All too often, Christians are caught up in posting slogans, remarks critiquing the church, snippets of scripture taken out of context, and things that sound spiritual but aren't. Yet, I've been told to my face by Christians that I rely on the scriptures too much. Consider this: isn't this the basis for the first sin? The very first thing Satan got Adam and Eve to doubt was God's word! In the desert, Satan used scripture in an attempt to tempt Jesus! This is often the first area of attack. When we consider it, then, the Bible is so readily available, whether in audio, print, or digital format we who have access to such luxuries as the early church never dreamed that we take it for granted, yet here it is: the Scripture is the Authority by which we must test the will of God, so we must, then, seek it out. In Deuteronomy, God reminded Israel of their duty to "meditate" on the scriptures:
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)
Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105)
Do you hear how important thinking about, talking about, and dwelling on the Scriptures is to God? These are the guideposts by which Israel was to walk, so that they may continue in His presence and blessing! Well, you might say, we're a New Testament Church, what does this have to do with us? I'm glad you asked (or read the question):
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2)
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Jesus taught through the Old Testament Scriptures, Peter, James, John, Paul and the rest taught through the Old Testament Scriptures, and while following the Law cannot save us (We're saved by Grace through Faith), The scriptures inform our walk with God, and point directly to Christ. They were breathed out by God, and are profitable, they transform and renew our mind, and grow our faith. Many of us have it so accessible, when I am begged, near every day, by churches too poor to afford Bibles for donations on which to feed the word of God to churches that are hungry for it! Loved ones, God will not contradict Himself, but we can't hear from God, nor test His will if we do not stand upon the authority of the Scriptures through the interpretation of the Holy Spirit. Stand on the authority of the Scriptures, meditate on them day and night, and watch God unfold His will for you before your very eyes!
2 Peter 1:16-21
For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
