Nobody Actually Takes The Bible Seriously
Preaching
Shaking Wolves Out Of Cherry Trees
And 149 Other Sermon Ideas
Purpose Statement: Everyone reveres the Bible as the Word of God and more important than any other book, and yet few act as if they believe that.
a. We don't read it. Many mainline Christians and most peripheral church members never read scripture. The only Bible they get is what the preacher reads on Sunday if they are in church. And, unfortunately, those who read the Bible faithfully and regularly, read only certain passages, or read with a jaundiced eye. There are some who do a very good job of studying scripture, and are able to do so with an open and critical mind. They are the ones who grow intellectually and spiritually. They are in the minority.
b. We don't obey it. There are so many commandments, laws, principles, and suggestions for our behavior which we simply ignore. It would seem if we took the teachings of scripture seriously, we would make concerted efforts to follow those dictums. Matthew 6:19 tells us not to store up possessions here on earth. Proverbs 25:21 (and other places in the New Testament as well) tells us to feed our enemy. Luke 12:33 tells us to sell everything and give the money to the poor. 1 Corinthians 14:5 has Paul saying he would like all of us to speak in tongues, and in verses 34-35, women should not speak in church. However, the Bible doesn't always obey itself. Adulterers are to be put to death, yet Rahab (Joshua 2) and David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11) are spared. Each of us probably has special loopholes so as to avoid obeying unpalatable biblical demands. Are they honest reasons or convenient evasions?
c. We don't believe it. Apparently. Since we don't read it honestly and there are passages we won't obey, one could suspect we don't believe it is the Word of God. Revering the Bible while ignoring its teaching does not excuse us from responsibility. It is like waving the flag as a patriot while not treating our neighbors -- all our neighbors -- with dignity, respect, and justice. Some sermon ideas are applicable to only part of our listeners, but getting serious with our Bible study and practicing its dictates are suggestions relevant for all of us.
a. We don't read it. Many mainline Christians and most peripheral church members never read scripture. The only Bible they get is what the preacher reads on Sunday if they are in church. And, unfortunately, those who read the Bible faithfully and regularly, read only certain passages, or read with a jaundiced eye. There are some who do a very good job of studying scripture, and are able to do so with an open and critical mind. They are the ones who grow intellectually and spiritually. They are in the minority.
b. We don't obey it. There are so many commandments, laws, principles, and suggestions for our behavior which we simply ignore. It would seem if we took the teachings of scripture seriously, we would make concerted efforts to follow those dictums. Matthew 6:19 tells us not to store up possessions here on earth. Proverbs 25:21 (and other places in the New Testament as well) tells us to feed our enemy. Luke 12:33 tells us to sell everything and give the money to the poor. 1 Corinthians 14:5 has Paul saying he would like all of us to speak in tongues, and in verses 34-35, women should not speak in church. However, the Bible doesn't always obey itself. Adulterers are to be put to death, yet Rahab (Joshua 2) and David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11) are spared. Each of us probably has special loopholes so as to avoid obeying unpalatable biblical demands. Are they honest reasons or convenient evasions?
c. We don't believe it. Apparently. Since we don't read it honestly and there are passages we won't obey, one could suspect we don't believe it is the Word of God. Revering the Bible while ignoring its teaching does not excuse us from responsibility. It is like waving the flag as a patriot while not treating our neighbors -- all our neighbors -- with dignity, respect, and justice. Some sermon ideas are applicable to only part of our listeners, but getting serious with our Bible study and practicing its dictates are suggestions relevant for all of us.
