that Paul used the word SPEAK as that which you do when you are TEACHING one another.  He did not have to say DON'T MAKE MUSIC because even children would understand that when asked to speak they would not run for their banjo.

I went further and showed HOW the word SPEAK is defined in the literature: Speak is the OPPOSITE of poetry or music for those who don't know that you don't MAKE MUSIC when the Word of Christ is being SPOKEN.

Based on looking at the RECORDED LITERATURE scholars notice that SPEAK cannot be used to mean MAKE MUSIC.

Furthermore, I have added some Ephesians 5 to show that--as in all educan--there is an EXTERNAL component and then an INTERNAL component. We SPEAK "that which is written" ONE TO ANOTHER which makes being entertained by a choir and band out of place.  THEN we sing and meditate on the word IN our minds and the singing is directed TO GOD and not to an audience.

No one for several centuries failed to understand that.  That is why singing as an EXTERNAL ACT of worship was not imposed until the year 373 in a few congregations so the bishops could force everyone to sing THEIR  compositions: still never SANG any of the Bible because it is not metrical and you could not sing it tunefully if your life depended on it.

That is why "congregational singing" in unison was introduced AFTER the Reformation but they had to radically REQRITE the Psalms (only) to make singing possible.

Lively:  What do the children do when asked to sing?

[zoonance]

http://home.att.net/~jackthompson/page294.htm

              THE SILENCE OF THE SCRIPTURES

Introduction:
   1. Often when men are asked as to why they practice certain
      things in religion, the answer is, "THE BIBLE DOES NOT SAY
      NOT TO DO IT."
   2. The practice in question is not specifically prohibited by
      the scriptures.
   3. Therefore, men presume to know that God approves of those
      things which He did not specifically prohibit.
   4. Actually, this reasoning presumes to know the mind of God.
   5. Such reasoning is faulty at its very best.
   6. Let us examine this question: Are we at liberty to do
      anything we desire, just so the Bible does not comdemn it?
      Just so long as the Bible does not say not to do it?

BODY:
  I. THERE ARE TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD THE SILENCE OF THE SCRIPTURES:
     1. Where the Bible is silent, that is, God has said nothing on
        the subject, one is at liberty to act.
     2. Where the Bible is silent, man must act accordingly and be
        silent. In other words, we are at liberty to do only what
        is authorized by the Scriptures.

 II. THESE TWO ATTITUDES HAVE BEEN PRESENT THROUGH THE AGES:
     1. The Reformation: Martin Luther claimed liberty to do
        whatever the Bible said nothing about. He was opposed by
        others who believed men could do only what was authorized.
     2. The Restoration: Denominationalist claimed freedom to do
        what was not forbidden by the scriptures. They were opposed
        by those who contended we must be silent. Thomas Campbell
        in 1809 said, "We speak where the Bible speaks and are
        silent where the Bible is silent."
     3. Divisions over Missionary Societies and Instrumental music.
        Those favoring these contended, "Silence is freedom to act
        if desired." Those opposing said, "Silence does not
        authorize."
     4. During the past 50 years both attitudes have been
        expressed:
        (1) Brethren who content that the silence of the scripture
            gives them liberty and freedom to have things without
            authority, calling them "good works" and arguing, "the
            end justifies the means." Look how much good we are
            doing. These often played to emotions saying, "Rather
            do it wrong than not do it at all." And, they often
            charged those opposing them with "Making laws where God
            has not made them."
        (2) Opposition has come because of the attitude that says:
            "Silence does not authorize;" "Good works" must be
            authorized. The plea has been, "Teach and practice only
            what the Scriptures authorize," giving book, chapter,
            and verse for all that is done.
     5. History will repeat itself if we are not careful. We need
        to remember the past and be forewarned.

III. HOW CAN WE DETERMINE WHAT JEHOVAH WANTS OF US??

     1. 1 Cor. 2:9-12,16. The only way to know what is truth, and
        what pleases God, is to find out what He says on any given
        subject.
     2. What color am I thinking of?  I probably would receive as
        many answers as people I ask.
     3. John 8:31-32 -- "If you continue in my word, then are ye my
            disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth and the
            truth shall make you free."
     4. Rom. 11:33-36 -- the Scriptures tell us that no man can know
            the mind of God, unless He reveals it to man.
     5. Eph. 3:1-5 -- God has revealed His will through the apostles
            and inspired men of the first century.
     6. Matt. 7:21 -- He that doeth the will of my Father....
 
IV. OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES:
     1. Jer. 10:23 -- Not in man that walketh to direct own steps
     2. Prov. 14:12 -- Way which seems right....end ways of death
     3. Leb. 10:1-2 -- Nadab and Abihu. They acted without divine
           authority. "God did not say NOT to use this fire. But,
           told them where to obtain the fire.

  V. NEW TESTAMENT:
     1. Heb. 7:11-14 -- Take Priest from tribe of Levi.
     2. Did not need to say, "Not Benjamin, not Dan, not Simeon, not
          Reuben, etc."
     3. Sufficient for the Lord to speak, man needs to listen.

