The Bible Tells Me So

Maybe you grew up in an environment where the answers to all of your hard questions began with the words, “The Bible says . . ." Those answers probably satisfied many of your questions, but perhaps there were other times when you still wondered. It is no surprise that a core value for this and many other churches is a commitment to the reliability and authority of the Bible. Unfortunately that value, apart from an understanding of the Gospel, can lead to legalism and a distortion of Jesus’ teachings. Join us for part one of Tightrope where we explore the healthy tension between being biblically grounded and Gospel-centered.

And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. And Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified. And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.

And as they were coming down the mountain, he charged them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

Mark 9:2-9 (ESV)

Core Value:

We are biblically grounded and Gospel-centered.

• We believe Jesus is the Bible’s main character.
• All scripture is equally inspired, but not equally relevant.
• We value the Bible as God’s authoritative Word and Jesus is its final interpreter.

Being biblically grounded saves us from cultural and moral relativism.

Being Gospel-centered saves us from legalism and hypocrisy.

Balance Check:

Questions:

• Do you hold others and yourself to unattainable standards based on biblical commands?
• Do you excuse sin without regard to its cost or consequences?

Daily Readings:

Day 1: Mark 9
Day 2: Luke 24
Day 3: John 4
Day 4: John 5
Day 5: Matthew 5
Day 6: Matthew 6
Day 7: Matthew 7

Suggested Resources:

Books:

Eat This Book, by Eugene Peterson

Other sermon series (visit the sermon page):

Elements (2011)
Walk This Way (2019)
Boundaries, Pt. 2: Laying Down the Law (January 20, 2019)
Losing My Religion, Pt. 2: The Holy Hand Grenade (February 16, 2020)
Because: Why we teach from the Bible is every sermon (October 22, 2017)

RightNow Media (visit the Family Resources page):

The Bible for Grown-Ups by Andy Stanley