The Bible is a full and complete work

The Rev. Ashley Masoni, associate pastor, St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, 5700 W. Sixth St.:

When we ask if there are some parts of the Bible that are more important than others, we have to consider that the Bible is the story of our relationship with God. It not only tells us of the divine and miraculous intervention of a God who loves us and creates us new every day, but it tells us of the history of the promises made to us, of the promises we have been unable to keep, and of the forgiveness that was, is and is to come to us from God.

Although taking any morsel of the Bible, trusting in it and having faith in it nurtures our souls and our relationship with God, the Bible itself must be taken in as a full and complete work in order for us to experience our relationship with God fully. There is no part of the Bible that is more important than any other, just as there is no member of my family who is more important than any other.

From the beginning, when God creates a heaven that is lost by the people, to the very end, when it is found and handed to us by God, God never leaves us. That story has to be taken as a complete whole.

– Send e-mail to Ashley Masoni at pastorashley@sbcglobal.net.

A closer look at God’s inspired word

The Rev. Rick Burwick, pastor, Clinton Parkway Assembly of God, 3200 Clinton Parkway:

We believe “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God,” (2 Timothy 3:16). Are some parts of the Bible more important than others? Not to be ambiguous, but the answer is “no” and “yes.”

“No,” in that God’s word not only records God’s creation and plan for earth and his created beings but also His plan for restoration, reinstatement to dominion and rulership of mankind over the earth.

“Yes,” in that the New Testament records and validates the prophecies of the coming Messiah (Christ) fulfilled; Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the Cross of Calvary for the forgiveness of our sins; his resurrection affirms his sonship and our eternal life (John 3:16); his ascension, confirmed by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life (Acts 1:8; Romans 8:15,16) and his return to reign over the new heavens and new earth (Revelations 21); fulfilling his promise of the Old Testament to break the curse upon the earth (Gen. 3:18).

God’s inspired word provides hope, forgiveness, restoration and healing to all who will believe in and follow after Jesus Christ.

– Send e-mail to Rick Burwick at cpaog@sbcglobal.net.