IT'S COMPLICATED: AN INTRODUCTION TO A SERIES ABOUT THE BIBLE

Message by Josh Mutter - May 11, 2025

BIG IDEA:  It's complicated.

THREE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BIBLE

1. The Bible is - understanding it takes work because its world is not our world

2. The Bible is - it rarely gives us clear answers, inviting discernment over certainty

3. The Bible is - it speaks with many voices, not just one

WHAT DOES IT MEAN THAT THE BIBLE IS "INSPIRED"?

• All scripture is given by inspiration of God - 2 Timothy 3:16 KJV  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

• All scripture is inspired by God - 2 Timothy 3:16 NLT  All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

• All scripture is God-breathed - 2 Timothy 3:16 NIV  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.

2 Peter 1:20-21 NLT Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.

A WORKING DEFINITION

The Bible is "inspired" because its human authors were guided by the Holy Spirit, and that same Spirit continues to help us understand it in new ways when we read it with Jesus in mind. 

About Josh Mutter: Josh Mutter has been our lead pastor since 2018 and is passionate about helping people discover what it means to follow Jesus in our daily lives. Josh is married to Michelle and together they have two boys and a dog named Zeke. When not engaged in ministry, Josh can be found puttering around the house (summer time outdoors is his favourite), playing with his kids or out on a run.