Conclusion:
     1. The Bible is God's revelation.
     2. What is truth and what pleases God is found in His Word.
     3. And in no other place.
     4. Col. 3:17 -- Do all by authority of Christ, in His name.
     5. I cannot enter Heaven of my own will, bukt only through the
           will of the Father.
     6. May we never say, "Well, the Bible doesn't say not to do it."




*  As if we all view "silence" as a license to do whatever we want to.  What a rediculous assertion.  Note who also uses reasoning that presumes to know the mind of God!

Lively:  I applaud this post... well done whether it was your own work or anothers...  well, after looking again at your post, I seen the link... but glad to see you post it... +1 manna...

I find it embarrasing.  I ask again, is this the best argument we have?  This guy presumes to speak for God as much as he condemns another human being for attempting to do the same.  The fact is the scriptures are silent on some things - leaving only principles behind.  I get the best sense of the mind of God by reading everything He passed down.

[marc]

As I just heard Patrick Mead say (this should further encourage Blituri to listen to the link,) God isn't a father who tells his children to go out and play but neglects to mention the snake pit.

[Johnb]

Quote Zoo
You never make any sense.

AMEN!

[blituri]

I suffered through #5: the speaking style is NOT for me.

I believe that he has never read the material about the John Smith unity meeting nor has he read what John Smith wrote as the "working paper" for anyone who wanted to work together.  That would prevent the Disciples from doing what they went out and did.

They were radically different groups who thought that two radically groups could meet in the same building: some did until the disciples imposed the organ.  However, the Church of Christ groups repudiated the agreement of a few men as did Alexander Campbell.

His take on the Declaration and Address is also way off base: he could never impose instruments or even have an "open" membership consistent with the Declaration and Address.  Those who followed up on the D&A envisioned every member being a Bible Scholar and not a "worship center."

John Smith and another preacher went from the "unity meeting" to start a school for preachers: at the end of the first year each student had memorized the New Testament.  Wow.

But that was required down thorugh history of anyone presuming to be a preacher: if you cannot memorize? Fine, God hasn't called you.

[blituri]

I wasn't embarassed: I didn't read it.  Why would you not be into the Bible and see clearly that  there is NO ROLE for the church which permits you to "go beyond what is written."  I don't think you can find one historical scholar or founder of denominations which did not affirm that.

Jesus made it simple: if you reject His Words then you fail to justify God.  He Wrote to teach Divine truth (whatever Christ taught) and there is no mandate to pay someone to ENHANCE the Word especially since Paul marked "private interpretaion" or further expounding as the MARK of a false teacher: that is His providing a way of escape.

From Genesis to Revelation the Word is not silent about associating all forms of MUSIC to Satan as his/her EASY way to prevent people from hearing the Words of Christ.  Christ in Isaiah 6, 29; Ezekiel 33 connected the inability to HEAR the truth to the Scribes and Pharisees whom He called Hypocrites by naming speakers, singers and instrument players.

Paul said that until you convert or are baptized into Christ you, like the Jews, will not be able to read BLACK text on BROWN paper.

The direct commands for the teaching in the ekklesia or synagogue is INCLUSIVE of "that which is written" and EXCLUSIVE of Self-pleasure which word points directly to all of the performing arts which "create mental excitement" which DISABLES speaking the Word of Christ which ARE the only source of SPIRIT and LIFE.

[Livelysword]

http://home.att.net/~jackthompson/page294.htm

              THE SILENCE OF THE SCRIPTURES

Introduction:
   1. Often when men are asked as to why they practice certain
      things in religion, the answer is, "THE BIBLE DOES NOT SAY
      NOT TO DO IT."
   2. The practice in question is not specifically prohibited by
      the scriptures.
   3. Therefore, men presume to know that God approves of those
      things which He did not specifically prohibit.
   4. Actually, this reasoning presumes to know the mind of God.
   5. Such reasoning is faulty at its very best.
   6. Let us examine this question: Are we at liberty to do
      anything we desire, just so the Bible does not comdemn it?
      Just so long as the Bible does not say not to do it?

BODY:
  I. THERE ARE TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD THE SILENCE OF THE SCRIPTURES:
     1. Where the Bible is silent, that is, God has said nothing on
        the subject, one is at liberty to act.
     2. Where the Bible is silent, man must act accordingly and be
        silent. In other words, we are at liberty to do only what
        is authorized by the Scriptures.

