The Bible: Simply Stories or Indisputable Truth?
by Adele M. Gill

http://theinspirationcafeblog.net/blog

“Therefore, put on the armor of God…So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace. In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all [the] flaming arrows of the evil one

…and take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”

Ephesians 6:13-17

New American Bible (NABRE)

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I have a friend who mistakenly believes that the Bible is nothing more than a collection of stories, a series of parables not to be taken literally. However, I believe it is a grave mistake in being dismissive of the Bible; as it provides indisputable truth, Light in darkness, and divine guidance. Moreover, the Bible is our primary source of encouragement, and unlocks our direct power source, the Holy Spirit. It is one of our greatest, blessed gifts from God, not to be minimized. 

The Bible: Our Best Help

The Bible is our best how-to help in dealing with everything from mind-body infirmity to enemies to temptation. The New Testament, in particular, is chock-full of God’s promises, Jesus’ timeless directives, designed to help us to follow Him. It provides practical help for every day, as well as, in times of need. Far beyond being simply a book of stories, it is a God-inspired treasure that we should read daily to access the blessed life, healing, and love God has for us in, and through, Jesus Christ. There is good reason why scripture calls the Bible ‘the Word of God' and ‘the Sword of the Holy Spirit.’ The above scripture about the armor of God  tells us it is our sword of protection.

Holy Scripture: Central to Christianity

In a way, being dismissive of the Bible as irrelevant, believing that it is just a series of stories from long ago, sorely misses the Message of Jesus Christ. In fact, it discourages one from reading the Bible, and enables them to entirely miss seeing the value of the knowledge and wisdom it imparts. Of course Jesus’ parables provide insight, and He often used them to explain divine truths. However, disavowing holy scripture gives one reason—actually, permission--to avoid reading the Bible, which is so central to Christianity. In minimalizing scripture, one can find the perfect excuse to avoid reading it, and sadly, discourage others from reading it as well, particularly if they are in a position of leadership.

Definitive Truth

One of the first things a Christian must do is determine if the Bible contains authority through indisputable truth, or not. Yes, the Old Testament has many stories, but the Psalms and the New Testament are highly instructional, and vitally important, for Christians in the here and now. I rarely, if ever, open my Bible without coming away stronger, refreshed, and more prepared to face life on its terms with new fervor. Reading holy scripture helps give our lives new meaning and direction. It provides life-giving discernment, enabling us to look past the present circumstances and mayhem of this world, to see God working on our behalf and in and through others.

Reading the Bible enables us to focus directly, and squarely, on our personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Other books we may read about Jesus often go off on tangents and are riddled with opinions of the authors who write them, This further dilutes Jesus' divine message. Instead, the Bible itself provides much needed insight, wisdom and knowledge that cannot be gotten from any other source.

Bar none, there is no other book that can replace the wisdom and knowledge, peace and joy, that comes with reading the Bible, the Word of God, the Word of Truth. We need to treat the Bible with the reverence it deserves and embrace it for the God-given gift that it is.

According to scripture, here is some of what The Bible, says about ‘the Word of God:’

• Hebrews 4:12 New American Bible (NABRE) 

Indeed, the Word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.

• 2 Corinthians 4:2 New American Bible (NABRE)

“We do not use deception, nor do we distort the Word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly, we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.

• Luke 11:28 New American Bible (NABRE)

²⁸ He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the Word of God and obey it.”

• 2 Timothy 2:15 New American Bible (NABRE)

¹⁵ Be eager to present yourself as acceptable to God, a workman who causes no disgrace, imparting the Word of Truth without deviation.

Copyright 2019    |   Adele M. Gill

Adele M. Gill, BSN, RN, CPC is the author of 3 inspirational books including ‘From Broken to Blest: Embracing the Healing that Awaits You,’ written with Dr. Verna Benner Carson. From Broken to Blest is now available on Amazon, and at Barnes at Noble, in print, Nook, and Kindle versions.