It means scripture alone and is the basis for our faith. Yet, we know this is not simple, no matter how much we wish it were. If I have learned anything in my years of studying the Bible, it is that I must be humble in my interpretations and applications of scripture. There is always more to know and new eyes to see it through.

The Great Revelation–our scriptures, give us a lens to see God. How we interpret it in our time on earth matters. There are good ways to wrestle together. This last Sabbath we touched on a few principles, and they are worth repeating.

When exploring a text, rather than assuming the verse stands as it sounds, dig deeper. If the text does not reveal the loving character of Christ, then it must be studied more and understood better. Any understanding that does not make us more loving and more Christlike is the wrong understanding.

Scripture is learned best when wrestled with in community. Everyone’s experience differs, but together we make a more complete picture. Questions must be welcomed and included, not feared or answered simplistically.

And, finally, we need to lean into our questioning, always seeing texts through the eyes of Christ and who Christ has called us to be in service to each other. I know if we approach scripture this way, encouraging true searching and questioning, our individual and communal faith will grow beyond what we can imagine.

–Pastor Jana Lee