A Theology of Scripture

We believe the Bible, both Old and New Testament, is divinely inspired by the power of the Holy Spirit to human authors as the revelation of God to man, and serves as the perfect instruction for Christian living, faith, and mission. Divine inspiration extends equally and fully to all parts of the original writings, ensuring their trustworthiness.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 New Living Translation

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

Isaiah 55:11 NLT

It is the same with my word.

I send it out, and it always produces fruit.

It will accomplish all I want it to,

and it will prosper everywhere I send it.

1 Corinthians 14:37 New Living Translation

37 If you claim to be a prophet or think you are spiritual, you should recognize that what I am saying is a command from the Lord himself.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 New Living Translation

13 Therefore, we never stop thanking God that when you received his message from us, you didn’t think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the very word of God—which, of course, it is. And this word continues to work in you who believe.

John 17:17 New Living Translation

17 Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.

Overview

The Bible was written in 3 languages (Hebrew, Greek, touch of Aramaic), over a period of more than 1500 years by more than 40 authors (diff Ages / Backgrounds) on three continents (Asia, Africa, Europe)

• 66 books, 39 OT 27 NT
• The Bible is a library of books to create one book of divine unity and continuity to tell the story of humanity being reconciled to God through Jesus. (Not textbook)
  • The Law: Gen – Deut = How it started, formation of Israel.
  • History: Josh-Esth = Becoming God’s people
  • Poetry: Job-SOS = Enneagram 4 interpretation of life and faith
  • Prophecy: Isa – Mal = Major and minor prophets — God speaking to His people
  • Gospels: Matt – Acts = Birth, life, death, burial, resurrection of Jesus and launch of Spirit-empowered ministry
  • Letters: Rom – Rev = General, Pauline, Apocalyptic letters to the church

John 8:31-32 New Living Translation

31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Orthodoxy

1. Believe the Bible is God’s word, made alive in Christ, and comes alive in us by the Holy Spirit.

Deuteronomy 32:47 New Living Translation

47 These instructions are not empty words—they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land you will occupy when you cross the Jordan River.”

John 1:1-5 New Living Translation

In the beginning the Word already existed.

The Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

2 He existed in the beginning with God.

3 God created everything through him,

and nothing was created except through him.

4 The Word gave life to everything that was created,

and his life brought light to everyone.

5 The light shines in the darkness,

and the darkness can never extinguish it.

Matthew 5:17-19 New Living Translation

17 “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. 19 So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.

1 Corinthians 14:37 New Living Translation

37 If you claim to be a prophet or think you are spiritual, you should recognize that what I am saying is a command from the Lord himself.

Add A Note

Orthopathy

I allow the Bible to change me

John 10:35 English Standard Version

If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be broken—

Psalm 19:7 New Living Translation

The instructions of the Lord are perfect,

reviving the soul.

The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy,

making wise the simple.

Psalm 119:160 New Living Translation

The very essence of your words is truth;

all your just regulations will stand forever.

Proverbs 30:5-6 New Living Translation

5 Every word of God proves true.

He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.

6 Do not add to his words,

or he may rebuke you and expose you as a liar.

Hebrews 4:12 New Living Translation

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

Orthopraxy

I do everything the Bible says to do, I don’t do anything the Bible forbids, and I seek the Scriptures, prayer, the Holy Spirit, and Godly counsel where I don’t understand.

Romans 8:7-8 New Living Translation

7 For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. 8 That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.

1 Corinthians 2:14 New Living Translation

14 But people who aren’t spiritual[a] can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.

Ezra 7:10 New Living Translation

10 This was because Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the Lord and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel.