1 Don Mc Clain 2 Don Mc

1 Don Mc. Clain

2 Don Mc. Clain

3 ÚExpediency in human wisdom involves the right of choice within the realm of things generally authorized – When God specifies, then man has no choice but to obey or be in rebellion to God. To go beyond or fall short of that which is specified is “EVIL” – Numbers 20: 8 -12 Don Mc. Clain

4 Through the centuries a misunderstanding concerning expediency has dealt the church untold misery. Innovations under the guise of expediency, has caused Wholesale apostasies in the work and worship of the church. Don Mc. Clain

5 Today’s innovators cry “expediency” in an effort to promote ü Sponsoring church arrangements – ü Support of colleges from the treasuries of local churches – ü Orphan homes supported from the churches treasury ü Fellowship Halls ü Providing Recreation and Entertainment Don Mc. Clain

To Define - Webster –"Cultivation of, or adherence to, expedient means and methods. " 6 Students Reference Dictionary 1. Appropriate to a purpose. 2. Something contrived or used to meet an urgent need. 3. Suited to one's comfort, purpose, or needs. Don Mc. Clain

To Define - Expediency, then, has to do with "means and methods " that is, the manner or way in which a given work is accomplished. 7 In short, an expedient in religion is the best means or method of executing a divine command when the way to do it is not specified. Don Mc. Clain

8 ü It Must Be Lawful - Romans 3: 7, 8 ü It Cannot Be Specified - Num 4: 4 -6 ü It Must Edify - 1 Cor 10: 23, 33; 14: 26 ü It Must Not Cause My Brother To Violate His Conscience - Rom 14: 13 -23 ü It Can NOT Be An Addition To God’s Way – Deut 4: 2; 2 Jo 9; Rev 22: 18 Don Mc. Clain

9 8 Lying is not lawful – • Romans 3: 7, 8 8 Divorce (for any cause other than fornication) is not lawful – • 1 Corinthians 7: 10, 11 8 The end DOESN’T justify the means!! Abortion - Murder - Stealing Women Preachers Fellowshipping Denominations Don Mc. Clain

10 Nothing unauthorized can be classified as an expedient - Colossians 3: 17 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Don Mc. Clain

11 Nothing unauthorized can be classified as an expedient 2 John 9 9 Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. Don Mc. Clain

12 Nothing unauthorized can be classified as an expedient Expediency is NOT A LAW but rather only a course or rule of conduct based on existing law. (Foy Wallace Jr. – The One Book Analyzed and Outlined, pg. 422) Just because a thing expedites a lawful thing does not make it lawful (1 Chr. 13; 1 Cor 6: 12) Don Mc. Clain

13 ÚThe kind of wood used in preparing the ark was specified; Gopher Wood –Gen 6: 14, 22; Heb 11: 7 üNoah could choose þ Which tree to cut, þ Which board to use for a particular need – þ Nails, rope, or other aides to fix the board in the place needed Don Mc. Clain

14 ÚThe kind of wood used in preparing the ark was specified; Gopher Wood –Gen 6: 14, 22; Heb 11: 7 ýNoah could not use a different KIND of wood – ýEven if more expedient ýOr even – NO WOOD AT ALL, Noah would have disobeyed God! Don Mc. Clain

15 The method of moving the Ark of the Covenant was specified – Numbers 4: 4 -6 ü Selecting which men from sons of Kohath the sons of Levi, to bring the ark of God from Kirjath Jearim to Jerusalem could be claimed as an expedient – ü BUT – To select men from another tribe, or to select another method than the one specified was sinful – Don Mc. Clain

16 The method of moving the Ark of the Covenant was specified – Numbers 4: 4 -6 ü Consulted with every leader – (1 Chr 13: 1) but forgot to consult God’s word (15: 13) ü The Ox Cart was unauthorized ü The ox cart could not be claimed as an expedient – ü Was not specifically condemned – but condemned because the method was specified! Don Mc. Clain

17 God commands that we sing – Ephesians 5: 19 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, Don Mc. Clain

18 God commands that we sing – Colossians 3: 16 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Don Mc. Clain

19 God commands that we sing – Instrumental music is NOT AN AIDE. 8 NOT INCLUDED within the practice specified – SING üGod specified the instrument – THE HEART Don Mc. Clain

