Introduction

  • Thomas Campbell: “Where the Bible speaks, we speak; where the Bible is silent, we are silent.” (1800s Restoration Movement)
  • Do you have a “book, chapter, verse” faith?

“Book, chapter, and verse”

  • Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:1-3
  • The original documents were not divided into chapters and verses. Chapters weren’t added until about 1227 A.D., with verses added in 1555 A.D.
  • Chapters and verses aided cross-reference and public reading, which helped knowledge of the Bible to expand during the Reformation.
  • II Timothy 3:14-17
  • Luke 4:17-19
  • Luke 20:27-39 – Jesus used the scriptures to correct their misunderstanding.
  • Acts 4:5-11
  • Acts 15 – The dispute about circumcision went back to Amos.
  • Acts 17:10-12 – Those in Berea searched the scriptures to confirm Paul’s teaching.
  • Although the phrase “book, chapter, and verse” is not in the Bible, the concept is present throughout the scriptures.

Where is the authority of your faith?

  • Colossians 3:17
  • II John 1:9-11 – Don’t go beyond the scriptures. We must have proof for what we practice from the Bible.
  • I Corinthians 4:6
  • I Peter 4:11 – Speak as the oracles of God – minimize yourself and magnify God.
  • I Corinthians 2:4-5; 1:18

Establish the pattern of sound words

  • II Timothy 1:13-14
  • Hebrews 8:5-6
  • Everything we do must follow the pattern set forth in the Bible.

Growing in the knowledge of the truth

  • II Peter 3:18
  • I Peter 2:2
  • Romans 10:17
  • If you can find book, chapter, and verse for what you are doing, you know you are on solid ground.
  • John 8:31-32
  • John 20:30-31
  • Matthew 15:7-9