Beech Tree News Network

As a preacher, I am asked many questions concerning why I teach what I teach and why. The title above is a question someone asked me, and I thought this was an excellent question. After answering it, I thought perhaps the answer I gave might be helpful to others who might have wondered this.

There are several reasons why I rely upon the Bible. First, I rely upon the Bible because it is the inspired word of God. The apostle Peter said that those who wrote the Bible were inspired by the Holy Spirit to say what they did (II Pet. 1:20-21). The Bible is not a collection of men’s writings or Jewish myths. These words came from God and are given to men so we know how to live in this world and prepare for the life to come! Paul said a similar thing to Timothy. He wrote, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (II Tim. 3:16-17). The word “inspiration” in this text means God “breathed out” the words to folks. Paul was saying God “breathed out” the words, and then the writers wrote God’s word down so we can know what God’s will is. Notice that it is God’s word that makes us “thoroughly furnished” or completely equipped, for all good works. In other words, if it is not authorized by God, it is not a good work! Thus, I rely upon the Bible because it is verbally, divinely inspired.

I also rely upon the Bible because it reveals the gospel (good news of Christ). It is this gospel that saves us! Paul said this in Romans 1:16. There, he wrote, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” This word will save because it reveals the saving message, or the “word of reconciliation” (II Cor. 5:19). If we wish to be reconciled (friends) with God, then we need to listen and obey the gospel message revealed in the Bible (Heb. 5:9; Rev. 22:14).

In connection with the Bible revealing salvation, it also is the standard by which we will be judged at the end of time. Jesus taught this in John 12:48. We are not going to be judged by other men, by our opinions or traditions. It is the written word of God that is our standard!

God’s word is not only helpful in telling us how to be saved but also how to live “day-by-day” upon the earth! Peter gave instructions to those of us who want to “love life and see good days” (I Pet. 3:10-13). Don’t we all want to do that? Yes, we do! God gives us the instructions for making that possible. Jesus also spent time teaching us to treat one another as we want to be treated (Matt. 7:12). This simple truth will change the world if we will live it!

These are a few of the reasons why I rely upon the Bible and teach it to others. Do you rely on the Bible? What answer would you give someone who asked you this question?

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167