Author Archives: Jason Woodard

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Sola Scriptura

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Sola Scriptura means “scripture alone”. Our sole and overarching authority is scripture. Not tradition. Not the ideas of men. It is God’s Word alone.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Scripture is the perfect Word of God revealed to us that we might know Him and worship Him. The Bible contains 66 different books, written by about 40 different divinely inspired authors, over the course of about 1,500 years. Through all of this time and all of these human authors, the message is consistent.

Scripture shows us our sinful nature and provides us with the perfect solution in Christ. Scripture encourages the Believer and it convicts them as well. Scripture alone shows us how to be justified and how to grow in holiness.

And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.

1 Corinthians 2:13

We have a vast array of essential writings regarding the faith and practice of the Christian religion. Commentaries, innumerable books, and church credes that have stood the test of hundreds of years are beneficial for our understanding of who God is and how we can grow closer to Him. But as much as we love our favorite authors or works or refer back to one of the traditional credes, they are all subordinate to the Word. They are supplemental, not primary in their authority.

Scripture exhibits the plainest evidences that it is God who speaks in it, which manifests its doctrines to be divine

John Calvin – Institutes of the Christian Religion

For His Glory

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STRUGGLE

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The salvation of the Christian is entirely due to the grace of God – is is not earned. When we are saved, we are instantly and completely justified (aka justification), entirely by God’s grace and not of anything we have done. Every true Christian is completely and entirely justified at salvation.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God

Ephesians 2:8

After justification comes the process of sanctification; a process in which God, through the Holy Spirit, begins to change us more into the likeness of Jesus. It lasts for the rest of our earthly lives. Each Christian moves along in this process at a different pace. Unlike justification, it happens slowly over time and it takes effort. We are involved in this process. We fight and we struggle to overcome the flesh and we work to obey the Spirit and to grow in holiness.

A true Christian is one who has not only peace of conscience, but war within

JC Ryle – Holiness

Growing in holiness begins by taking more and fuller advantage of the means of grace the Lord has given to us, such as prayer, study of His Word, fellowship with other believers, and communion. Growing in holiness uncovers depths of peace and joy that will not be found elsewhere.

If you wish to grow in holiness and realize the peace and joy that Christ offers, take the battle to the front line. Discipline yourself to be in the Word daily; dig into it, listen to it, memorize it. Devote quite time to prayer each day. Regularly worship and fellowship with fellow believers. Participate in communion where we are once again brought to the foot of the cross and examine ourselves.

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IT’S NOT FOR YOU

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People have a natural tendency to use what they have to benefit themselves. Whether it be financial means, assets, time, or talents and abilities; we naturally want to employ these things for our benefit.

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace

1 Peter 4:10

Christians are expected to steward what God has gifted to us to serve His church for His glory. It’s not for ourselves. Obviously, we use our gifts and means to support ourselves and family. But to what degree do we direct all of these resources towards ourselves and our families? Scripture doesn’t give a percentage in which we should direct our resources inward. Some Christians feel convicted that scripture directs us to give 10% of our income to the church. They should follow that conviction. But this concerns more than money; we are gifted with far more than financial means. All of these gifts and resources are to be employed to serve the Body of Christ.

What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?

1 Corinthians 4:7b

God has given you specific gifts. It could be wealth. It could be wisdom or an ability to lead. It could be time. These gifts will change throughout your life. But what never changes is the expectation to use what you have to serve the Body and honor the Lord with it. Not only is this a clear directive throughout scripture, it is a great privilege. You see, when we do not use our gifts to serve, we never find true joy and peace. It is when we use them to serve His Bride that we find real joy and the peace.

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Faith +II

ADD TO YOUR FAITH

Last week we reviewed the first three of seven things we should supplement to our faith. This week, we will look at the other four.

Stick-two-it-edness. That’s a real thing. Some people call it grit. Scripture calls it steadfastness. It means to endure with hope and patience. Believers are called to push through life’s challenges and not give up hope because our hope is eternal. I love stories about believers who have faced great trials and yet have remained hopeful and joyful as they stay focused on the eternal hope in Christ. These are an inspiration to me.

Add godliness to your faith. Honor and revere the Lord. To have a true understanding of who He is, will cause us to revere, honor, respect, and fear Him. God created the universe with His verbal command. He sustains every molecule in it. He is perfect, yet He made a way for us to know Him and to be adopted as sons and daughters.

In Jesus’ last prayer before being arrested, He prayed for the unity of the church. We are to be united as a family of believers. Unity and love is a way that we are to be unique from the world. We see divisions and hatred around us. But the church must demonstrate brotherly affection. Caring for, praying for, supporting, holding accountable, and fellowshipping with one another.

Lastly, we are to add love to our faith. Love is not a feeling. Love is putting others ahead of ourselves. Love is an action – it is a verb. 1 John 3:18 says, “let us not love in word or talk, but in deed and in truth”.  And love does not mean we never confront. That is selfishness and pride, as we ignore what should be dealt with to protect our own feelings.

 

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