What Says The Scripture?

Yesterday morning David Banning and Jordan Shouse kicked off the 43rd annual Southside Lectures. David spoke about “Handling the Scripture.” And Jordan exhorted us to “Stand Firm for God.”

Both lessons reminded us of the sacredness of the Scripture. Their relevance in the 21st century. And need for each of us to respect their authority. It’s an age old plea but one that bears repeating to each generation on a regular basis.

The words “scripture” or “scriptures” are used 52 times in the New Testament to speak of Divine revelation. Most of the time they refer to the Old Testament Scriptures written in Hebrew and translated into the Septuagint version (LXX), the Greek Old Testament.

“Are we too rigid or strict with Scripture? Asked David. Apparently there are many in the religious world who think so. He pointed out from Genesis to Revelation how God has always expected us to respect His Word and strictly obey it. From Adam and Eve in the garden to Noah’s construction of the ark and to the command to build the tabernacle precisely according to the pattern, God’s instructions and commands were to be obeyed.

Our attitude toward serving God was powerfully exemplified in Jordan’s lesson about the Old Testament hero, Daniel. Even though he lived in a culture that tried to turn his attention away from Jehovah, Daniel purposed in his heart to obey God. To stand firm. And not to be conformed to the paganism around him.

In thinking about this theme and these lessons, we’re reminded how Jesus often appealed to the authority of Scripture when he challenged his hearers, “Have you not read the Scripture?” (Mk. 12:10). He pointed out that the He was the fulfillment of Scripture. Imagine the look on the faces of the Pharisees when he attended the synagogue assembly and read the prophecy regarding the Messiah from Isaiah 61. Then he closed the book and affirmed, “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears” (Lk. 4:16-22).

The importance of scripture is emphasized by Paul when he affirmed, “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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). This text affirms 5 important truths for every one of us.

• The Scripture shows you what is right.
• The Scripture shows you what is wrong.
• The Scripture helps you get right.
• The Scripture helps you stay right.
• The Scripture equips you for every righteous work.

“What Says the Scripture?” is a question we each ought to ask ourselves regarding spiritual matters and everything that “pertains to life and godliness” (2 Pet. 1:3).

What Says the Scripture about…

…Jesus Christ?
…Salvation?
…Baptism?
…Morality?
…Marriage?
…Divorce?
…Gender?
…Same Sex Marriage?
…Worship?
…Church organization?
…Faith?
…Discipleship?
…Priorities in life?
…Your purpose in life?
…Grace?
…Heaven?
…Hell?

The answers to these questions and many more can be found in the Scriptures and provide direction, help and hope.

The theme of this lectureship is one that ought to be echoed in every area of our lives. One that serves as a guiding light as we make important decisions. And one that can provide a stable standard on which we can firmly anchor our convictions.

What Says the Scripture?

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman