(Note: This post from March 2013 received the 4th most hits in 2025. In the past 12 years, there have been many changes in the lives of the two men mentioned. In culture. In politics. In law. In morals and in marriage. But one thing that hasn’t changed is the Bible. On this Lord’s Day, remember that fact as you go to worship.)
Two men. Two views of the Bible. One man is known worldwide. The other man is unknown, except for a small circle of friends. One man is bombastic and outspoken. The other man is plainspoken and unpretentious. One man is on TV. The other man watches TV.
Two men. Bill O’Reilly. Nathan Eve.
On Tuesday evening’s O’Reilly Factor, Bill was discussing with Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly the Supreme Court’s hearing on the issue of same-sex marriage. Kelly suggested the homosexual lobby in our country had made “very compelling arguments” that their opponents had difficulty answering.
O’Reilly responded, “I agree with you 100 percent. The compelling argument is on the side of homosexuals.” Then he opined, “And the other side hasn’t been able to do anything but thump the Bible.” He also added that this was not a basis for enacting public policy.
“Thump the Bible”? That’s a very pejorative expression. I’ve never heard it used in any other way than to disparage and denigrate Bible Believers. I was disappointed to hear O’Reilly say that.
A contrast in attitude was evident on Wednesday when I worshiped at Hickman Mills. Following our Bible Study classes, Nathan Eve gave a short devotional message. Less than 5 minutes. He related that he took an online Bible quiz and did pretty well. But missed a couple of questions. He reflected on the need to read and know the Bible. Then he shared Paul’s admonition to Timothy to exhort and encourage us.
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which can make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim 3:14-17)
For the record, I like to watch O’Reilly. And agree with a lot of what he says. But he missed it on this one. The history of our culture is one man and one woman in marriage. Why? Because God said so!
But can God’s Word guide us in everyday life? Are the Scriptures relevant in the public forum? In our relationships? In our culture?
In the verses Nathan shared, we learn four crucial points that serve us well and show us the value of God’s inspired Word in our lives.
1. It is helpful for teaching. From scripture, we learn about God. Creation. Our origin. Our purpose. Our destiny. We learn about Jesus. His redemptive work. His plan for our salvation. We know how to live. How to treat others. How to experience joy, peace, and contentment in life. And we learn about God’s eternal arrangement of the home.
2. It is necessary for rebuke. Sometimes we get off the path. Away from the Word. Astray from what is right. The word reprimands us when we are wrong. We’re living in a culture where nothing is wrong. No matter how bizarre! But God clearly says some things are bad.
3. It is essential for correction. The Word doesn’t just tell us we’re wrong. It corrects us. Direct us. Guides us. Gets us back on the right path. Through repentance and confession, we can correct our course and get back to walking God’s way.
4. It is imperative for training in righteousness. Once we return to God, He doesn’t just leave us there wondering, “What’s next?” “Where do I go?” “What do I do?” The Bible equips us for right living. Peter affirms that we’ve been given “all things that pertain to life and godliness.” In every area of life, we can be educated, prepared, and disciplined to live life in all its fullness. Pleasing God. Serving others. And leaving this world a better place.
Let’s always remember it’s not people in power that determine what’s right. TV commentators, politicians, and Supreme Court justices may offer their opinions and issue their edicts. But there is only one really supreme Voice–God Almighty.
I’m sure glad to know humble men like Nathan Eve who respect the Bible. Oh, and by the way, O’Reilly, when speaking of the Bible, don’t be derisive.
ThePreachersWord 