What’s Wrong with the Bible?
They say a good hook is essential for grabbing attention, so I hope this title did the trick!
But seriously, what is wrong with the Bible?
- Its Authority
According to a recent sermon by Andy Stanley, the abusive religion that he grew up under (Southern Baptist) derived its unjust nature from its belief in the Bible’s final authority. He suggests that the harm many people have experienced in churches stems from the churches’ belief in the Bible’s authority.
Stanley argues, “And so the Bible, the entire Bible, became the church’s authority. But the Bible says, ‘Jesus is our ultimate and final authority’. More importantly, Jesus said, ‘Jesus is our ultimate authority’.”
While the “red letters” in our Bibles are crucial, every Word in the Bible, not just the red ones, holds equal significance. All Scripture is inspired by God (2 Tim. 3:16)! As Peter reminds us, these Words provide us with everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
Frame says it best in his book, “The Doctrine of the Word of God,” when he combats liberal theologian Carl Barth.
“Bath does make the value judgment that Christ himself is somehow more authoritative than the words given in Scripture, or any words or sentences given to human beings. We ought to reject that judgment. Christ as Lord is our supreme authority. But to say that he is more authoritative than his own words (i.e., more authoritative than himself) is nonsense. And Scripture itself never makes any such value judgment. Rather, it calls us to give to Jesus’ words the same reverence, obedience, and belief that we give to Jesus himself.
For to dishonor God’s personal word is to dishonor Christ. To disobey the personal word is to disobey Christ. To disbelieve the personal word is to disbelieve Christ.”
- Its Abuse
It’s astonishing how people misuse the Bible to justify their points or ease their consciences, even when the verses they cite are unrelated to the issue. Take, for instance, the eclipse earlier this year—people were pulling all kinds of verses out of context to predict the end of the world!
When former President Donald Trump was shot, so many verses were twisted to apply to the failed assassination, even though they had nothing to do with him or his enemies. The misuse became even more disturbing when prophetic verses about Christ were applied to a political figure.
- Its Avoidance
So many speakers, teachers, and preachers make a greater effort to avoid the Bible than to teach it. Why are we so consumed with our thoughts and opinions than just believing and teaching what the Bible says?
When I’m at teen camp with my kids, attending a conference, or sitting in services on Sunday, I don’t want to hear just about what Jesus means to the speaker. I’m not interested in how many stories one can create around a verse without actually referring to the verse. I want to hear from God Himself through His Word!
My family, my church, and I need the preaching and teaching of God’s Word. The Bible is sufficient.
So, what’s wrong with the Bible? Is it really so absurd that we need to abuse or avoid it? Most of us would say, “No, Treg. That’s ridiculous.” Then, let’s ensure our response matches our routine in preaching and teaching.
When Jesus taught in the synagogues, as was His custom, He opened the Scriptures and taught (Luke 4:16-21). He didn’t choose a palatable text like Psalm 100 but read from Isaiah. He allowed the Word to speak, then He sat down and began to teach.
So, is reading the text enough? No. Isaiah 53 was perfect for the Ethiopian Eunuch, but he still needed someone to explain it to him. As preachers and teachers, it’s our duty to teach God’s Word. Explanation, application, and illustration are necessary, but not at the cost of avoidance, abuse, alliteration, or applause.
We’re quick to criticize Andy Stanley, but in practice, some of us affirm his message every time we speak.
Youth pastor, your teens don’t need you to fabricate stories and illustrations to grab their attention. They need to hear the Word of God speak! They need the Bible—they need to know what the Bible says, not just what you have to say.
Pastor, don’t sugarcoat Scripture. Don’t twist a verse to say something it doesn’t. Preach God’s Word!
Personally, I’ve struggled with this over the years—not intentionally, but in my study and preparation. I’ve added too many stories and left out too much Scripture. It’s a constant check and balance for me. Some sections are easier to preach this way than others, but the point is to remain aware and let the Word take priority.
Our response to the authority of God’s Word is a response to Christ Himself.
How will you respond?
“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”
Treg Spicer is pastor of Faith Baptist Church – Morgantown, WV. Follow his blog here. We republish his articles by permission.