Mirror, Compass, X-Ray
Sermon notes on Exodus 17 1-17, Philippians 2: 1-13, and Matthew 21: 23-32

Introduction

Sunday School might be the biggest scandal in Church history. Because it causes congregations to have to name what they believe about the Bible.

This stems for Protestants from Martin Luther. He has two seemingly contradictory statements: sola scriptura and the quote, “the Bible is the manger in which Christ is laid.”

For Pastor Luke and his ministry, he believes that the Bible is not the word of God. But Jesus is the Word of God.

The Bible as Mirror: Exodus 17: 1-17
We can be both complainer and leader of the complaining.
The question of the Israelites is “Is God among us?”
Moses challenge is to help his people  have faith in God.
We cannot miss each other or God who is with us.

The Bible as Compass: Philippians 2:1-13
Jesus is north. We can also get our bearings from other factors. If we know the sun rises in the east, then we know the opposite way is west. We can tell certain things are south, and Jesus is north.
The Bible is not north. Our north for the church is Jesus Christ.
(Pastor Luke put the same answer three times, he must mean it.)

The Bible as X-Ray: Matthew 21: 23-32
An X-Ray shows us what’s inside. Other people’s actions show us the same.
Other folks can use the Bible to control and possess neighbors. Pastor Luke things the church is at its best when it uses the bible to encounter awe and our neighbor.

Conclusion
Our goal is not the Bible, our goal is Jesus Christ.
Scripture is a tool and testimony to the living God.
God is the living presence in reality. Christ is the word made flesh.
The Bible is a tool for the Spirit who is moving within and among us. Thanks be to God.