Acts 2:22 “Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know.”Podcast version here
I find it incredible that some people will blindly accept what contemporary writers have to say about the Gospels, rather than believing the words in the Bible. It seems quite arrogant to me that biblical scholars, living 2000 years after the New Testament events took place, call into question what people wrote thirty to fifty years after Christ ascended. It’s almost as if some people are willing to believe what they read now, because it is current and modern, rather than believe what was written then, just because it has become out-dated and old fashioned.
Modern biblical scholarship has nothing to add to what has already been written for two thousand years. Faith in the Good Book is just as important as faith in Christ. Some people think that that kind of thinking is absurd, narrow-minded, and totally out of step in the real world. But to me, the bottom line is this: how many books on modern biblical scholarship are going to outlive the Bible? In a hundred years time, will the names of biblical scholars be revered, or will we still be teaching the names of Christ’s disciples to our children. I think that the answer is obvious.
I thank God for allowing us to have the scriptures in our lives today. I praise Him that after 2000 years, the New Testament is still read by many people. I exalt God that the Gospel and Christ’s teachings, ministry, and mission are still influential in today’s world. There is a wonderful enduring power in the Word of God. It has been challenged in every generation since the scriptures were written, and yet it still remains intact today.
It’s sad that some people are being led astray because they put more faith in what modern people have to say about the Bible, rather than seeking God in His holy words. If only they would put the same effort, energy, and emphasis into reading, revering, and reflecting upon the Bible, they would then discover a greater meaning for their lives than any ivory-towered academic could ever help them to achieve.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we have knowledge of Your preaching, teaching, and healing miracles simply because we were given the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Without their writings, we could never have known You. Thank You for the special gift of the Gospels, New Testament, and Old Testament which continue to inspire, influence, and encourage us. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.
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