Growing up in the Christian church, I often heard the expression, “Where the Bible speaks, we speak; where the Bible is silent, we are silent.” I knew this saying was not scriptural, but I was a little older when I learned the important background of this quote by Thomas Campbell, one of the leaders of the Restoration Movement. The mid-19th century Restoration Movement addressed the divisions that existed in and among denominations, and gave birth to the independent Christian Church…as is the model of New Hope Christian Church.
Why is it so important to remember the early work of the Restoration Movement at this particular time in our nation and in the life of the church? The publication, Plain Bible Teaching, tells us, “The reason why we must strive to speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where it is silent is not because Thomas Campbell came up with an idea that we like. We must do this because it is what the Lord expects of His people. We need to be content with His word as our only rule of faith and practice. We must teach and practice all that He has instructed and only what He has instructed in His word. If everyone who claimed to be followers of Christ would diligently strive to do this, we could please the Lord and have unity with one another.”
Isaiah 33:22 reminds us of God’s ultimate power, saying, "For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; it is He who will save us." As Christians, we are instructed to help spread the Good News, and we can do that most effectively when we seek to follow His will, humble ourselves, seek unity among believers, reach the lost, and speak only were the Bible speaks.
PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, forgive us when we go astray. Forgive us when we speak for ourselves and our personal agendas, and not for you. You know our hearts, and you know our minds – may our words, actions, and deeds be pleasing to you. Let us represent you, our Creator, to the believer and the unbeliever as the only One who can make sense of this world – the only One who can save us. We desire your presence and mercy as we continue to follow you, and as we continue our walk with Christ Jesus.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
By Beverly Girard who along with her husband Ellery are members at New Hope. The church began in their living room.