Staying with Scripture
2 Tim. 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.
There is so much teaching on so many issues. I run with so many people all over the world, different religions, different views within Christianity, and different cultures. I enjoy all the variety. The world is like a pot of stew with different spices thrown in to make it taste different in different places and with different people. Though I may not agree with everyone on everything, I can learn from anyone, anywhere.
The broader I go, the more focused I become on the Bible - What does it say? It has to be my guide since it’s my basis of authority for truth in my life and ministry. It has made me even narrow what I accept and reject among Christian circles. We need a hermeneutic (how we interpret the Bible) that fits not just within our Christian circles, but in the world as well - after all, that is where Christianity was made to thrive.
When we go beyond the Scripture and add to it with our experience or personal opinion or allow personal agenda’s to become the driver of Scripture, then we use the Bible to force everyone into something new and improved that previous generations never practiced. We begin to read into Scripture to prove our point rather than Scripture pouring truth into us to make its point. One new “doctrine” becomes the fix-all or answer to every problem or situation. I’ve seen this especially in views of the Holy Spirit and of the Second Coming. I also see this with some pastors who push one model church as the only model.
When we stop short of what the Scripture plainly and consistently says - then it has no power. It is merely a moral book with lessons on life. When we stop short - it has no call to the greater good - it is only a personal devotional book. When we stop short - then we have no place to stand except our own emotions and opinions which are so limited by our lack of knowledge, experience, and understanding of who God is. Truth becomes subjective and based on personal opinion - which isn’t truth at all - just opinion!
If I am in a fairly cultural Christian community, the narrow and spurious doctrines can multiply to give us something to debate and talk about. When I am moving in the broader stream of humanity and all that God is doing on this world - then not stopping short - neither going beyond become critical because now it’s not about me and mine but thee and thine!
Blog Categories
Search Glocalnet
Support
Partners
Comments
Feb 11, 2009 at 11:45 AM
What are you finding are the questions in the world context? I bet it isn't stuff about second blessing, health wealth etc. but much core to Who is Christ? Is He God or merely a prophet?
Bob, What are Muslims asking you? Buddhist? Atheists? regarding theology. You need to do a series of FAQ Theological Questions I Get Asked by _____________. It would be great.
Feb 11, 2009 at 03:35 PM
This is interesting. Usually I hear people object to contextualization on the grounds that it may compromise theological fidelity. Bob, if I understand what you are trying to say, just the opposite is true: Living the message of Jesus outside the safety of "Christian circles" demands we practice a faith free from cultural inventions but true to scriptural truths.
I might also echo what Jordan has said: It feels like we (Christ's followers in the West) are asking the wrong questions and having the wrong conversations (usually among only ourselves). The "FAQ" series Joradan suggests would be great.
Feb 11, 2009 at 09:20 PM
Chad you are exactly correct!
Feb 13, 2009 at 01:08 PM
Bob,
As a person who has been in many places, exposed to different faiths, cultures and types of governments, friends with dignitaries...,where do you see yourself in Cal Thomas's view presented in his article "Religious Right"? Could you help me understand more about your position in this issue?
In particular, how do you respond to this statement, "Too many conservative Evangelicals have put too much faith in the power of government to transform culture"
and this "Evangelicals are at a junction. They can take the path that will lead them to more futility and ineffective attempts to reform culture through government, or they can embrace the far more powerful methods outlined by the One they claim to follow. By following His example, they will decrease, but He will increase. They will get no credit, but they will see results. If conservative Evangelicals choose obscurity and seek to glorify God, they will get much of what they hope for, but can never achieve, in and through politics."
You can read it here:
http://www.calthomas.com/index.php?news=2419
Feb 13, 2009 at 02:15 PM
Nghi - SinChow! I agree with him. It's what I've tried to teach and model for many years. It isn't in writing papers or determining public policy that the greatest impact comes from - though those are important - it's from grassroots engagement and service to humanity in the name of Jesus.
Feb 18, 2009 at 04:26 PM
I was drawn to this blog due to the fact that I have recently gone back to the basics...scripture memory! I am learning like a child again partly for myself, but also for my own children. It has been amazing...all that to say, this verse that you begin with has been one of my most recent "relearns"! It is amazing how God uses even the simplest of things. I was challenged just this week by a young lady at my MOPS table about salvation and God's word. Amazing to be able to look at scripture and in it's purest form, use it to further His Kingdom. I have never been a really deep theological person, so I may have completely missed the boat on the purpose of your blog, but in a pure and basic way, I get it! Thanks!
Leave a Reply