By REV. DR. JOHN HATCHER
Religion Columnist

Parts of the Bible are pure myth. That's what some people believe and say. Others just believe it without saying it. Many, however, believe the Bible is God's eternal Truth with no mixture of error. That's what they believe and say.

They believe the Old Testament is just as inspired by God as the New Testament. They believe the writings of the Apostle Paul are just as true as the sayings of Jesus. I believe with the Apostle Paul that, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16).

Therefore, let me open up something for you. The Apostle Paul, writing as if he were the very finger of God, declared that all Scripture was profitable. Profitable for whom? Just first century Christians? No! All Christians for all time. That means you and me! In fact, many Christians who believe the Bible is profitable realize we have not cashed in on all the profit of the Bible.

Question: have you and I discovered all the profit from all the Bible. Are we in fact walking and living Bibles? No. We're Scriptural and Spiritual pilgrims. We have not arrived yet. So, I have a question for many church folks: why act now like you have arrived? That you know it all?

When the disciples John and Peter saw Jesus, Moses and Elijah on the Mount of Transfiguration, they wanted to build boxes for them. Then, Moses and Elijah left the scene and had no need of boxes. And the Bible never tells us that they built Jesus a box.

Why, then, do believers want to build boxes for God as He is expressed in and through the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. If Jesus refused a box, what makes us think the Holy Spirit desires a box? He doesn't. Just think of the implications for the church.

In fact, the Bible says that where the Holy Spirit resides, there is freedom and liberty. Doesn't that sound like what pilgrims really want: freedom and liberty? The only box I am willing to accept as in any way compatible with the God Head is the Bible box. And it's not a box but a book that is a whole lot more effective when open!

Are you with me? That we believe the Bible. We say we believe the Bible unashamedly. And, we seek to practice the Bible more and more as the Great Illuminator, the Holy Spirit, gives us understanding. Amen!

The Rev. Dr. John Hatcher is pastor of River's Edge Community Church in Fayetteville.

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