Why Study The Bible?
I am just loving our open class on Wednesday nights where we look at the scriptures used for the sermon of the previous Sunday. Last night we examined Jesus’ view of evil and designation of who was perpetrating it. The teachers of the law from Jerusalem (3:22) came to see Jesus whom they had heard was attracting large crowds. In an attempt to keep people from following Jesus, these “teachers” accused Jesus of being able to heal, perform miracles, and execute exorcisms due to power derived from Satan. They said that He was driving out demons by the authority of the “prince of demons.” I’m sure that Jesus just looked incredulously at these “teachers” as He, in essence, expressed that Satan was not stupid enough to share power with someone in order to destroy his kingdom from within. The only stupid ones were these “teachers” who thought that Satan would be so foolish and that common folks weren’t smart enough to disbelieve them.
This situation is common in our world today. We all underestimate Satan. Satan is very clever and extremely smart. He is smarter and stronger than humans but, thankfully, not Jesus. Because people underestimate Satan, he works amongst us cleverly disguising his work as good and righteous. The veracity of this statement can be seen in people who claim to be faithful yet don’t depend upon the Bible for guidance. The last thing that Satan wants us to do is read and follow the Bible, for within it is all that we need for salvation--John Wesley said that. Many people who adhere to a liberal theological perspective denigrate the Word and hold their experience as a guide to faith. This plays into Satan’s hands because he can manipulate us much easier when we fail to follow God’s Word. That’s why it’s vital for us to read and study the Bible.
You are invited to our class that meets each Wednesday night from 6:30-7:30pm in the parlor. It’s an open class, meaning that there’s no registration and no fees – just show up with your Bible. I hope to see you there.
Grace and peace,
Ted