No theme has been so closely associated with this church than “Back to the Bible”. Multiple sermons have addressed that subject, and if someone were to head off in another direction today, a lot of us would put a halt to it right quick.
Just as Bible writers foretold, many now choose their own way instead of the Bible way.
“I marvel that ye are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:6-8 (NKJV)
What the apostle Paul wrote is the principle that guided the early church and still guides the church that meets in this community and everywhere. It still stands as a warning to us – a warning we must heed if we are to continue to be His church.
BACK TO THE BIBLE FOR DOCTRINE
This is not a mere slogan, it is the only way to follow in His steps, 1 Peter 2:21-24. When Jesus forbade the work of “false prophets”, providing instead the gospel. He made it clear that the source of our preaching must be the very word of God (Matthew 7:15, Mark 16:15). If we want to stand righteous before God in judgment we then must be willing to stand lovingly for His truth – and live it daily.
BACK TO THE BIBLE FOR AUTHORITY
The Pharisees once asked Jesus, “By what authority are you doing these things?” Mark 11:28. They asked the right question but they had the wrong motive. God’s decree is:
“Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Colossians 3:17
We understand this principle in every other area of life. It is true in the pharmacy, at the local pizza parlor and in the mechanic’s shop. What is authorized in the prescription, the menu and in the shop? The pharmacist would never put an unauthorized ingredient in the prescription. A mechanic would not mount a new set of tires on your car without your authorization, nor would mushrooms just appear on your pizza. Neither do we have the authority to change the worship, doctrine, organization or any facet of what God has authorized. Let’s get back to the Bible in all things.
BACK TO THE BIBLE FOR MORAL CODES
We understand why today’s ethics have become so loose. “In olden days a glimpse of stocking was known as something shocking. Now heaven knows; anything goes”
Those lyrics from an early 20th century song tell the story. For many it is true that anything goes. Of course, you must not steal my goods. You must not cheat in my class. You must play by the rules in the courtroom. But if what we see is any indication, they are correct in saying, “Anything goes.”
There is a solution to this problem, and it is found right where we would expect to find it. We need to go back to the Bible for our codes of moral behavior. Way back in the 1st century God set standards for the behavior of individuals. Yes, there are “thou shalt”s and “thou shalt not”s, but they lead to societies where a man and a woman can go from place to place without fear of harm. They encourage family life that allows children to be reared in both a safe and positive environment. They foster respect for the life, welfare and property of others. They result in relationships that promote industry and generosity. In other words, true Bible principles generate a world where life is truly “worth living.”
The other side of the coin, however, is a society in which wrong is always “right.” Guilt and remorse replace generosity and safety. The Bible way for a happy, useful life is as follows:
“Therefore put away lying, Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor…Be angry and do not sin…nor give place to the devil... ...Let him who stole steal no longer: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have something to give to him who is in need…Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for edification,” Ephesians 4:25-29.
Life can be good when each person is considerate of the needs of others, Matthew 7:12, Luke 6:31.
BACK TO THE BIBLE FOR SALVATION
Man often acts as though he is the one who determines what is and is not necessary for man’s salvation. But God makes those decisions, not man. We hear some say God’s grace will save all, but that’s not what the Bible says, Matthew 7:21. We might prefer a cheap grace and an effortless way of salvation, but that’s not what we find in God’s book, the Bible. When believers ask, “What shall we do?” the Bible answer is:
“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized for the remission of sins,” Acts 2:38.
For the Christian who stumbles, Acts 8:22 prescribes the solution: “Repent.. and pray…” Back to the Bible leads to a better life. Let’s do it!
