Scriptural Authority in the Church

As we continue thinking about Scriptural Authority, I want to give some implications for what this all means for us as a church. We have seen that there is a need for us as Christians to uphold the scriptures as authoritative (HERE) and we have seen what we mean when we say that the scriptures are authoritative (HERE). Therefore, this week, lets look at some implications for how we as a church live according to the scriptures being authoritative for us. I suggest at least three ways:

First, scriptural authority demands spiritual growth. As a church, we are called to be a people who are set apart from the world. We are to pursue devotion to God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, as we strive to be holy as God our father is holy. It is a necessary process, as Hebrews 12:14 says, that if we fail to strive for holiness, we will not see the Lord. This does not make our spiritual growth based upon works though. For as Philippians 2:12-13 says, “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you…” In other words, yes, we exert effort and we strive with all of our might to become more like Christ and to live holy lives, but this striving and this effort is Spirit empowered and God willed for our lives. The question is, how does the Spirit empower us towards holiness?  Through the scriptures! As God’s people, when we read, hear, pray, and sing the scriptures, the Holy Spirit does his work to build us up “with all humility and gentleness, with patience…and love.” (Eph. 4:2) Therefore, as a church, we grow together as we uphold scriptural authority.

Second, scriptural authority demands expositional preaching. Expositional preaching is expounding upon a particular passage of scripture by explaining it and applying it to those who listen. It is opening the word of God up and proclaiming his truth in a way that leads people to worship him. Some may argue that this type of preaching is not necessary and focusing on different topics will appeal to more people. Topical messages on occasion are helpful, but a steady diet of them will only take the church as far as what the preacher already knows. On the other hand, with expositional preaching, where the point of the passage is the point of the message, we see, in the word of God, things we did not initially intend to see, as the scriptures determine what we take away from the message and not necessarily the preacher. Therefore, in light of scriptural authority, as Martin Lloyd Jones says, “The most urgent need in the Christian Church today is true preaching; and as it is the greatest and most urgent need in the Church it is obviously the greatest need of the world also.” 

Third, scriptural authority demands biblical counseling. Biblical counseling is, as Wayne Mack says, “discovering the causes of [people’s] problems and then applying biblical principles to those causes.” If Scripture truly is authoritative, then we believe that people can be healed, strengthened and helped as they grow in their understanding of the scriptures and in the application of the scriptures through the power of the Holy Spirit. As Hebrews 4:12 says, “the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword and piercing as far as the division of the soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”  When the word of God is opened before us and applied to our hearts, we are changed from one degree of glory to the next (2 Cor. 3:18). Therefore, we don’t need secular psychology to determine how we begin to address the problems of the heart, we need to apply the scriptures applied to every area of life, whether it is parenting, marriages, decision making, addictions, or depression. For ultimately, the center focal point of the scriptures, Jesus Christ, is the answer.

Second Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” Scripture provides us with more than facts about historical events and information about how to go to heaven.  It provides the very words of God and contains everything needed “for life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). Spiritual growth, expositional preaching and Biblical counseling are only a few of the many areas that scriptural authority demands we, as a church, uphold. Therefore, as First Baptist Church, let us uphold the scriptures as our sole authority in all matters pertaining to this life and to the life to come.

Serving Him with You,

Pastor Michael Nelson

Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson

Fighter Verse for the Week

"... he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."
- Philippians 1:6

Announcements:

Collegiate Impact: As college students prepare to start the fall semester, we have an opportunity to partner with Collegiate Impact in reaching out to them with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Consider praying for this ministry and those they will seek to reach as well as bringing non-perishable, individually wrapped food items to aid in outreach. You can get an idea as to how to pray and what to bring HERE

Clothing Giveaway: On August 15th, from 8:00-11:00am, we will open up our basement to the community to giveaway tables of clothes. We always need lots of help for this event. Consider joining us on this day.

Evangelism Workshop: On Sunday, August 16th, we will have Brent Longnecker with us to lead a workshop titled “How to Evangelize.” Plan to join us for the Equipping Hour, Worship Service and Sunday night.

Members’ Meeting: Following the morning service on Sunday, August 30th, we will have a snack bar and members’ meeting. Bring a snack to share.

All Church Picnic: An end of summer church picnic will be at 5pm on Sunday, September 6th, at Mapleview Park. More information to come…

Family Discipleship Guides: These guides are designed to help equip parents further engage with what our children and youth are learning. You can find a guide for AWANA, HERE and for our Youth, HERE.

Men’s Study: Our Men’s study meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday nights at 8:00-9:15pm. The book for this study will be The Case for Christ. See Matthew Klika for more information.

Building Remodel: If you would like to give to our remodel fund, there are commitment cards available in the welcome center. Feel free to pick up one and return it to one an available basket. If you would like to give a one time or a reoccurring gift, you can do so HERE and select “building remodel.” You can also give through one of the offering boxes at church. Be sure to mark your envelop, “building remodel.” Check out a video highlighting the work done so far.

Food Pantry: The food pantry is currently in need of some food items. For a complete list of food pantry needs, click HERE.

Awana Bible Club

Awana is officially on summer break. Clubs are typically held on Wednesdays throughout the school year. Dinner is at 6:00pm with Awana Clubs starting at 6:30pm. Children can be registered HERE.

Equipping Hour

We have three classes held at 9:15am on Sunday mornings. “A Survey in Church History” meets in the Sanctuary, a study in Isaiah in the Fellowship Hall, and a Ladies’ class studying the Old Testament meets in the classroom next to the nursery. You can find more information HERE.

Giving

To Give Online, Go HERE. 

You can also mail your offering to: 1416 Main Street, Grandview, MO. 64030

Home Groups

Home Groups typically meet on the first and third Sunday of each month. Please contact Pastor Michael if you would like to join a Home Group. You can find more information HERE.

Prayer

An updated Prayer Guide can be accessed HERE.

Prepare for Sunday

Guide for Worship can be found HERE.