 II. THESE TWO ATTITUDES HAVE BEEN PRESENT THROUGH THE AGES:
     1. The Reformation: Martin Luther claimed liberty to do
        whatever the Bible said nothing about. He was opposed by
        others who believed men could do only what was authorized.
     2. The Restoration: Denominationalist claimed freedom to do
        what was not forbidden by the scriptures. They were opposed
        by those who contended we must be silent. Thomas Campbell
        in 1809 said, "We speak where the Bible speaks and are
        silent where the Bible is silent."
     3. Divisions over Missionary Societies and Instrumental music.
        Those favoring these contended, "Silence is freedom to act
        if desired." Those opposing said, "Silence does not
        authorize."
     4. During the past 50 years both attitudes have been
        expressed:
        (1) Brethren who content that the silence of the scripture
            gives them liberty and freedom to have things without
            authority, calling them "good works" and arguing, "the
            end justifies the means." Look how much good we are
            doing. These often played to emotions saying, "Rather
            do it wrong than not do it at all." And, they often
            charged those opposing them with "Making laws where God
            has not made them."
        (2) Opposition has come because of the attitude that says:
            "Silence does not authorize;" "Good works" must be
            authorized. The plea has been, "Teach and practice only
            what the Scriptures authorize," giving book, chapter,
            and verse for all that is done.
     5. History will repeat itself if we are not careful. We need
        to remember the past and be forewarned.

III. HOW CAN WE DETERMINE WHAT JEHOVAH WANTS OF US??

     1. 1 Cor. 2:9-12,16. The only way to know what is truth, and
        what pleases God, is to find out what He says on any given
        subject.
     2. What color am I thinking of?  I probably would receive as
        many answers as people I ask.
     3. John 8:31-32 -- "If you continue in my word, then are ye my
            disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth and the
            truth shall make you free."
     4. Rom. 11:33-36 -- the Scriptures tell us that no man can know
            the mind of God, unless He reveals it to man.
     5. Eph. 3:1-5 -- God has revealed His will through the apostles
            and inspired men of the first century.
     6. Matt. 7:21 -- He that doeth the will of my Father....
 
IV. OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES:
     1. Jer. 10:23 -- Not in man that walketh to direct own steps
     2. Prov. 14:12 -- Way which seems right....end ways of death
     3. Leb. 10:1-2 -- Nadab and Abihu. They acted without divine
           authority. "God did not say NOT to use this fire. But,
           told them where to obtain the fire.

  V. NEW TESTAMENT:
     1. Heb. 7:11-14 -- Take Priest from tribe of Levi.
     2. Did not need to say, "Not Benjamin, not Dan, not Simeon, not
          Reuben, etc."
     3. Sufficient for the Lord to speak, man needs to listen.

Conclusion:
     1. The Bible is God's revelation.
     2. What is truth and what pleases God is found in His Word.
     3. And in no other place.
     4. Col. 3:17 -- Do all by authority of Christ, in His name.
     5. I cannot enter Heaven of my own will, bukt only through the
           will of the Father.
     6. May we never say, "Well, the Bible doesn't say not to do it."




*  As if we all view "silence" as a license to do whatever we want to.  What a rediculous assertion.  Note who also uses reasoning that presumes to know the mind of God!

Lively:  I applaud this post... well done whether it was your own work or anothers...  well, after looking again at your post, I seen the link... but glad to see you post it... +1 manna...

I find it embarrasing.  I ask again, is this the best argument we have?  This guy presumes to speak for God as much as he condemns another human being for attempting to do the same.  The fact is the scriptures are silent on some things - leaving only principles behind.  I get the best sense of the mind of God by reading everything He passed down.

Lively:  Well God had said that Levi was to be priests...  yet He spoke nothing about any other tribe giving attendance at the altar... were the other tribes forbidden to give attendance at the altar?   God also said to take fire from off the altar and use it to burn the incense... he spoke nothing about getting fire from any other place, does that mean its ok to get fire from another source to burn incense before him at the temple?  What of the verses that state, whatsoever we do, do all in the name of Jesus Christ... by his authority?  Does such give us freedom to do other things he is not authorizing?   It was said in the OT an eye for an eye...  will you also be taking another's eye?  The OT taught one was to stone to death an adulterer... do you stone adulterers to death today?  Truth is,  you only want to keep that which is pleasing to you... and not what is authorized.

[marc]

If God had told us to sing a capella in the assembly, you'd almost have a point there.  


But he didn't, so you're basically arguing that he told us to go play but didn't warn us about the snake pit.

[Barabbas]

Lively:  Well God had said that Levi was to be priests...  yet He spoke nothing about any other tribe giving attendance at the altar... were the other tribes forbidden to give attendance at the altar?   God also said to take fire from off the altar and use it to burn the incense... he spoke nothing about getting fire from any other place, does that mean its ok to get fire from another source to burn incense before him at the temple?  What of the verses that state, whatsoever we do, do all in the name of Jesus Christ... by his authority?  Does such give us freedom to do other things he is not authorizing?   It was said in the OT an eye for an eye...  will you also be taking another's eye?  The OT taught one was to stone to death an adulterer... do you stone adulterers to death today?  Truth is,  you only want to keep that which is pleasing to you... and not what is authorized.

Using the same reasoning principle, why were descendants of Moab allowed to worship before the Lord (i.e tabernacle or temple) before the 10th generation?

Deut. 23: 3 An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD for ever:

Yet Ruth was a Moabite (Read Ruth 1), grandmother of King David.  Boaz in affect was introducing "strange fire" to his lineage was he not?