20 God specified baptism as a necessary act of obedience (following, obedience hearing the truth, faith confession & repentance) – 4 Expedients –A baptistery –Baptismal clothing 8 Not Expedient –Sprinkling – it is a substitution for what God has enjoined upon us. Don Mc. Clain

21 The Lord specified that the church preach the gospel to the lost – 4 Expedient –Which preacher to send or support – Radio – TV - Mail 8 Not an expedient –Another organization established and supported by the church to select and support a preacher! –Same is true with benevolent societies – Don Mc. Clain

22 Organization of the church is specified – –Elders of one congregation cannot overlook the work of other congregations – (1 Peter 5: 2) –The sponsoring church arrangement is not an expedient, but an unlawful extension of the work and oversight of the elders of a congregation. Don Mc. Clain

23 If a thing is a matter of human choice or expediency, but causes division in the body of Christ – it is sinful to practice that thing! Don Mc. Clain

24 1 Corinthians 14: 26 26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. Don Mc. Clain

25 1 Corinthians 10: 23 -33 23 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. 24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being. . . Don Mc. Clain

26 1 Corinthians 10: 23 -33. . 33 just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. Don Mc. Clain

27 Sometimes the expedient thing is NOT TO DO SOMETHING! 1 Cor. 8: 9, 13 9 But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. . . 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble. Don Mc. Clain

28 Sometimes the expedient thing is NOT TO DO SOMETHING! Rom 14: 15 -21 15 Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. . Don Mc. Clain

29 Sometimes the expedient thing is NOT TO DO SOMETHING! Rom 14: 15 -21 19 Therefore let us pursue things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. Don Mc. Clain

30 Sometimes the expedient thing is NOT TO DO SOMETHING! Rom 14: 15 -21 21 It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. . . Don Mc. Clain

31 4 Sometimes subtractions are done unto edification! – To leave off my wants for the unity and peace within the church – – To cease my murmuring and complaining – – Refrain from forcing my opinions on others – – Withdrawing from those who cause division Don Mc. Clain

32 However – If a thing is required by God, it must be done no matter what the consequences may be – even if it divides people – Don Mc. Clain

33 4 We must discern between essentials and nonessentials – Essential – –Sound, forceful preaching speaking ALL the truth in love. . • Not pleasant – • May make people mad – • May cause them to leave But demanded by the Lord – 2 Tim 4: 2 Don Mc. Clain

34 4 We must discern between essentials and non-essentials – Essential – – –Observance of the Lord’s Supper upon the first day of the week – –At the beginning, in the middle, or at the end of the service? What if all do not agree? Don Mc. Clain

35 1 Corinthians 10: 32 32 Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. Don Mc. Clain

36 Romans 14: 13 -23 13. . let us. . . resolve not to put a stumbling block in our brother’s way. 14. . . nothing unclean of itself; but 15. . . Do not destroy 19. . . pursue things which make for peace and edification 20. . . it is evil to eat with offense. 23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin. Don Mc. Clain

37 We must not force our way upon a brother who sincerely believes that it is wrong and thus he violates his conscience – Don Mc. Clain

38 This Rule ONLY Governs Matters of Expediency – Someone may argue. . ØWe are not helping the kids because we do not offer 8 Entertainment – 8 Recreation - ØWe are not helping the hungry in Africa The Lord’s church is NOT authorized to engage in entertainment, recreation or general benevolence Mc. Clain Don

39 Do we have to give in to EVERY LITTLE doubt in the realm of expediencies? Must consider the attitudes involved – • Are we open to study? • Or have we decided our opinions and beliefs and have the attitude – “Don’t confuse me with the facts!” Don Mc. Clain

40 Do we have to give in to EVERY LITTLE doubt in the realm of expediencies? Must consider the attitudes involved – Are we concerned with the well-being, and growth of the church? Or are we being selfish, nit picky & holding the church back? Don Mc. Clain

41 Assembling: Hebrews 10: 25 4 Expedients - þPlace – Building, home, tent, . . þLights – Lamps, electric þWindows – air conditioners þSeats – pews, padded, These things Do NOT add to, or change God’s command to assemble, or our worship, but rather expedites our fulfilling the command. Don Mc. Clain

42 Assembling: Hebrews 10: 25 4 Expedients - þPlace – Building, home, tent, . . þLights – Lamps, electric þWindows – air conditioners þSeats – pews, padded, Lighting candles as part of worship is an addition BECAUSE THE NATURE OF WORSHIP HAS BEEN CHANGED! Don Mc. Clain

