To paraphrase a quote I ran across recently, if you want a Bible church, then you must read the Bible, preach the Bible, and teach the Bible. It makes sense that the Lord’s church would emphasize His Word (John 12:48). The Bible really does underlay every area of the church, as God intended:
- Bible classes. How wonderful to come together a couple of times a week for the sole purpose of Bible study! All ages have opportunities to grow their knowledge (2 Pet. 3:18).
- Sermons. Every Sunday morning and Sunday night, the gospel is proclaimed in worship (Rom. 10:15). Bible-centered preaching exhorts and convicts (2 Tim. 4:2)!
- Devotionals. These happen all the time (before class on Wednesday night, during youth activities, etc.) and help us keep our minds on things above (Col. 3:1-2).
- Vacation Bible School, Bible camps, Bible Bowls, Lads to Leaders and more. I couldn’t begin to name all the annual events and programs that are for the sole purpose of growing the faith of our youth in fun, engaging ways.
- Church leadership, acts of worship, plan of salvation, discipleship…Every aspect of the organization of the church and life therein is based on the pattern and commands found in God’s Word (1 Cor. 3:11).
This habit of continually referring to the Bible trains us to discern between truth and error (1 Tim. 2:4). Following the pattern of the Word keeps Jesus (and not men) in His rightful role as Head of the church (Eph. 1:22-23). Emphasizing the Bible is good and right and essential.
Thank God for Bible-based churches!
“I am writing these things to you so that...you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.”
(1 Tim. 3:14-15)
“Continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise in salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”
(2 Tim. 3:14-15)