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Scripture Importance – Audio
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The Importance of Scripture
In 1 Peter 3:15 the Scripture tells us, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” As Christians, we must always be prepared to defend the faith. Why do we believe what we believe? Why do we live like we live? In order to answer these and other questions, we must know the scripture, the Word of God.
Knowledge of Scripture is important because:
- In it we think we have eternal life, and it testifies of Jesus (John 5:39).
- All Scripture is given by inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16).
- Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21).
- Whatever we do, we must “do all in the name of the Lord Jesus (Colossians 3:17)…”
- Studying Scripture approves us to God (2 Timothy 2:15).
It is also important to know where Scripture teaches on certain topics.
- Jesus was able to overcome temptation by knowing what was written in Scripture (Luke 4:4, 8, 12).
- The Ethiopian eunuch was reading from Isaiah, and Philip began at the same Scripture and preached Jesus unto him (Acts 8:28-35).
- Paul reasoned from the Scriptures, preaching Christ (Acts 17:2-3).
We must not only know where a Scripture can be found, we must also know what it really teaches.
- The Bereans were noble in that they searched the Scriptures daily to see whether such things were so (Acts 17:11).
- Untaught and unstable people twist the Scriptures to their own destruction (2 Peter 3:16).
- No prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation (2 Peter 1:20).
- Paul often asked, “What does the Scripture say?” He also said, “The Scripture says (Romans 4:3; 9:17; 10:11; 11:2; Galatians 4:30; 1 Timothy 5:18)…”
Would you be rebuked or commended?
Jesus rebuked the Sadducees for not knowing the Scriptures (Matthew 22:29); Paul commended Timothy for knowing the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:15). Are we to be rebuked, or commended in our knowledge of the Scriptures?
Content by Richard Dillon
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Non-Denominational Christianity
We are very accustomed to choices
A casual stroll down the aisles of a local supermarket will quickly illustrate this point. I am amazed at the variety of options available when it comes to something as simple as pork and beans, potato chips, or peas.
Each spring, as people prepare for their gardens, choices abound. What kind of corn will be planted? What kind of tomatoes will be set out? What kind of beans will be raised? The choices seem almost endless. And, everyone has his/her favorites!
Looked at automobiles lately? There are so many makes and models. They come in a multiplicity of colors and with all kinds of options. There are so many choices to make, but that’s the way we like it.
It is the Church of Christ’s choice, not ours
We have become so accustomed to variety that we have incorporated the concept into religion. Almost daily we encounter the message: “Worship with the church of your choice this Sunday!” This idea is at the heart of denominationalism. But, the concept is completely foreign to the New Testament. It is not the church of our choice, but the church of Christ’s choice that we should seek. The apostle Paul rebuked the Christians at Corinth for failing to understand this. The church was in turmoil because of the denominational spirit which had developed. He pleaded with them not to divide, but to unite (1 Corinthians 1:10).
We would do well to listen to the Lord’s prayer
He cried out to the Father, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me” (John 17:20, 21). That’s our prayer as well. Let’s abandon all denominational ties and unite in Jesus Christ. How can that be wrong?
To do this we must commit to the authority of Scripture
Our goal should be to be obedient to the will of God. Our purpose is not to please ourselves, but our Savior. Every matter essential to the development and maintenance of a relationship with the Creator is clearly spelled out in the Bible. The problem is not that men don’t understand the will of God, it is that they do not accept it! Non-denominational Christianity will never be achieved as long as men reject the Word of God.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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