PBF Identity: We Are Bible-Focused

 

WE ARE BIBLE-FOCUSED because we are God-Centered. God has revealed Himself to us in His Word, the Bible. God has declared that all Scripture has been inspired by Him and is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness so that we may be complete, prepared for every good work. Therefore, the Bible drives our convictions, shapes our priorities, and directs our decisions.

 

Continuing in our series on Providence Bible Fellowships’ Identity Statement, we want to consider what is means for us to be Bible Focused.

 

God has revealed his existence and power through his creative acts. All of us can look around to the workings of nature, the constellations of the night sky, even the genius complexities of the human hand and conclude: there is a Creator (Rom 1:19–20)!  Yet, such knowledge is not sufficient for having a relationship with God or experiencing his saving grace. We need more. 

 

God meets our need in giving us his special revelation—his very Word, the Bible.  Here, he reveals himself as Savior. Here we learn of his trinitarian nature, mighty acts of redemption, and covenant promises, all fulfilled in his Son, Jesus Christ (Eph 1:7–10). In this way, the Bible is unique among every other book in the world. But this book continues to impress!

 

God has not just given the Scriptures to reveal himself. Through his Word, he also gives spiritual life, grants wisdom, and a transformed heart (Ps 119:97–112).  Animated by God’s Spirit, the Bible is powerful and living, at work in his people, creating and cultivating faith (Rom 10:17).  Reading God's word, we are comforted by his love, convicted of our rebellious ways, and encouraged to pray with thanksgiving in all circumstances (Col 3:12–17). 

 

God’s people have sometimes been called, “the people of the Book.” Not because we worship the Scriptures, as some have charged, but because we truly believe it is his Word.  We need not, nor should not, come up with our own ideas about doctrine and spiritual matters (1 Tim 6:20-21). Nor are we compelled to reinvent Christianity in light of modern sensibilities and cultural trends.  God has spoken. So, when the Bible speaks, God speaks. 

Thus, we believe that God’s Word is both authoritative over all things and sufficient for our every spiritual need.

This is why we seek to be Bible-focused as a church. We preach expositionally to let the Bible set the agenda for our teaching. We encourage members to gather for Bible reading in in small groups and other individuals, one-on-one, for encouragement and evangelism, desiring lives shaped by the faith-filled reception of God’s Word. We evaluate existing ministries and plan for future ministries through the teaching and example of Scripture because we want the Lord to build his church rather than simply gathering a crowd. 

 

As a church, we promote the reading, believing, study, and application of God’s Word.  Rather than pridefully seeking our own way, we want to humbly submit to the Bible (Isa 66:1–2). This will ensure our lives and ministries will not be out of alignment with God’s will and wisdom.  The fruit we see self-evidently comes him and not ourselves. When God’s ways are our ways, all glory goes to him. 

Therefore, brothers and sisters, take up and read!