Some church services feature multisensory worship—using skits, storytelling, and various forms of media—but Jesus emphasized the Word of God in making disciples: “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples” (John 8:31). Some church leaders say we can no longer look to the Bible alone as a guide for spiritual living, but Scripture says church leaders are to preach God’s Word “for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12). Some church leaders say we should merely “love” people into the church, but biblical Christians are called to always be “prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15).

Paul sternly instructed Timothy, a young pastor, “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Timothy 4:16). He also affirmed to Timothy, “From childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:15-17).

Pearl of Wisdom: A Christianity without the Bible is much like a doctor who misdiagnoses a patient and then prescribes the wrong treatment. The patient doesn’t get well, and he has a false sense of security, blindly trusting that what he has been told is the truth.

[5·Minute APOLOGETICS for TODAY Ron Rhodes]