From time to time I come across an article that resonates with my fundamental view that the Bible is central to the life of the church. It is power. It is transforming. It is life. It is hope. The Bible is the Word of God.
Like David in Psalm we believe, “Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast. By your appointment they stand this day, for all things are your servants. If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life. I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts. The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, but I consider your testimonies. I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commandment is exceedingly broad. Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. (Psa 119:89-99 ESV)
Christianity Today and Mark Galli
In the October 2015 issue of Christianity Today, Mark Galli, editor of the magazine, wrote an absolutely needed church-wide exhortation. (See The New Battle for the Bible: It’s time to return to Scripture as our final authority) He observed about today’s church “The Bible often takes a backseat even for evangelicals, who have long held a high view of Scripture.”
Mr. Galli considers pro-abortion, prosperity gospel and same-sex relationships as examples “of the doctrinal challenge before us.” Instead, he exhorts us to return to the Bible as the Word of God. “Whatever serious false teaching we are facing, the Bible is uncomfortably clear: When false teachers persist in their views, they will be subject to divine judgment.”
“We Need A shift in How We Teach the Bible”
Mark Galli calls the church to “Spend more time teaching the Bible as first and foremost the revelation of God.” This is music to my ears. This is where Village Schools of the Bible lives.
He continues, “We understand the temptation to talk about the Bible mostly in terms of ‘what it means to me’ and its ‘practical application to daily life.’ But when this hermeneutic dominates–as it does today–Christianity becomes little more than self-help therapy. And it leaves people ignorant of Scripture’s deeper meaning, and therefore unable to spot false teaching.” Can I hear an “Amen!”
The Need Today is the Word of God!
I am convinced that every revival in the history of the church is a revival of God’s Word in the life of God’s people. When the Word of God is preached, there is a spiritual uptick in the church. There is a moral reclamation of a degenerate secular culture. A people and a nation prosper where the Word of God (the whole counsel of God) is proclaimed.
I encourage our readers to read Mark Galli’s article in its entirety. You will rejoice in this voice crying out in the wilderness.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2015/october/why-we-need-new-battle-for-bible.html
Village Schools of the Bible 