“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me … “ John 5:39
I am convinced that, particularly in the age in which we live, the adjective, “biblical”, has become of utmost importance.It is definitive, separating true Christianity from all that is not according to Christ.There are many false Christs, but the true Christ is a “biblical” Christ – that is, the One that has been revealed by the Spirit of God through the scriptures commonly known as The Bible.
There have always been vain philosophies of human device, along with false religions
in pursuit of false deities.But there is also a “christianity” which ought not to be called Christianity – that is, a false christianity – a christianity that is not biblically based.True Christianity is a biblical Christianity – the Christianity, originally known as “The Way”[1], which Jesus initiated – the Christianity that is delineated in the Bible.Therefore, the term “biblical” is definitive, separating the true Christ and true Christianity from all that is otherwise.
The Bible has wrongfully received some “bad press” in recent years. Its detractors are, I believe, intellectually dishonest.I say this because I have never once read nor heard a detractor of the Bible convincingly display that he or she actually had much personal knowledge of the Bible.They either quote someone else who has also not studied the Bible; or they arrogantly spout smug statements contrary to the Bible which are scientifically unfounded and/or historically unverified.You may think of me as being “cynical”, but this is what I think is motivating the satanic activity behind most of the detractors of the Bible: Money and success.The acceptance of doctoral dissertations, as well as, the awarding of publishing contracts all too often go to those who will purport the “weird and wonderful”. Much scientific theorizing (being presented as “fact”) is simply done in an effort to gain grant monies and/or to maintain “job security” in the academic and scientific fields.The plethora of pop-academics, pseudo-scientists, and humanistic theologians writing books and appearing on TV are making a good living off the masses who are literally buying into “the pitch” fueling their lucrative speaking and writing careers. And, unfortunately, if someone does not have sufficient time to research true science and history as well as, study what the Bible is really all about, it seems expedient to just assume that these self-proclaimed experts know what they are talking about.In this way, those with financial and quasi-religious/philosophical agendas have been able to mislead those who are Biblically illiterate.And this has been the case throughout human history.
The Bible addresses the ultimate questions in life, and we really cannot afford to try “do life” without the answers.One just does not want to be uninformed regarding the Bible.I firmly believe there are many people who are interested in investigating and knowing for themselves the truth of what the Bible is really all about.But many of these same people are “turned off” to some Christians and feel that most church ministry “does not relate” to their lives.I usually can agree with all their criticisms.At the same time, most of these same people have never had the opportunity (or never taken the opportunity) to experience authentic Christianity. i.e. The Way which Jesus initiated – biblical Christianity. And, because of their negative reaction to people, they never truly respond to God.i.e. They try to “do life” without knowing the God Who is the Author, the Giver, the Sustainer, and the Perfector of life.
This God has chosen to reveal Himself – through His creation, then through the Old and New Testament scriptures of the Bible, and ultimately, through His Son, Jesus Christ.We can see a reflection of God in the creation; and He has most perfectly revealed Himself through the Man, Jesus of Nazareth.But we cannot sufficiently know Him, His Spirit nor His Christ as He intended, without knowing the biblical scriptures through which He has chosen to reveal Himself.In fact, the Spirit of God has inspired the scriptures, given us the scriptures, and preserved the scriptures through the ages specifically so that humanity could cease “groping in the dark”[2], and be able to seek, find, and come to know and love their Creator and Redeemer.The word of God, speaking through the biblical scriptures, is “living and active”[3].The Bible is an “inter-active” book in the truest sense of the word.God created us because He is pleased by having relationship with us. We relate to a living God, not to a book. But you cannot relate to One you do not know, nor “worship what you do not know”[4]. The parameters of our worship of God and relationship with God are determined by of revelation of God, which is found primarily in the biblical scriptures. God inspired, gave, and preserved the biblical scriptures for the express purpose of revealing Himself to those with whom He desires relationship and to facilitate that relationship with Himself.
We really cannot afford to ignore the Bible – it is the revelation of the Author, Giver, Sustainer and Perfector of Life.Jesus, the Living Word, said: “The Thief comes only to steal kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”[5] Here, He is talking to people who already have a physical existence. He is obviously referring to a “life” which is above and beyond the biological.The Greek word here is zoë, meaning spiritual ife.Jesus also said: “Life is spiritual. Your physical existence doesn’t contribute to that life. The words that I have spoken to you are spiritual. They are life.”[6] These life-giving words are the words of God, the Author, the Giver, the Sustainer, the Perfector of Life.These words are given to us in the biblical scriptures.
[1] John 14:6; Acts 9:2; 18:25; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22.
[2] Acts 17:27
[3] Hebrews 4:12
[4] John 422
[5] John 10:10
[6] John 6:63
We have a God-given calling to teach the Bible. We have been walking in that calling for 50 years teaching in 100’s churches and 100’s of homes on 4 continents. We intend to continue to follow this call until we die. So, we teach the Bible and endeavor to help people receive these “words of life” which God has given.
If you are interested in studying the Bible, feel free to contact us:
Bill & Frances Furioso
AtChristsTable@gmail.com