| NASHVILLE (BP) -- This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, LifeWay publishes Sunday School curriculum and additional resources for all age groups. The Gospel Project, featured this week, now joins the weekly rotation of LifeWay curriculum in this Bible study series. Bible Passages: 2 Kings 22:3-20; Hebrews 4:12-13 Discussion Questions: -- How does one become "an authority" on a certain subject or topic? -- How does a parent exercise authority over a child? -- What is the difference between authority that is earned and authority inherent to a position? Food for Thought: Do you have a problem with authority? Martin Luther certainly did. In April 1521, a Roman Catholic council summoned Luther to recant his belief that Scripture was his supreme authority. Luther replied: "Unless I am convicted by Scripture and plain reason -- I do not accept the authority of popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other -- my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me. Amen." Luther knew that uttering such words could cost his life. Only 106 years prior, John Huss took a similar stand against the Roman church and was burned alive at the stake. But for Luther, the authority of God's Word was worth dying for. Even more so, it was worth living for! Continued... |