Regarding The Mirror’s front page article, “Transgendered minister keeps the faith” (Feb. 5).

One would have to question the authority and foundation of the United Church of Christ and Rev. Michael Sharp’s religion when he quotes some Bible scripture as acceptable while rejecting other scripture because he just doesn’t like or agree with them. At this point, who is God? Who is the authority that decides what scriptures of God to accept or to reject?

In fact, who is this man that rejects the very gender that God created him to be? This is a perfect Bible illustration of men wanting to be God, or making a god after their own likeness and desires, rather than accepting God, at his word, for who he defines himself and his creation to be.

The Bible makes it clear that there will always be people who will seek to undermine God; who criticize, even unto persecution, the church, for remaining faithful and committed to the Bible as the eternal, authoritative, holy, inspired, inerrant words of God given to men, so that all may know the way to eternal life.

The Bible is the foundation and only authority for the Christian church. It is a book written once in time that will stand eternally; it cannot be manipulated or changed by either God or man. This is why the Bible is completely trustworthy, reliable and proven: Hundreds of Bible prophecies have been accurately fulfilled; and history attests that every nation that upholds God and his commandments have been blessed with superior strength and prosperity, as promised.

When put to the test, God’s word shows its power in the lives of people who have been radically transformed and changed by God in heart, mind and actions. Rev. Sharp’s focus is on changing God and the Bible and his gender; not on man’s repentance and God’s deliverance from sin which are foundational to the genuine, saving faith of Christ.

The Bible teaches that God created a perfect world, but man fell under a curse of sin, which condemns all to eternal death apart from God’s mercy and salvation. God warns us, he will judge the world. But, God being rich in mercy, demonstrated his love to us, by sending his son, Jesus Christ, to die in our place, so that we could be set free from the curse of sin to live in righteousness. God offers salvation and eternal life to anyone who repents and turns from their sins to follow after God and his righteousness.

Shelly Matson, Federal Way