This summer at the Quitman Church of Christ, we are engaged in a sermon series entitled, “What does the Bible say about…” My goal over the next several weeks is to provide an overview of what we have been studying.
I encourage you to have an open Bible by your side to make sure what is said lines up, and to then be honest with the Scriptures. As one Gospel preacher would often say, “If it agrees with the Bible accept it; if not, reject it” (Garland Elkins).
We begin our series of articles with the first sermon — “What Does The Bible Say About… Itself.” (you can find these sermons on our YouTube Page — Quitman Church of Christ)
The Bible Would Say…
If the Bible could speak for itself, what claims would it make about itself?
There are many people who have their minds made up that the Bible is no more than a history book, while others view it as a man-made document about a man who did a lot of good things.
Let’s ask the Bible what it would say in response to these thoughts.
“I Am Supernatural”
First, the Bible would say, “I Am Supernatural.”
The Bible is not a man-made document; rather, every word is “breathed out by God” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Holy men of God “spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Pet. 1:19-21).
Yes, men wrote the words, but those men were inspired and were “guided into all truth” (Jer. 1:9; 2 Sam. 23:2; John 14:26; 16:13).
“I Am Powerful”
Second, the Bible would say, “I Am Powerful.”
The power is evident when one considers the power of God Who breathed out the words (Psa. 29:4; 33:6-9; Heb. 11:3).
The Hebrews writer says that the Word of God is “powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Heb. 4:12)
“I Am Perpetual”
Third, the Bible would say, “I Am Perpetual.”
The Psalmist proclaimed, "The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever” (Psa. 119:160). The prophet Isaiah exclaimed, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever” (Isa. 40:8).
The apostle Peter would quote this passage, encouraging Christians that the Gospel they obeyed endures (1 Pet. 1:22-25). Jesus Himself said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away” (Matt. 24:35).
“I Am Understandable”
Fourth, the Bible would say, “I Am Understandable.”
Unfortunately, I have had conversations with some who say, “I just can’t understand the Bible. It is too difficult for me to grasp.” The fact of the matter is God has preserved His Word for us, and we can in fact understand and apply it to our lives (Neh. 8:8; Psa. 111:10; 119:104-105, 130). We can “read and understand” (Matt. 15:10; Eph. 3:4).
Jesus said, “You shall know the truth,” so if we couldn’t know it, why would He say we could and that it would make us free? (John 8:32).
“I Am Applicable”
Fifth, the Bible would say, “I Am Applicable.”
James states that we are to be “doers of the word and not hearers only” (Jas. 1:22). Jesus asked, “Why do you call me, “Lord, Lord,” and not do the things which I say? (Luke 6:46).
We must apply the Word of God to our lives to be pleasing to Him.
“I Am Indestructible”
Sixth, the Bible would say, “I Am Indestructible.”
Throughout the sands of time, people have tried to destroy the Bible both literally and metaphorically (See Jer. 36:20-23, 27-32). Man’s attempts have been and will always be futile because the Word of God is “forever settled in Heaven” (Psa. 119:89).
Again, Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away” (Matt. 24:35).
“I Am Essential”
Seventh and finally, the Bible would say, “I Am Essential.”
Without faith, it is “impossible to please God” (Heb. 11:6). In order to obtain faith, one must “hear the Word of God” (Rom. 10:17). The words of Jesus are “spirit and life” (John 6:63) and they will “judge us in the last day” (John 12:48).
We must know, obey, and teach the Word of God to others, for it is essential in pleasing God!
The Bible is supernatural, powerful, perpetual, understandable, applicable, indestructible, and essential. What an incredible blessing it is to have access to the very Word of God!
Next week, we will continue our series asking, “What does the Bible say about…Vain Worship.
Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.
Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life.