Church Authority in the Bible

[Hap]

Should we accept church authority/teaching? The bible tells us that if you have a disagreement with your brother (over his sin) and he does not listen to you or others then you should take him to the Church. If he still refuses to listen then he should be cast out.

Matthew 18: 15-17
"If your brother sins go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that ‘every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.

Why should we take the sinner to the Church as last resort, because the bible tells us that the Church is the pillar and foundation of truth?

1Timothy 3:15
But if I should be delayed, you should know how to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth.

 

[Tom]

On the occasion of His last supper Jesus addresses His Apostles, the leadership of His Church.
Jn 14,16 And I will ask the Father, and he shall give you another Paraclete, that he may abide with you for ever.
Jn 14,26 But the Paraclete, the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring all things to your mind, whatsoever I shall have said to you.
It is to this leadership, and them alone He promises the Holy Spirit shall lead them to all truth. The Holy Spirit does indeed indwell in every Christian, however this particular gift or charism, of being led to all truth is ONLY guaranteed to the Apostles and their successors.