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As a Christian in today's society, I feel that it is crucial to seek a deeper understanding of life and the meaning behind our existence and to conclusively find our identity in Jesus Christ. Along with this, it is first and foremost vital to emphasize the indispensable importance of raw scripture - The Bible - As the only source of true wisdom and knowledge (Jam 3:13-17) (Prov 2:6,9-11).
Often, blogs such as Cranial Collision are the source of second hand scripture. By second hand scripture, I mean Biblical interpretations, doctrines, and insight. Sources of second hand scripture can be anything from audio and videos of sermons, to books such as Crazy Love by Francis Chan. Although these books and articles may offer sounds Biblical wisdom and knowledge through human interpretation, they are all indirect sources of the Word of God.
The most direct and important document that we can ever refer to as Christians is the Holy Bible itself. The scriptures are God-breathed, direct from God himself (2 Timothy 3:16)! How amazing is it to know that what we are reading is God's direct viewpoint, not the interpretation of other worldly people like ourselves! (John 1)
As writers for this blog, we strive to ground ourselves constantly in the written word of God above any other secondary source. It can be tough at times amidst all of the media and distractions, but nevertheless, it is absolutely necessary if we are to speak and write with any amount of wisdom.
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It can be easy to read books by famous Christian authors such as Max Lucado, John Piper, C.S. Lewis, A.W. Tozer, and many more - But if we are not first actively seeking to know Christ through his authentic scripture, it means nothing at all. Yes, we can gain insight and knowledge from these things because they may be very Biblically based, but the only way we know whether we should believe the things stated within these books is by reading, studying, and closely pondering the Word of God.
I cannot stress the importance of scripture enough.
Before you enter into reading books and viewing all of the things that the internet and world have to offer, you must be sure that you are being grounded in Biblical scripture (Colossians 2:8)(Colossians 2:2-3). This is the only way to guarantee you will view things from a genuine "Christian" perspective.
In past years, reading the Bible regularly is definitely something I have struggled with. Now, with a new sense of vigor, I realize how vital the Scriptures are to every aspect and detail of my life. I hope that you can share this passion for Biblical knowledge with me by knowing that we can find meaning and purpose in life through the Word of God.
Examine:
+ How much time do you spend reading scripture compared to the amount of time you spend reading other books and articles?
+ James 3:13-17
Discussion:
+ Why/How do you see the Bible as an vital tool in your life?
+ What motivates you to be actively reading and studying God's Word on a regular basis?
I read parts of the bible virtually every day. I also read books by various Christian authors---the books I prefer are discussions backed by scripture. This makes me think and grow in my faith.
By far, the bible is the most interesting book I ever read. It explores human condition and psychology and emotion on a level we can all understand. Pride, sex, power, lust, greed, envy, human machinations, etc are played out in timeless fashion.
I cannot see how one can grow his/her faith without a working knowledge of this book.
AJ, awesome blog post!
I love Clint's last sentence: "I cannot see how one can grow his/her faith without a working knowledge of this book."
That is so true: the scriptures our vital to our Christian life! Like you said AJ, they are God's divine revelation to us. All we need to do to know the mind of God (or at least a fraction of it) is to read the letter that he's given us!
One of the things that motivates me to continue to study God's word is that almost every time I approach it I learn something new or see something that I've never noticed before. This book is so deep and intricate, it would take more than a lifetime to fully comprehend the truths that God has placed in those pages!
Clint - Good thoughts. It makes me think about how extremely relevant and applicable the scriptures are to your life, and mine, in this life. So thankful for the meaning and purpose that we can receive from the Bible, and the Bible alone.
Greg - Awesome motivation!! Reading and studying scripture can be infectious and addicting, right? (In a good way of course)
I find that if I put reading scripture on the top of my priority list, everything else just seems to fall into place - Even if I think that I don't have time to delve into the Bible for a half an hour. If we actively put God's will as the center of our lives, all other things will work out for the best.
-AJ
Here's a good comment that someone posted on Reddit:
"it is first and foremost vital to emphasize the indispensable importance of raw scripture - The Bible - As the only source of true wisdom and knowledge (Jam 3:13-17) (Prov 2:6,9-11)."
And here all this time i have been laboring under the false impression that there is a Living God I can turn to.
You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, 38 nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. 39 You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life. (John 5)
Here's another great comment posted on reddit:
Jesus had an extremely high view of the scriptures. Even in the passage you quoted, he doesn't seem to be faulting the Pharisees for diligently studying the scriptures, but for not really believing them.
Also, I think your understanding of the blog isn't very charitable. It's fairly clear that when he says that the bible is the "only" source of true wisdom and knowledge, the writer is comparing it to "second hand scripture". To the writer, the bible is in a separate category of literature because it is the very word of the Living God.
I've never quoted a tweet before, but a month or so ago, John Piper posted something that really struck me
Jesus Christ is greater than the Bible. But diminishing the Bible for the sake of Christ always loses Christ.
I think your response comes close to making this error. You are saying, in effect, "I can turn directly to the Living God. Never mind all the stuff he already told me."
Check out the discussion happening there at this link: http://www.reddit.com/r/Christianity/comments/fou1k/christianity_and_the_bible_second_hand_scripture/