Warning Signs of Shifting from the Bible’s Authority in the Church
I have had numerous discussions concerning the authority of Scripture and the church over the years. Churches, like the one I currently pastor, and many others, emphasize the authoritative role of the Bible in their plans and ministry. Discussing the vital role of Scripture in all phases of the life of a local church should be a regular occurrence. If we are not careful, that vital role can be replaced.
Authority belongs to the text and not the pastor or teacher. The moment a church follows a man who protects people from the Bible, they have traded a shepherd for a facilitator. The difference matters eternally.
It is replaced when we start asking, “What do people want to hear?” to develop a consumer product, dressed up in Bible verses rather than sitting under what God’s Word says. Evidence of the authority of Scripture being replaced is what the pastor/preacher avoids. If hell, judgment, wrath, or repentance has not been addressed in years, he has decided they are not important enough.