The Bible is authoritative.

Throughout the lens of time the Bible has become - to many - a great story, a motivational message, an inspiring journey and even a time's another history book. Denominations, doctrines, religions, and even congregations have gathered together under the assumption of the readers or listeners interpretation, and not necessarily under the authoritative "life changing power" of the "Words of God". For conforming the message of God into a culturally characterized story, rather than respecting its transforming power desensitizes its listeners and blurs God's Holy message. Hebrew 4:12-13 states "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and lay bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." The fragility of interpretation, rather than God inspired "revelation" has been a catalyst to many wars, division and not the source of faith, unity, hope, and love. Not reverencing the "authoritative" power of Scripture unrestraint its readers and listeners and allows for a chaotic, perverse and crocked road rather than a straight one. For Holy Scripture states in 2 Timothy 3:16 "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." Simply teaching and/or interpreting Scripture without using it to correct, rebuke, and train one-self and those who you come in contact with is a damaging witness to the authoritative "Words of God".