Every couple of years I do a little research in order to get a handle on the trends of popular culture. If you have children still at home there is little need for this except to get your facts straight. But those of us with an empty nest lose awareness of what’s “in with the in crowd” rather quickly. (Did some research this year for our pizza and pop culture night)
Of course we do not believe that the Word of God ever fails to be absolutely relevant. It is “settled” truth for all matters past, present and future. It does not need to be made relevant, it IS relevant! Nothing on earth is more relevant.
However, that doesn’t mean that the Scripture isn’t often poorly prepared for presentation or presented in a way that lacks Spirit driven fervor. Bible teacher, G. Campbell Morgan said, “Preaching is the declaration of the grace of God to human need on the authority of the Throne of God!” And as a result “it demands on the part of those who hear that they show obedience to the thing declared.”
We ought to expect the Scripture to be opposed and misunderstood by unbelievers. We ought to expect that some believers will misrepresent the Scriptures by lip and by life. But, we must make it our primary business together to understand and apply the Word of God correctly. Understanding involves the mind. Application involves obedience.
One of the distinguishing marks of a local church like ours is easily seen. People at FBC carry their own copy of the Scripture to our public times of gathering. This is because we always open the Scriptures, study the Scriptures, and preach the Scriptures whenever gathering for worship and instruction. If someone comes among us and does not possess a copy of the Word of God we are happy to provide it. By the grace of God we are people “of the BOOK.”
In 2012 our “pulpit lineup” includes verse by verse studies of selected books in the Bible. This is not unusual but rather our pattern week by week. We do not teach “about” the Bible. We teach the Bible. Adapting Paul’s expression we might say, WE “preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” –Colossians 1:28
– Pastor T.W. Teall
