Several years ago (2003) I wrote an article in which I stated that the "Big Enchilada", the primary foundational challenge for the evangelical church in America is the Nature and Character of Scripture, Special Revelation. My conviction on that topic has only solidified.
Moses said to the people of Israel - - Did any people ever hear the voice of god speaking out of the midst of the fire, as you have heard, and still live? (Deut. 4:33). Jesus said - - The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day (Jn. 12:48). Paul wrote - - for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized (1 Cor. 11:19).
I have never encountered anyone who claims to be an evangelical and simply denies the authenticity and authority of Scripture as a principle of doctrine (orthodoxy). However, I encounter almost daily people and circumstances in which the application of Scripture as the infallible guide for faith and practice (orthopraxy) is disregarded with impunity. Integrated or Applied Theology is the test of orthodoxy. Jesus said - Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock (Matt. 7:24).
A. Areas of Challenge in the evangelical church regarding the Authority of Scripture
1. Sufficiency - many who profess an evangelical faith insist on extra-biblical revelation. They treat 'private revelations' as the equivalent of recorded Scripture.
2. Divorce and Remarriage - These two very distinct issues are lumped together. If you get a divorce it is assumed you may remarry.
3. Gossip - If it is sex related or includes the consumption of alcohol, we will bust em. Failure to observe the protocol regarding communication and speech is ignored with impunity.
4. Gluttony - You better not even smell a can of beer but you may be 100 pounds over-weight and still be a "pastor in good standing".
5. Justification - Have we been 'wrong' since the Reformation or is Wright right?
B. Focus on historic orthodoxy.
1. David Wells The evangelical world, in fact, is now coming apart because its central truths, what once held it all together, no longer have the binding power that they once had and, in some cases are rejected outright with no following outcry.
2. Although Scripture alone was the Reformer's position in the sixteenth century, today critical methods (aka Bart Erhman-tcf) are placed above Scripture by some Protestant scholars like the Magisterium is placed above Scripture in Catholicism (Ministry Magazine, Jan. 2010, p. 20).
C. Application
I recently attended a meeting at which the Scripture was read. The speaker ask everyone to stand in honor of God's Word. Like the Scribes & Pharisees, this has become mere ritual without substance or power. Those standing will depart to ignore the content of Scripture in areas as referenced above.
Honoring God's word as measured by Jesus is to obey ALL He has commanded and do what he said.
Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. (Matt. 7:24).
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