The Bible Does NOT Cover Quite a Bit
The Bible is God’s primary tool to help us know Him and know how to get along in this world he made. As a 2000 year old book, it is a sign of who God is that it is so relevant to our lives. However, the Bible does not cover quite a bit.
It does not tell us when to have church though some met on Sundays. It does not say when to read the Bible. It does say to meditate day and night. It does not say when to pray, but gives many examples of prayer.
It does not teach about academic subjects, but gives us some knowledge that the world and people were specially created and says clearly why the world is harmed. (the fall)
It notes the most important person in my world is my wife. It tells me to love her like Jesus loved the Church.
Further, it says I should treat everyone better then myself. The Bible says I should love everyone. I should also see that each person is made in the image of God.
So why this can inform how I should play basketball, it cannot tell me how to dribble.
It can inform the world of doctors, but great atheist doctors do exist who love patients like many Christians could not.
Bible Does Not Cover Quite a Bit But Informs a Lot
The Bible does not explain many kinds of depression and mental disorders. It does help us to love these people. Non Christians can be excellent counselors when they have learned deeply how to help these people. My wife has studied from and with non Christians. We see no evidence that Christians can own this field.
Jesus changed the very nature of leadership when he said leaders should serve the people they lead.
Many great names in leadership consulting are Christian as Jesus gave us a strong start. We can still learn from other leaders who are not Christian without losing our knowledge that we should serve those we lead.
The central point of the Bible is to help us know and connect with our unseen God. He helps us know how to see this world. He tells me to pray at all times and be thankful in all circumstances.
The Basic Truths of Bible Are Clear and Precious
It notes that our inability to have a happy world is because we are a fallen race. It says love is better than revenge. However, it does not say we cannot be soldiers or politicians. In Rome soldiers had to worship the emperor before 315AD, and in China soldiers must strongly express atheism. So, no Christians can exist in either place. Christians do very well in the armed forces in the US where they facilitate the success of those they lead. No limit on following Jesus exists in the US military where I personally grew as a person and as a Christian.
The church of God on Earth must change and appear differently over time and in different cultures. So, the Bible was usually not specific on behavior or how to do church and many other things. God wanted to see 1000 generations and 1000 cultures seek God in their own form. I would never want to force my younger children to be like my oldest. Each is their own person before me. Thus is our God. The main things will not change, but how we chase God in each culture and era must have its spark and flare. Let us not quench the living Spirit among us.
