"Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." Central to the faith of many believers are the scriptures, the Word of God. For matters of faith we often find ourselves turning to what we find in print - the Bible.
So what do we say about the Bible? What words do we use to describe it? Reliable? Error Free? Inspired? Accurate? Truthful? Some have sought to nuance their responses a bit more using phrases like "true allegory" "inspiring stories that reveal God's character" "not always consistent on the surface, but with an underlying unity of message." What words or phrases would you use to describe how the scriptures impact your life of faith? What is persuasive to you? To those outside of our community?
Whatever words or phrases we might use, there is little question for most of us that scripture has played a huge role in shaping our spiritual walk. But the question is, how does it shape us? How does it inform us? How do we handle the Bible in a way that honors God, honors scripture, and honors the purpose for which it has been written.
To listen again to Pastor Chris' comments on how we do this, click here.
2 Timothy 3:10-17 (TNIV)
10 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.
12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that all God's people may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
John 5
31 "If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. 32 There is another who testifies in my favor, and I know that his testimony about me is true.
33 "You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth. 34 Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved. 35 John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.
36 "I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to finish—the very works that I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me. 37 And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, 38 nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. 39 You study [c] the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you possess eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life.
41 "I do not accept glory from human beings, 42 but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. 43 I have come in my Father's name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. 44 How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
45 "But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. 46 If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. 47 But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?
What kinds of testimony does Jesus refer to above that people find convincing?
What is unique about the kind of testimony that the scriptures provide, and what hazards does Jesus warn against here?
Bible Study Resources:
Devotional Bible Study Suggestions
Daily Devotional Resource - connecting you with scripture daily (also on the bottom of the home page of our church website)
NOTE: This really is not intended (by us as least) to be an advertisement, nor are we promoting this product, just thought it was an interesting example of how some have tried to convey the Bible and its message. What do you think?
Principles for Bible Interpretation:
1, Always read the Bible in its context (Place, time, circumstances)
2. Move from easy and understandable texts to the more difficult ones.
3. Scripture interprets scripture. Other places in scripture will help you
4. Scripture is interpreted in community - it is not an individual thing. Truth needs to ring true to the community, not just a private interpretation.
5. Does it ring true with what you already know in scripture?
6. If it goes against the grain of fallen human nature, it is likely to be true.
7. We need to not only read and be informed, but to allow what we read to be a means to transform as well.