The Bible: Our State Book, or a Book for the State We're In...

Bill Fix
04/24/16 - Sun AM

• HB 615
  • Proposed language: The Holy Bible is hereby designated as the official state book.
  • 4-15-2015: Passed House 55-38-3.
  • 4-4-2016: Passed Senate 19-8-3.
  • 4-14-2016: Vetoed by Governor.
    • “This bill trivializes the Bible, which I believe is a sacred text.”
    • Also questions about its constitutionality…
• Current TN State Symbols
  • Some meaningful, others become exercise to demonstrate legislative process
  • Evidence of trivializing Bible…
• Basic Points about Bible
  • 2 Tim. 3:14-16
    • Requires study
    • Make us wise for salvation through our faith
    • Inspired by God
    • Profitable (regardless of its “official” status) for doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction in righteousness
    • Completes man, thoroughly equipping us for every good work
  • Jn. 17:14-16 – God’s word yields hate from the world.
  • Jn. 17:17 – God’s word is Truth.
  • Rom. 15:4 – Produces hope
• Bible v. Govt.
  • We are subject to governing authorities – Rom. 13:1.; 1 Pet. 2:13-14.
  • Govt. is a terror to evil because anarchy would allow evil to operate without consequences – Rom. 13:3.
  • However, if federal/state/local laws ever conflict with God’s laws, we must choose. Acts 4:19-20; 5:28-29.
  • God does not need a government’s “help” for anything – Acts. 17:25.
• Impact of Veto
  • Negligible!
  • Bible’s authority & power is not diminished at all by not being named Tennessee’s state book.
  • Bible does not need to be Tennessee’s state book in order for us to obey God’s instructions and preach to others.
  • Bible does not need rubber stamp from any earthly government.Dan. 2:44, 7:14; Jn. 18:35-37
  • Don’t be upset – Jn. 14:27-28
  • We still enjoy the freedom in this country to worship God as He commanded