DISRESPECTING GOD 'S WORD

IF IT'S NOT IN THE BIBLE SHOULD WE SAY IT ?

When we talk about the Bible, we are not talking about the words of men, but the word of the living God: “...When ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as
the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God” (1 The. 2:13).
God certainly desires that we read His word, and all wise people know
the great value of studying the holy text. The Holy Spirit instructs us,
“Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the
Lord is” (Eph 5:17).
As we study the Bible, it is obvious that it must be interpreted. Each Christian has the obligation to be “a workman
that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing [handling aright - ASV]
the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). Just how do we know what we can do in
our service to God? What are things that we must do? And what are we
forbidden to do? If we do not know how to prove Bible authority and
answer these questions, then we will not be able to carry out our
responsibilities before God and be pleasing to Him. Thus, “Bible
Authority” is truly an important topic, and this Lectureship on
“authority” is very timely.
“Authority” means power, right, sanction, or justification for doing something. If we say “religious authority,”
then we are talking about what we have the right or authority to do in
religious matters. If we say “Bible authority,” then we are talking
about what the Bible authorizes or gives us the right to do. When we
talk about “Bible authority,” then we are pointing to the Bible as a
standard that sanctions and authorizes actions that men take in serving
God.
There is definitely a need to discuss Bible authority, for today many have misunderstandings about religious authority in general. In
present times even some Christians are saying that the New Testament is
not really a pattern for us. Others say that if the Bible does not
specifically say that some action is wrong, then it is authorized; in
other words, it is okay for us to do it. It would be fair to say that
many persons have never really asked themselves if their actions in
religious affairs are authorized by the Bible or not.

We must be careful that we do not try to force others to do things that God does not require. At the same time we must not loose what God has not loosed: if God says that a certain
action is required, then we have no right to say that it is not
required. Therefore, we must diligently study the Bible and strive to
make our thinking in harmony with God's will. One clear, basic
difference between the Lord's church and denominations is the difference
in our outlook and approach to Bible authority. Let us say plainly now
ALL of our religious activities and teachings must be authorized by the
Son of God through His word, for God commands, “And whatsoever you do in
word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Col. 3:17).