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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Dear Rev. Graham: More people deny the traditional belief that in the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Even some churches are saying that the Old Testament should be put aside – ignored. I believe in being progressive, but this seems dangerous and irresponsible – especially depriving our children from learning about the foundations that have stood the test of time. Without the revelations of mankind’s beginning, people have no basis for anything. Isn’t the Old Testament still relevant today? – F.B.

Dear F.B.: God gave the whole Bible to us – including the Old Testament – that has something to teach us. Much of it has been fulfilled as seen in the New Testament.

The time of the Old Testament was an age of God the Father. The New Testament documents the era of God the Son – Jesus Christ on Earth – followed by the coming of God the Holy Spirit, present and active today in His followers.

God’s voice was heard when Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist: “Suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” (Matthew 17:5, NKJV).

The whole Bible tells the story of God’s redemptive plan for mankind through the willing sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross and the Holy Spirit’s power and presence today in the hearts of those who believe. God is the Bible’s author, Christ its message, and the Holy Spirit its teacher.

The Father is the source of blessing. The Son is the channel of blessing. And it’s through the Holy Spirit at work in us that all truth becomes living and operative in our lives. May we “hear Him.”

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)