Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday morning, December 15, 2002, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia.
BIBLE-BELIEVING FUNDAMENTALISTS
RECEIVE THE BIBLE
By Michael D. O’Neal Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church Albany, Georgia
Scripture Reading: James 1:16-21
Text: James 1:21
James 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
Introduction: Our church is a Bible-believing, fundamental, independent Baptist church. Our church paper is called “The Bible-Believing Fundamentalist.” Our website is also called The Bible-Believing Fundamentalist.
What IS a Bible-believing Fundamentalist? The last two Sundays I have said that Bible-believing fundamentalists 1. RECOGNIZE the Bible; and 2. RESPECT the Bible. Today I want to say that another characteristic is
A RECEPTION OF THE BIBLE
A lost person doesn’t get saved without receiving the Bible. Saved people don’t grow without receiving the Bible.
Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Not all Christians receive the Bible as they should. I want to explain why we receive the Bible as God’s word and encourage us all to do so even more readily and faithfully.
I. WE RECEIVE THE BIBLE WITH RESPECT FOR ITS AUTHORITY
1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
Rebels hate the King James Bible because it’s the AUTHORIZED Version.
A. It is the word of the Shepherd to the sheep
B. It is the word of the Savior to the sinners
C. It is the word of the Sovereign to the subjects
II. WE RECEIVE THE BIBLE WITH RECOGNITION OF ITS ACCURACY
Proverbs 30:5-6 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
A. We rely on it
B. We revise ourselves by it
- We don’t correct the Bible; we let it correct US!
C. We regard all things in light of the Book
III. WE RECEIVE THE BIBLE WITH REJOICING IN ITS AVAILABILITY
Psalms 119:162 I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.
A. It has been published
- Psalms 68:11 The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.
B. It has been preserved – Psalm 12:6-7
C. It is precious
- “…as … great spoil”
IV. WE RECEIVE THE BIBLE WITH A READINESS TO ANSWER
1 Samuel 3:10 And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.
Isaiah 6:8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
A. We answer with confession
B. We answer for cleansing
C. We answer with commitment
- James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.