FROM THE INTENTIONAL INTERIM DIRECTOR OF QB MOVEMENT
PRIORITY 1
BIBLICAL AUTHORITY In 2019, the Annual Assembly set six Priorities to guide our QB Movement for the next 5 years. These priorities will be reflected in our QB Movement Strategic Plan that will be presented to the 2020 Annual Assembly. To whet your appetite, I thought I would write a series of short articles that give my perspective on the present state of affairs for each of these Priorities and where God is possibly calling us to go. PRIORITY 1: BIBLICAL AUTHORITY The truth of Scripture centred in Jesus is fundamental to all our beliefs and practices. We study the Bible, we teach and preach the Bible, we submit to Scripture and we live its truth. We expect Scripture to direct and change our hearts and minds as it is enlivened by the Holy Spirit. (2 Tim. 3:16; John 16:13) The inspiration of Scripture is remarkable. In a series of discipleship studies for new Christians that I have been preparing (more on this at some later stage), I write, “It’s incredible really. Not only has God revealed himself in human form (through Jesus), but He has
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breathed out a very special book that speaks of God in language we can read and understand. The Bible is not just another book about God. It is actually God’s book. He has especially inspired authors to write down His ideas. As Paul said, “It’s all been God-breathed.” Yes, people wrote it, but God’s power breathed it and lives in it. The Bible is one of God’s incredible gifts to us.”
not the latest ideas or trends. To do this we have to be studying Scripture consistently (2 Tim. 2:15) and doing what it says (under the leading and power of the Holy Spirit (John 16:13). Some ideas we have on enhancing the priority of biblical authority in the QB Movement over the next 5 years include: •
As a QB Movement, I believe that we are quite passionate about biblical authority. Our training Colleges take the Scripture very seriously, we use the Bible as our guide in decisions on theology and practice, we predominantly preach from Scripture every Sunday, and 52% of our members say that they spend time in prayer, Bible reading and meditation on most days. Our acceptance of biblical authority and our genuine desire to live as biblical people is one of the strengths of our Movement. This is so important. We are a people moored to biblical truth.
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Encouraging bible reading programs through our churches. Building a biblical engagement component into the professional development program of registered pastors. Pouring more resources into the equipping of biblical preachers. Offering a 4 week, biblically based sermon/small group series across the QB Movement. Developing biblically-based discipling resources.
I’m very interested in your feedback. Please email john.sweetman@qb.org. au.
I would give us an 8/10 on this Priority. But we can’t rest on our laurels. As our culture moves further away from Christian foundations, it is vital that we are guided by God’s revelation,
John Sweetman Intentional Interim Director of QB Movement john.sweetman@qb.org.au
