Reframed, Part 1: Authority You Can Trust

Grant Fishbook, Lead Teaching Pastor

Recent Headlines

• From the Guardian in the UK: A revival is happening: Church hails resurgence among young in UK
• Axios Magazine: Young men are leading a religious resurgence
• USA Today: Not just at Easter: Gen Z is returning to Christianity. Data proves it
• The Wall Street Journal: Sales of Bibles are booming

8 realities regarding the authority and veracity of the Word of God

1. The Bible contains verifiable .
2. The Bible is a story woven together by , not .
3. spoke to the authority of God’s Word.
4. The Bible contains future-proof .
5. The Bible’s is a testimony to its validity.
6. The timeless wisdom of the Bible .
7. The original followers of Jesus believed this “truth” was .
8. The Bible doesn’t shy away from its own .

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16–17

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:12-13

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.” Jeremiah 29:13–14

Key Signs of Authority Issues

Difficulty accepting

Chronic

Distrust of

Fear of

Once again…

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

People often think they can have three responses…

1. the truth
2. Seriously the truth claim and stay there forever. (Ultimately, you do have to make a choice.)
3. the truth

²⁴ “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. ²⁵ The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. ²⁶ But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ²⁷ The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
      ²⁸ When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, ²⁹ because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. Matthew 7:24–29

Small Group Questions

1. What was the highlight of your summer?
2. What is one word you would use to describe the Bible?
3. What is one part of the Bible that you love? One part that you struggle with?
4. Which of the 8 realities primarily leads you to believe the Bible is true? Which one causes more questions for you?
5. What are your toughest questions about the role of God’s authority in your life?
6. How can we pray for you right now and throughout the week?