The question is not whether extrabiblical resources should be used, but how they should be used--and evaluated before being chosen for use. I believe every Christian writer should aspire to be found acceptable by this standard:
"The Bible records in Acts 17:10-11 that the Apostle Paul commended the Bereans for comparing what he taught and said to Scripture. Rather than taking offense at what others might consider to be 'criticism,' Paul encouraged them to compare everything he was teaching to the Word of God. He did not regard those who sincerely measured what he said by Scripture as 'difficult,' or 'divisive,' or having a 'critical spirit.' He understood that for truth to prevail in the Church, everyone's teachings--even his own--would have to be proven by the Word of God. He echoed this in 1 Thessalonians 5:21: 'Prove all things; hold fast to that which is good.'"
(Deceived on Purpose, 2nd edition, p.18; Mountain Stream Press, 2004)
--Warren Smith, B.A., MSW
speaker and author of The Light That Was Dark (Moody Press)
Reinventing Jesus Christ: The New Gospel (now as a free e-book)
and Deceived on Purpose: The New Age Implications of the Purpose-Driven Church
1 comments:
This is so true! Many times I've wondered if a speaker's message is valid. Comparing it to the Scriptures always shows the truth of the matter!
MyInspiringStory.com
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