Biblical Authority

Less than a week ago I was called to speak to a twentysomething’s gathering in Grandbury, TX. This is a group made up of a few different churches who gather together monthly to worship. The guy who normally speaks had surgery and could not drive so at the last minute I was called to speak. Since I have resolved to only on a rare occasion turn down an opportunity to preach, I accepted.

The next question I asked was, “What is the topic?” the response was usual, “Whatever you want.” Upon some thought and a few discussion and prayer I decided that I would speak on Scripture. This topic is more important today than it was during the whole conservative resurgence in the SBC. (A topic for another day). As I was preparing for this sermon I stopped by LifeWay to see if they had anything that would be helpful. What I came across was the latest edition of Biblical Authority by Jimmy Draper and Kenneth Keathley.

What is great about this book is that in a few short pages (147) you can concisely cover the main issues regarding Biblical Authority. The authors walk you through the major developments in philosophy and religious thought as they affected the Bible. They then define and slightly develop the different criticisms that are used in scholarship today pointing out all the negative uses. Next a walk through Church History’s view of the Bible helps you see that those who find authority in the Bible are not alone in Christianity. Then the rest of the book is specifically concerned with the topic of Authority, especially as it pertains to Southern Baptists.

This is a short book and can be read in a few hours. For those who do not have much time it is a great resource to use in pondering Biblical Authority and teaching on Scripture in general.