“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:20-21
In the book, Reforming Fundamentalism, by George A. Marsden, 85% of the students in one of America’s largest evangelical seminaries stated that they do not believe in the inerrancy of Scripture. Beyond that, a poll of 10,000 U.S.A. clergymen (of whom 74% replied) by sociologist Jeffery Hadden in 1987 clearly reveals the effects of this significant change of belief through the passage of time. When asked if they believed that the Scriptures are the inspired and inerrant Word of God in faith, history, and secular matters: 95% of Episcopalians said “No.” 87% of Methodists said “No.” 82% of Presbyterians said “No.” 77% of American Lutherans said “No.” 67% of American Baptists said “No.”
With all this in view, the real question is what about you? When you pick up your Bible do you understand it to be, “The Word Of God?” Are you enjoying God’s Word and seeing that it is, in fact, the divinely inspired message from God to humanity?
Paul told Timothy, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
I love what Martin Luther said in terms of the Word of God, “God is everywhere. However, He does not want you to reach out for Him everywhere but only in the Word. Reach out for it and you will grasp Him aright. Otherwise, you are tempting God and setting up idolatry.
That is why He has established a certain method for us. This teaches us how and where we are to look for Him and find Him, namely, in the Word.”
So, get to work… open your Bibles and let God’s word fill you and encourage you and build you up in your walk with the Lord.
By His Spirit,
Pastor Bill