In today’s world, where human traditions and opinions often overshadow Scripture, it’s crucial to return to the Bible as our sole authority for faith and practice. Many modern approaches to morality, worship, and the church have strayed far from God’s original design. Yet the Bible remains a complete and unchanging guide for every aspect of life. Paul reminds us, “All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NASB).
Let us explore what it means to go “Back to the Bible” for better morals, true worship, proper church organization, and the work of the church, restoring God’s way in our lives and in the church.
Back to the Bible for Better Morals
The moral standards of the world today are often in direct conflict with the teachings of Scripture. From immodesty and gambling to drunkenness and immorality, society celebrates behaviors that God condemns. Sadly, even some church leaders have embraced these worldly standards.
Paul warns, “Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these” (Galatians 5:19-21, NASB). He makes it clear that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Christians are called to live differently. John writes, “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15, NASB). By going back to the Bible, we can align our lives with God’s standards and live in a way that reflects His holiness.
Back to the Bible for the Way to Worship and Serve God
Worship is one of the most sacred expressions of our relationship with God, yet it is often distorted by human innovation and personal preferences. The Bible provides clear instructions for how we are to worship and serve Him.
The early church serves as our example. Acts 2:42 describes their devotion: “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.” Worship was simple, focused, and entirely centered on God.
Paul instructs believers to worship by singing: “Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19, NASB). Unlike modern innovations such as instrumental music, the New Testament authorizes singing as the form of musical worship. Colossians 3:16 echoes this command: “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
Additionally, the early church observed the Lord’s Supper every first day of the week. Acts 20:7 records this practice: “On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them.” To worship as the early church did, we must prioritize teaching, prayer, singing, and the Lord’s Supper, focusing on what God has authorized rather than human traditions.
Back to the Bible for the Organization of the Church
The Bible also provides a clear pattern for how the church should be organized. Many modern denominations have strayed from this model, but God’s Word offers specific instructions for leadership within the church.
Elders are tasked with overseeing the congregation. Paul writes, “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28, NASB).
Peter reinforces this role, stating, “Shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God” (1 Peter 5:2, NASB). Deacons and elders each serve unique roles, and the church thrives when these God-ordained roles are respected and fulfilled. Any deviation from this model replaces God’s wisdom with human ideas, leading to confusion and division.
Back to the Bible for the Work of the Church
The work of the church is not left to human imagination; the Bible clearly outlines its purpose in three key areas:
Edification
The church exists to strengthen and equip its members. Paul writes, “And He gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12, NASB). Teaching, encouragement, and spiritual growth are central to the church’s mission, fostering unity and maturity among believers.
Benevolence
The church is called to care for those in need, especially among its members. Paul encourages, “So then, while we have opportunity, let’s do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith” (Galatians 6:10, NASB). Acts of kindness and generosity reflect the love of Christ.
Evangelism
Finally, the church is tasked with spreading the gospel. Jesus commanded, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20, NASB). Evangelism is not optional; it is the mission of the church to proclaim salvation to the world.
Conclusion: Back to the Bible
The call to go “Back to the Bible” is a plea to restore God’s design in every area of life and worship. By rejecting human traditions and aligning ourselves with Scripture, we honor God’s authority and fulfill His purpose for His church.
Paul urged the Thessalonians, “So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold on to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us” (2 Thessalonians 2:15, NASB). Let us take this call seriously, returning to the Bible for our morals, worship, organization, and work.
By following God’s way, we can glorify Him fully and lead others to His truth. Will you commit to going back to the Bible today?
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