Evergreen Faith : The Authority of Scripture

A Message from FA Memphis

The Bible is more than just a historical record; it is the divinely inspired, infallible Word of God and the ultimate authority for Christian faith and conduct. As the first of the 16 Fundamental Truths of the Assemblies of God, the "Authority of Scripture" establishes that God’s Word is the final map for our lives, providing timeless wisdom that remains relevant in our digital, fast-paced world.

The Foundation of Everything We Do

Have you ever tried to build something without the instructions? Maybe a piece of furniture or a complex toy? It usually ends with a few "extra" screws and a lot of frustration.

In the journey of faith, the Bible is our instruction manual. But it’s actually much more than that. At Boundless Online Church, we believe that the Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments, are verbally inspired by God. This isn't just a nice sentiment; it’s the bedrock of our lives. When we talk about "Evergreen Faith," we’re talking about a faith that doesn't wither when the culture changes or when life gets hard. That stability comes directly from the authority of God’s Word.

Whether you are catching a break on the night shift, managing a busy household, or seeking God from a place where it isn't safe to go to a physical church, the Bible is your constant companion. It is the "evergreen" source of truth that never goes out of style and never loses its power.

What Does the Bible Say?

When we look at the authority of Scripture, we start with the words of the Bible itself. Here are a few key verses that highlight why we place so much weight on these ancient texts:

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV):

"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 Peter 1:21 (NIV):

"For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."

Psalm 119:105 (NIV):

"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."

Hebrews 4:12 (NIV):

"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."

Understanding "God-Breathed"

When we say the Bible is "God-breathed," we mean that the Holy Spirit uniquely moved the human authors to write exactly what God wanted us to know. It wasn't like a robot taking dictation; God used their personalities, their languages, and their backgrounds. Yet, the end result is a perfect, inerrant message.

This is why we call it the "Authority." If the Bible were just a collection of good advice from smart people, we could take it or leave it. We could pick the parts we liked and ignore the parts that challenged us. But because it is inspired by the Creator of the universe, it carries a weight that no other book does.

Dr. Layne McDonald, Online and Connection Pastor at Boundless Online Church, often reminds us that when we open the Bible, we aren't just reading history; we are engaging with a living God. This authority gives us a steady “north star.” In a world where truth often feels like it's shifting, the Word of God remains solid.

Why Authority Matters Today

In our modern world, the idea of "authority" can sometimes feel restrictive. We like to be our own bosses. However, the authority of Scripture is actually incredibly liberating.

Think about it this way: if you're lost in a deep forest, a map isn't "restricting" your freedom to walk anywhere; it’s giving you the freedom to find your way home. That is what the Bible does for us.

1. It Answers the Big Questions

Life is full of heavy hitters. Why am I here? What happens when I die? Why is there suffering? We’ve actually explored some of these in our post 7 Life Questions Everyone’s Afraid to Ask. The Bible provides the authoritative answers to these questions, giving us peace that the world simply can't offer.

2. It Provides a Moral Compass

It’s easy to get confused about what is right and wrong when the "rules" seem to change every week on social media. The Scriptures provide a consistent moral framework that has stood the test of time for thousands of years. It’s the ultimate guide for how to treat our neighbors, how to lead our families, and how to conduct ourselves with integrity.

3. It Offers Hope at 3 AM

For our shift workers, caregivers, and those who struggle with late-night anxiety, the Bible is a source of direct comfort. God never sleeps, and His Word is always available. If you've ever felt that late-night loneliness, you might find comfort in our look at Faith at 3 AM. The authority of the Bible means that the promises of God are "yes" and "amen," even in the middle of the night.

Using Technology to Access the Word

Because we are a "Boundless" church, we love using technology to spread the Gospel. Whether it’s an app on your phone, an audio Bible playing while you drive, or a digital study group, the Word of God is more accessible now than at any other time in history.

However, we always want to be wise. As we discuss in our guide on Safe Tech for the Gospel, it's important to use digital tools securely. The authority of Scripture stays the same whether it’s printed on paper or glowing on a screen, but we encourage families to create safe digital environments where the Word can be studied without distraction or danger.

Practical Steps to Grow in the Word

If you're wondering how to start letting the Bible take its place of authority in your life, here are a few simple steps:

• Read Daily: Even if it’s just one chapter or a few verses. Consistency is key. You can check out our Boundless Daily for inspiration.

• Join a Group: Faith wasn't meant to be a solo sport. We have various digital communities, from our Bible Study Club to specific groups for men and leaders.

• Ask Questions: Don't be afraid if you don't understand something. We are all learning. Our I'm New Q&A Center is a great place to start.

• Apply It: The goal of knowing the Bible isn't just to win a trivia game; it’s to change how we live. When you read a truth, ask yourself, "How does this change my day tomorrow?"

The Ultimate Message of the Word

At the end of the day, the authority of Scripture points us to one person: Jesus Christ. The Old Testament points forward to Him, and the New Testament points back to Him. The reason we trust the Bible is because it reveals the heart of a God who loved us enough to send His Son to save us.

If you are new to the faith or perhaps coming from a different background, you might find our explanation of what Pentecostal means helpful in understanding how we view the Bible and the Holy Spirit working together. We believe the Spirit who inspired the Word is the same Spirit who lives in us today, helping us to understand and apply these truths.

God’s Word is evergreen. It doesn't fade, it doesn't fail, and it is the final authority for everything we believe. We invite you to dive into it with us.

A Prayer for God’s Guidance

Lord, we thank You for the gift of Your Word. We thank You that You haven't left us to wander in the dark, but You have given us a lamp for our feet. Help us to submit to the authority of Your Scriptures. Give us a hunger to read it, the wisdom to understand it, and the courage to live it out. May Your truth be the foundation of our homes and our hearts. Amen.

Let’s Connect

Do you have questions about the Bible or how to start reading it? We would love to help you on your journey. We help people meet Jesus and grow in faith online, and that starts with the Word.

You can explore more resources in our Media Library or join one of our Online Groups to discuss these truths with others.

Need prayers? Text us day or night at 1-901-213-7341.

Boundless Online Church is a ministry of FA Memphis.