"Where Can I Read That In The Bible?"

 

    It is a personal joy when I can sit down and study the Bible with another soul.  Sitting across a kitchen table, or leaning back on a comfortable sofa, with Bible open and dialoguing with one or more persons about the eternal salvation that's been made available through Jesus Christ. I enjoy showing people where they can read Bible answers to their Bible questions, and how to ascertain unquestionable truth from the Scriptures.

    It seems however, that I have been asking a single question more and more lately to those with whom I'm studying. That question is: "Where can I read that in the Bible?" People will make assertions about Jesus, the church, worship, salvation, etc.,  so I politely ask them, "Where can I read that in the Bible?" I cannot think of even one time where someone has shown me the Book, chapter and verse. Some have tried to manipulate verses, not understanding the difference in the Old and New Testaments, or by taking a verse completely out of context. When showing them that their exegesis cannot be correct because it contradicts other plain Bible verses, some get noticeably upset, others get confused and don't want to study anymore, and some just claim that no two people can understand the Bible alike. Others claim, as their authority, a popular TV evangelist, or even their local "pastor" or "priest." I recently asked a couple with whom I was studying, and who proclaimed their belief that the Bible came from God,  if they understood that the Bible teaches one must be buried in baptism in order to get into Christ (Col. 2:12; Rom. 6:1-5; Gal. 3:27), where salvation is (2Tim. 2:10). They said, "Yes."  I asked them if they would like to be baptized in the right way for the right reason according to the Bible. They responded, "I'll have to ask my priest if it's ok." 

    Here's the scene: Two people who said they believed the Bible is the word of God; and understood God's word to teach baptism, said that before they could obey God, they would have to get the permission of a man!  At that point, about all I can do is exhale.

    In Luke 5:1, it reveals that a multitude pressed around Christ in order to hear "the word of God."  Therefore, Jesus set forth the word of God in His preaching and teaching. To refuse to hear the word of God is to refuse to hear Jesus.

    In Acts 8:5, the Bible says that Philip "went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed unto them the Christ." Then, in verse 14, we read: "Now when the apostles...heard that Samaria had received the word of God..."  To receive Jesus, is to receive the word of God. To follow Jesus, is to follow the word of God. One cannot separate Jesus from God's word. Any attempt to do so will result in eternal condemnation (2Thess. 1:7-8).

    If a preacher (or anyone else), makes a doctrinal statement, it's your responsibility to ask two questions:  "Where can I read that in the Bible?" and, "Does this understanding contradict any other verse in the Bible?" For example: The Bible teaches we are saved by grace (Ephesians 2:5, 8), but if that means there is nothing we need to do toward our salvation, why did those on the day of Pentecost ask, "What must we do?" (Acts 2:37). Also, we know that the doctrine of universal salvation is false, because Jesus Himself said the majority would be lost (Matt. 7:13-14).

    You cannot separate Jesus from God's word. To refuse one is to refuse both. To accept one, you must accept both.     Stay Hungry (Matt. 5:6) -- Toby Miller

                                                     

"A whale is in the greatest danger of being harpooned when it comes up to blow."

 

 

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