by Perry Hall

Years ago, it was common to hear arguments concerning the difference between aids and additions in worshiping God. This involved hermeneutics. Let's presume we all agree that adding to the word is unscriptural. How do we know when we are simply using an aid? Where does the Bible authorize aids? If additions are forbidden, how do we know if aids are allowed?

Aids Are Unavoidable

Some aids are unavoidable. If unavoidable, they must be a necessary inference in obeying the command (a method disdained by some but is "necessary").

To begin with, I will use Paul's example of carrying the contribution from Corinth to Judea (I Corinthians 16). Here, we find an aid necessarily built into the command. If Corinthians were commanded to contribute on Sundays for saints in Jerusalem, how else would it have been possible to get there if not by some courier? Aids can be a necessary inference.

Here is another argument, one we know but maybe don't know! It is also based upon necessary inference. Did you know it is impossible to obey any (or almost any) command of God without some man-made mode of obeying? For example, we are commanded to be baptized. We infer that any place with enough water for an immersion qualifies. The man-made modes are plentiful. Do I lay the person back as is commonly done? Does the one being baptized stand, kneel, or sit in the water? I use the easiest method or aid on the one being baptized. The method is a necessary aid in fulfilling the command. What we must beware of is when an aid or method becomes tradition and bound.

So far, we have seen how some aids are unavoidable, and additions are obviously avoidable. Next, we will tackle aids that are not necessary, are still scriptural, and yet are not additions.

When Are Aids Wrong?

Throughout God's word, He warns against going beyond (II John 9), adding and taking away (Deuteronomy 4:2), and turning to the right or left (Deuteronomy 17:11), which is another way of saying don't add or subtract. Obviously, additions are not approved by God.

While aids are scriptural and additions are not, when does an aid become unauthorized?

One obvious answer is when the aid becomes a substitute. An example is when David had the ark carried on a cart by oxen. This is the scene where Uzziah died (II Samuel 6).

• Was using oxen to carry the ark easier? Yes.
• Was using oxen to carry the ark smart? Yes, from a human perspective.
• Was using oxen to carry the ark authorized? No, which was the problem.

"But, but, but...at least Uzzah and Ahio were Levites." Josephus distinctly says that Uzzah was of a Levitical family (Ant. 6:1 4).

When an aid substitutes for the real deal, it is unauthorized. David's bad example shows how an aid can add and subtract.

When churches allow outside forces to make decisions for them, whether a sponsoring church or official headquarters, local shepherds are substituted out and supplanted by something foreign to God's Word.

God is holy, and the Bible is God's revelation. Don't change by adding to or removing what is holy and replacing it with something that isn't—man's additions.

Are Meeting Places Authorized?

We established that aids are unavoidable when obeying commands. Every command of God involves some means or modes that are man-made. When it comes to commands (Hebrews 10:25) and examples (Acts 2:46) to meet together, obviously, it is unavoidable to meet without having a place to meet. Therefore, a "meeting place" fits the criteria for an aid as a necessary inference.

We discussed that aids become additions when they substitute the command. Obviously, having a place to meet is not a substitute for meeting since that is exactly what is being accomplished.

Therefore, a "meeting place" does change an aid into an addition. But more on this later.

However, there are other Biblical principles to consider.

Does the Word of God specify a specific place (Specific Authority)?

Considering that first-century congregations use various places, the answer is no. Whether homes (Romans 16:5), the temple (Acts 2:46), or a local school (Acts 19:9), various places are mentioned. History shows caves were employed, probably out of necessity in hiding. While not churches per se, Christians did attend meetings held by unbelievers in synagogues also, even up to three months (Act 19:8). I wonder if the Greek word employed in James 2:2, "synagogue," suggests synagogues became "church buildings." Archeology Magazine shows evidence of a "church building" as early as the first century in Caperneum.

Does the Word of God authorize church funds for spiritual activities?

Considering the many examples within the New Testament, we can see that the main contributions were raised for needy saints (I Corinthians 16:1-2) and supporting preachers (Philippians 4:14ff).

Is building up a congregation spiritually a work or function of a local meeting? Yes, Ephesians 4 shows such. Whatever is necessary to that accomplishment becomes authorized (here is where social activities become suspect as a "work of the church"). That would include a meeting place. However, there is more to consider.

Are church buildings wise?

In I Corinthians 10:23, Paul sets forth a principle that not everything that is lawful is expedient. Furthermore, in I Timothy 5, while discussing an authorized work — supporting needy widows, indeed — Paul sets forth another principle: don't let the church be burdened (I Timothy 5:16).

There is no doubt that local congregations can be too eager when small, to "get established," and church buildings can impede the financial freedom to help needy saints and support preachers and themselves evangelize.

I would also suggest that there is no doubt that local congregations can be too extravagant when large to "become mainstream." History shows how buildings have become far more ornate when groups become more socially accepted.

This is where wisdom is needed.

Is the church building unavoidable?

Sometimes, it depends upon the size of the local congregation. If one argues for several smaller "house churches," such freedom is acceptable, but one must beware of making rules God hasn't.

Is the church building expedient?

It depends upon the size and needs of the local congregation. If Bible classes for various ages are scriptural, then having spaces becomes fitting.

Is the church building a burden?

It depends upon the financial ability of the local congregation. My parents helped a local group by guiding them into a price range that they could afford to take over if necessary.

Is the church building authorized?

Depends upon the above criteria.

I like " invisible " buildings — neither extravagant nor an eyesore. Buildings can be aids, and if wrongly emphasized, they can become substitutes for real needs and proper functions.

If your congregation has a building, be thankful to God while remaining diligent and focused. The church building is not the church. It must always remain an aid and not become a substitute for the church's being a church.