What is the Bible and What are You Talking About??

Spend five minutes on social media and you will quickly see that not everyone who “speaks with authority” should. Not about politics, not about parenting, and certainly not about Scripture.

Everyone is a “scholar” as long as no one is grading the tests.

Have you ever seen people more confident in incorrect, incomplete information?? Fortunately, this is not new to the Lord. 

What is the Bible? And what is it to you?

Not rhetorical questions. I’ve been in ministry for twenty-plus years, you’d be surprised how Christians answer that question. You’d be more surprised how many don’t answer that question and just shrug.

Is it an instruction manual, a book, daily bread, oil for a lamp, weird stories with wise sayings?

It’s okay to have different answers. It’s not okay to have wrong answers.

Hey Friend, if we have any hope of survival or revival, we need to know what we believe, why we believe it, and how to explain it.

How do we expect the next generation to give a hardy defense of what this generation can’t even articulate?

 

I am teaching through Acts right now and last week’s lesson, found in Acts 18-19, included the introduction of Apollos. From just two verses, Acts 18:24-26, we can observe these things about this notable man–he is Jewish, eloquent, mighty in Scripture, fervent, and my favorite–accurate.

 

Even though Apollos had some gaps in his information, that were graciously filled by Priscila and Aquila, Apollos was a compelling apologist.

Man, what good goals to have–passionate, persuasive presenter of Scripture. Yes, please!

So how did Apollos become such a formidable foe of the pagan culture he lived in?

He was discipled, and discipled well.

Which is different from someone simply living a moral life in his presence.

 

In the original text, Apollos didn’t just receive instruction, he received katacheo. Someone taught Apollos the “ways of the Lord” in a way that was methodical, orderly, and accurate…or katacheo. Catechism.

Back in Luke 1, our very educated and exacting author tells Theophilus, “I thought it best to give you an orderly account…SO THAT YOU MAY BE CONFIDENT IN WHAT YOU HAVE HEARD.” Because correct and ordered answers make us confident.

 

Ask any room of children a question. Those who are certain they know the right answer have hands that shoot up and mouths that yell, “Me! Me! Me!” Those who do not know or aren’t sure if they are right, will usually hang back and let someone else be wrong first.

 

Friends, we live in a world that has nothing but questions and we are sitting on our hands unsure of what to say or how to say it.

In our silence or hesitation, darkness has responded.

Darkness is always eager to give a wrong answer to someone who won’t know the difference.

Enter catechism. Catechism is a simple, right answer to a hard question, committed to memory. If you grew up in a more orthodox religion or denomination, this will sound familiar. Growing up Southern Baptist, I had no idea what this was or why it was used.

As a special education teacher? Trust me. It’s valuable and helpful. 

There are other great catechisms to use. Or come up with your own. When I write catechism, I think in terms of accuracy, broad inclusivity for adults—big enough ideas to fit other things under, and simplicity for children—big ideas into small words, and rhythm—easy to say, equals easy to remember.

 

Here are some basic catechism arrows for your quiver. Think on them. Improve on them. Memorize them. Then, like Apollos, be bold and be ready with the right answers to life’s biggest questions. 

 

What is the Bible?   The Bible is God’s holy Word, perfect and true. 

 

Is the Bible trustworthy?   Yes, the Bible is trustworthy because it was rightly repeated, rightly recorded and it rightly reported past and future events.

 

Is the Bible like any other books?   No, the Bible contains supernatural revelation, preservation, transcription, and fulfilled prediction.

 

Who is God?   God is the Creator, Giver, Ruler, Father, and Judge of ALL. 

 

Who is Jesus?   Jesus is the Promised Messiah, Perfect Sacrifice and Savior, Son of God, Son of Man, and Soon-Returning King.

 

Who is the Holy Spirit?   The Holy Spirit is our ever-present Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Friend, and Guide.

 

Who am I?   Apart from Christ, I am an enemy of God—unable to obey or do good, I am a slave to sin—guilty and condemned to death, and I am hopelessly lost—separated from God by sin.

 

Who am I in Christ?   In Christ, I am a child of God—an adopted heir and ambassador, I am a new creation—saved, forgiven and free, I am rescued, redeemed, and destined for Heaven.

 

What is obedience?   Obedience is following God’s commands His way, right away, all the way.

 

What is sin?   Sin is missing the mark of loving God and others perfectly. 

 

Yay, catechism! See how fun it is to know the right answer?! To Corinth we go!!