October 17, 2026 - Acts 17 (again)

Now, Paul and Silas were in Thessalonica and “turning the world upside down,” according to those who opposed their preaching.  Not all were in opposition.  At their next stop, Berea, some were merely careful, namely, the Bereans:  “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (17:11).  This story has always amazed me.  These Bereans did not receive even the apostle Paul’s preaching without checking it against the Word of God.  What an important example for us to follow, today, when there are so many voices out and about claiming to speak for God.  Some of those claims are legit, some are not.  How do we distinguish them?  Well, by going to the Bible, of course!  Is what I am hearing lining up with what I see in God’s Word?  The Bible, amidst a cacophony of voices, must always be our touchstone:  “OK, I hear you; now, let me check with God’s Word.”  Rather than a hymn, this morning, let me quote from Southern Baptists’ Baptist Faith and Message.

The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God’s revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. It reveals the principles by which God judges us, and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation.