Luke Barker - Feasting on the Word (Part I)

Luke Barker joined us for the first of our two-part series on 'Feasting on the Word'. Beginning at Hebrews 4:12, Luke impressed upon the young people the authority of Scripture, reminding them that preachers, teachers, commentaries and books can all be flawed, but the truth of God's Word never fails.

The Bible is never out-of-date. The truths contained within its pages apply as much today as they ever did. As we read in Isaiah 40:8, "the grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever". Yet while the truth of God is secure, it can be twisted and manipulated by those with malicious intent. When Scripture is made complex, it is often a sign that we are being deceived by an argument of man. Be wise, beware, and ensure that you are comparing what you are being told with what Scripture truly teaches.

We have to also be wise about the translation we use. Luke gave an example of the Ethiopian eunuch, who asked Philip what hindered him to be baptised. Philip's answer "if thou believest thou mayest" makes it clear that there is a criteria to being baptised. Sadly, in some versions/translations of the Bible, this criteria is removed.

Take the Bible literally. When God describes a creation which occurred over 6 days, then it literally happened in 6 days. Yes, Scripture sometimes uses symbols to describe something that is happening, or will happen. However, when it does this, the verses around it will often make it clear that symbols are being used. In a similar way, the Bible also becomes its own dictionary, with the context fully explaining what the complicated word or phrase actually means.

As we come to study God's word we should pray for help. He has given us the Holy Spirit, if we are saved, to guide us into all truth and show us hidden depths from His word. James 1:5 reminds us that the wisdom of God is freely given to those who ask.

If reading God's Word could be considered as eating, the Bible must then be thought of as a complete meal. Take the entirety of Scripture, beginning with the first page right through to the last. Establish the habit of reading Scripture daily, a small portion at a time, from Genesis to Revelation. Only then will we become grounded in the Bible, and become strong and established in both word and doctrine.

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Psalm 1:1-3