Sole Scriptura?

Is the Bible the only source of authority for Christian teachings? The answer is No! Now this post is by no means an another divisive opinion on faith. However, it's an opportunity to refer those who hold the Bible as the single only source of the teachings of Chris to same on the subject.

As a young Catholic I have had to defend my position that both the Bible and the sacred tradition are the bases for the teachings of Christ by referencing John 21:25 which basically says it was impossible to have written down all that Christ did. And believe me I didn't know this because I was a Bible packing dude in my younger days, on contrary I was far from it. It was one of the few things I was able to hold on to from early catechism classes.

One of the foundation of Protestantism is The Bible Alone - Sole Scriptura! That the Bible is the single source of our belief. Hence questioning the idea of the Pope and other catholic practices. But there isn't any verse that justifies that the Bible is the only authority for Christ teachings. References are usually made to 2 Timothy 3:16 to justify the position but the verse doesn't say only.

Another verse that most protestants refer to is Revelation 22:18-19 "18For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:  19And if any man shall take away from tuhe words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." Now because this verses are at the end of the Bible, it usually assume that it refers to the entire Bible, but like other similar verses (Deuteronomy 4:2 and Proverbs 30:5-6) there only pertain to the respective books in context.

The book of Matthew 15 where Jesus condemns tradition tends to pop up in these discussions but the fact is that the condemnation by Jesus here is condemnation of human tradition.

2 Thessalonians 2:15 "15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle." Lays this argument to rest. The view that the Bible is the sole compendium of Christian teaching is simply an assumption. And assumption that cannot be proven by the same Bible.

Lead Without Fear

Numerous traits define a leader, but courage and fearlessness standout. We are in a socio- political state where we always question the decisions of our leaders, especially when those policies seem brash and uncompromising.

I used to be active politically critical, but before the last elections in Nigeria, I had to restrain from calling out the leaders. My role at work made me realize that we are all leaders in one form or the other. Now, I'm not referring to social media connoted idea that you are a leader based on your Twitter or Instagram following or the even funnier versions of Whatsapp and BBM group admins. My reference is to the Divine position of a father or mother or the elevated positions in our offices or associations.

These are areas where we make decisions and mistakes. In exercising our powers in these roles, we make and influence decisions based on our convictions that there are the right move or most times the only move. In essence, whether you are the President of a Country or a Town Union President or Head of a Business Unit, we are all culpable.

Nevertheless, that is not exactly in the context of this post. Every leader ordained by God must despise fear! Fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of the unknown. From Abraham to Moses, David, up to Jesus and the disciples, the rhetoric remains same in the Holy Bible.

In Deuteronomy 31 Against all odds, Moses encouraged Joshua to lead into the promise land without fear. That God will never be far from them.

As a leader, while you deal with criticism, errors, and choices hold firm to the tenets of God's Word in exercising submission, humility, faith prayer, and thanksgiving. You will never have reasons for fear. In the midst of all the madness going on around you, He's got you covered.