A recent interview on GLC television, with Host Amy Cooper on the “Light of the Southwest,” led to a discussion (as often happens with TRI) of “Did Jesus come to give us the answers?” It is my contention that He did not – He came to teach us to think. The secrets we’ve been missing are in “the red ink.” (Red Letter Edition Bibles record the words of Jesus in red ink.)

The first book I read as a child was the Bible.  Although I don’t hold a reckless view of infallibility of inerrancy of the Bible – I feel that it is a valuable record of the exemplars of faith. One can ascertain my appreciation of the Bible, not as demonstrated by the liturgical adjectives that I use to describe it, but by the fact that I live by it.

Jesus said about His words what can be said by no other, “My words are Spirit and they are Life.” I believe Him. Some of the authors who inspire me – Abraham, Jeremiah, David, Job, John and Paul; but when you get the red letters (the words of Jesus) right, it ALL makes sense.

I am a former pastor, an insider who was privy to many of the escapades and shenanigans employed to build congregations calling it church; to build hope and call it faith. I quit. However, instead of tossing the whole package, I committed to an objective read of the Scriptures.

One day when I was demanding answers of God the tables turned; God became the inquisitor and I the examined one. As I answered His questions I came to a startling conclusion, “The Bible is ruining my religion.”

Then, my education began . . .

My life journey, searching for a logical and honest faith, has given me an objective view of the Scriptures. I learned years ago, to have a mind that is not hemmed in by prejudice, stifled by tradition, fenced by preconception is to have all knowledge at least within reach. It is a daily fight to keep these encroachers at bay, but is well worth the struggle. To see something that is so familiar to you a little differently because the God of the universe took time to illuminate you, will change you forever.

Don Harris of Think Red Ink Ministries is a preacher who offers solid, practical advice to men and families. Don is an accomplished author and the weekly host of “The Red Letter Edition – LIVE!” radio program which features a call-in segment for listener questions.

You are invited to “give a listen” at www.ThinkRedInk.tv.  We broadcast 24/7/365.