And Elijah came near to all the people and said, "How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him." (1 Kings 18:21)
We present a simple challenge. Study the Scripture. Much as the Lord had Elijah challenge the prophets of baal to see the Lord reveal Himself as God, we are encouraging people to study the Scripture and Scripture only. For a time, lay aside other books, commentaries, DVD's, conferences, and all such things. For a time, just study Scripture. Put off reading other books, attending conferences, and filtering through blogs. Instead, ask people to study Scripture, and only Scripture. Don't let their hand reach for the aid of someone else's study of the Bible. Challenge them to read the Bible themselves and read it with others.
The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd. My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh. (Ecclesiastes 12:11-12)
Trust in the sufficiency of Scripture within the command of God to disciple -- the making, baptizing and teaching of disciples. It's a challenge away from other gods to Jesus, away from other words to His Word, out of clever schemes and into obedient discipleship. Do not add anything beyond Scripture.
If you say you believe God at His Word, and if you have repented of other resources being as important as Scripture, then prove it and accept the challenge.
In the end you will find it's not you proving anything -- it's God proving Himself. It was His fire that consumed Elijah's whole altar to reveal Himself as God, and it is His Scripture that wholly reveals Him and equips you to fulfill your ministry.