43 Music: Ep 5: 19; Col 3: 17 ÚExpedients –Pitch pipes, –Song books, –Song leader. • NOTE: ---nothing God requires is changed by using such aids Don Mc. Clain

44 Music: Ep 5: 19; Col 3: 17 ÚExpedients –Pitch pipes, –Song books, –Song leader. But - If a mechanical instrument of music is used, it is an addition - the type (nature, characteristic) of the music “specified” is changed. The instrument is specified – The Heart! Don Mc. Clain

45 Preaching – 2 Tim 4: 2 -5 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; Don Mc. Clain

46 Preaching – 2 Tim 4: 2 -5 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. Don Mc. Clain

47 Preaching – 2 Tim 4: 2 -5 ÚExpedients – –Chalkboards, –Computers –Overhead projectors, –Electronic Projectors –Microphones, Tape recorders, Radio; TV. . Do these add to, or change the work & requirements of preachers? OR; Do they ONLY aide him in doing his work? Don Mc. Clain

48 Preaching – 2 Tim 4: 2 -5 Additions – ÚPreaching something other than the word; –Politics – –Economics – –Comedians –Acting. . . • (Dramas or plays ARE NOT PREACHING!) –Fluff Don Mc. Clain

49 Teaching- (Edification) – Ephesians 4: 11 -16 11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, Don Mc. Clain

50 Teaching- (Edification) – 2 Timothy 2: 2 commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Don Mc. Clain

51 Teaching- (Edification) – Hebrews 5: 12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, Don Mc. Clain

52 Teaching- (Edification) – Expedients 4 Arrangement in classes to carry out the command to instruct In what way would a congregation change or add to God’s instruction to teach its members by providing opportunities based upon the capabilities of the learners? Don Mc. Clain

53 Teaching- (Edification) – Expedients 4 Arrangement in classes to carry out the command to instruct • Age • Gender – • Abilities – • Maturity Don Mc. Clain

54 Nothing unauthorized can be classified as an expedient - 8 Animal sacrifices 8 Burning candles 8 Instrumental music Not authorized acts of New Testament worship Can they then be claimed as an expedient in worshipping God? Don Mc. Clain

55 Nothing unauthorized can be classified as an expedient 8 Institutions apart from the church cannot be claimed as expedients for doing the work that the church was given to do They are unauthorized institutions – Don Mc. Clain

56 Nothing unauthorized can be classified as an expedient - 8 Recreation is not a work of the church; 8 Therefore to build a recreational facility is not an expedient in carrying out the work of the church. Don Mc. Clain

57 Commands Aids Additions Baptize (Mt. 28: 18 -20) Pool, River, Baptistery, Etc. Basin to Sprinkle – Cup for Pouring Assemble (Heb. 10: 24 -25) House, Hall, Church Building, Family Life Center, Gymnasium, Etc. Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 11: 23 -29) Cups, Plates, Table, Etc. Social Meal (1 Co. 11: 17 -22, 34) Collection Baskets Raffle Tickets, Chili Suppers, Cake Walks, Etc. Give (1 Cor. 16: 1 -2) Sing (Eph. 5: 19) Song Book, Leader, Pitch Pipe, Piano, Guitars, Organ, Violin, Etc. Don Mc. Clain

58 The principle is: –That which assists is an aid; that which changes (either by addition, subtraction or alteration) is unauthorized. –The first is permitted while the second is condemned. –An "expedient" is an aid that is suitable for carrying out that which is authorized Don Mc. Clain

59 ü It Must Be Lawful - Romans 3: 7, 8 ü It Cannot Be Specified - Num 4: 4 -6 ü It Must Edify - 1 Cor 10: 23, 33; 14: 26 ü It Must Not Cause My Brother To Violate His Conscience - Rom 14: 13 -23 ü It Can NOT Be An Addition To God’s Way – Deut 4: 2; 2 Jo 9; Rev 22: 18 Don Mc. Clain

60 Don Mc. Clain

61 Instrumental Music – Choirs – Soloist -Entertainment Women Leading Prayer, preaching – Raffle Tickets, Bake Sales, Car Washes, Chili Suppers, etc. . . Communion - Monthly, Quarterly, Annually, . Dedicating Babies Plays (Drama) – Applause – Hand Waving – Children’s Church – Innovations under the guise of expediency, has caused Wholesale apostasies in the work and worship of the church. Don Mc. Clain