Message by Josh Mutter – June 8, 2025
FOUR APPROACHES TO THE BIBLE…
1. THE FLAT APPROACH: All parts of the Bible carry equal weight and authority.
2. THE DISPENSATIONAL APPROACH: God works in different ways during different historical eras.
3. THE CROSS-CENTERED APPROACH: Jesus’ death is the lens for reading all of Scripture.
4. THE JESUS-CENTERED APPROACH: Jesus’ life, teachings, death, and resurrection are the clearest revelation of God.
When we want to know what Scripture says about a certain matter, we go first to the words, example and spirit of Jesus. We may go to other scriptures for further background and understanding, but our primary guidance comes from Jesus. When we encounter difficult passages such as those in the Old Testament that describe violence, we interpret them in the spirit and nature of Jesus by asking “What would Jesus say?” or “How would Jesus handle this situation?”… “If two Scriptures seem to disagree, let Jesus be the referee!” – Palmer Becker, Anabaptist Essentials: Ten Signs of a Unique Christian Faith
THE “WORD” OF GOD
John 1:1-4,14 (NLT) In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone…So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
Hebrews 1:1-3a (NLT) Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command.
Jesus is God’s Word for us.
If our approach to the Bible does not help us love more like Jesus, trust more like Jesus, or live more like Jesus – then maybe we have not found the right approach.
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
1. Jesus helps put the Bible’s difficult stories in perspective.
2. Jesus invites us into a transforming relationship.
3. Jesus invites us to be connected to one another.
You can listen to the sermon on YouTube here.
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