Hammer & Anvil Meetup: Can We Trust the Bible—and Who Gets the Final Word?
Details
Join us on August 22 for another informal evening of brotherhood, theological discussion, and conversation about the Hammer & Anvil Fellows Program.
Our topic for the night is the authority of Scripture.
Christians often say, “The Bible is the Word of God.” But what does that actually mean? Why should Scripture have authority over what we believe and how we live? How can we know that the Bible really is God's Word? And what happens when Scripture conflicts with the assumptions of our culture—or even our own preferences?
You don't need formal theological training to participate. Come ready to think, ask questions, hear other perspectives, and sharpen your ability to understand and articulate a biblical worldview.
We'll also spend some time talking about the Hammer & Anvil Fellows Program and how Christian men can pursue theological growth, apologetics, leadership, and brotherhood together.
### Optional Reading Before We Meet
You do not need to read everything. Pick one or two if you'd like to come prepared.
★ The Authority and Inerrancy of Scripture — The Gospel Coalition
A substantial introduction to inspiration, truthfulness, inerrancy, divine authorship, and why Scripture speaks with God's authority.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/authority-inerrancy-scripture/
Theology Terms Explained: “Authority of Scripture” — For the Gospel
A very short primer on what Christians mean when they say that Scripture carries God's authority over belief and practice.
https://www.forthegospel.org/read/theology-explained-authority-of-scripture
Biblical Authority: Must We Accept the Words of Scripture? — Albert Mohler
Explores how many contemporary moral disagreements ultimately become disagreements over whether biblical texts possess final authority.
https://albertmohler.com/2006/03/22/biblical-authority-must-we-accept-the-words-of-scripture/
The Self-Attestation of Scripture and Internal Witness of the Holy Spirit — The Gospel Coalition
Explores how Scripture testifies to its own divine origin and how the Holy Spirit gives believers confidence in God's written Word.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/self-attestation-scripture-internal-witness-holy-spirit/
### Questions We'll Discuss
- “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.” — Psalm 119:105
- Is this still true? What role should the Bible play in a man's everyday life?
- “Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” — Matthew 4:4
- What are the implications of Jesus' statement if it is true?
- “All Scripture is breathed out by God.” — 2 Timothy 3:16
- If you believe the Bible is God's Word, how did you come to that belief?
- Jesus said that the Scriptures ultimately testify about him. Is there a grand, overarching meaning and purpose to human history? Where does your own life fit within that story?
- Hebrews 4:12 describes God's Word as living, effective, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Does Scripture therefore have a role outside the church in the broader society?
- Peter warns that some people distort difficult passages of Scripture. How can we know whether we're interpreting the Bible correctly?
Come meet other Christian men, bring your questions, and be ready for a substantive conversation.
Brotherhood. Boldness. Biblical Soundness.
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BYO 🍺🥤🍟: Bring a cigar or pipe, drink or snack to share!
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This event is open to men only.
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The rules:
- Engage respectfully.
- Two before you—after you speak, let two other guys talk before you jump in again.
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If you want to get real accountability and learn in community with Christian brothers, try out the Hammer & Anvil Society. Learn more here.
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