LRC, Houston - the weekends-free church in Houston, Texas

Once upon a time in a teaching far far away, I believed that the Bible was written by several men who sat down with pen in hand and wrote what the Holy Spirit spoke to them: something akin to automatic writing. And then I believed (because I had been taught such) that all the Godly men came together one day and the Holy Spirit told them what Books were to be in His Bible. Thus when all was said and done, I’d have the pure word of God in a brilliantly written, inerrant, and infallible to guide my life.

There have been so many surprises and wonderful discoveries since those days. That none of what I wrote above is valid does not matter because what I have unpackaged is even more wonderful.

Elementary to my journey was the understanding that the Bible was not a BOOK!

The Bible is this incredible LIBRARY of books that contain some of the most in credible poetry known to man- even when poorly translated from one language to another. One simply cannot interpret poetry like you do prose. The whole scope and feel is greatly different.

And then there are the prolific forms of literature that include: myth, legend, anecdote, history, prophecy, proverbs, love songs, drama, philosophy, hymns, biographies, liturgy, rituals, regulations, laws, moral maxims, apocalyptic visions, dreams, gospels, acts, letters, and sermons: to mention a few!

It would take all of this and more to begin to talk about how God has worked with man over history. So, what we know is the Bible is not exhaustive and all the things that Jesus said are not contained in the Gospels. In spite of all of it’s misunderstandings and apparent contradictions (and the Bible has many), the Bible has performed its function and continues to do so by those who are led of the Spirit.

I so hope and desire that you are, or will be, an ardent student of this library!

Ps. I’ve decided that this is to be a 10-part series, so only 4 more to go!