Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Is It Really True?


So that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught. Luke 1:4 (New American Standard Bible)


There are many ideas and beliefs people hold to. In order to believe something you had to be told about it first. The "telling" is brought about in many ways. We hear it, see it, read about it, or experience it. Whether it has to do with people, places, things, or ideas they are all introduced to us in one way or another.

If something is believed it is only as real as the truth upon which it is based. Many people seem to start their belief in God on the premise that their belief is true because they believe it. Yet believing in something does not necessarily make it true. Just ask anyone who has been betrayed or deceived if their belief in another's honesty made that person honest. Or think about the last time you believed your were headed the right direction but later discovered you were wrong.

When it comes to our belief in God it cannot be based entirely on what we believe or on what others have told us. We have to go back to Scripture and see what God says. For some people that in itself is a stretch because they do not see the Bible as the unique book that it is. Sadly, they do not draw their conclusions because they have read it. They are simply going by what they have been told. A friend of mine is presently studying with a religious group that is teaching error. I have told her that when it comes to studying the Bible it is important that you are being told the truth. Unfortunately, she does not know what the Bible says about Jesus, salvation, Heaven, etc…. so she is not able to discern what is true and what is untrue in the study. I keep encouraging her to read the Bible for herself and see what it says. My prayer is that God would open her eyes to the truth.

God is not a God who enjoys playing a type of spiritual "hide and go seek." Giving us His Word and sending His Son were both ways to reveal Himself to us. God offers to make Himself known to anyone who really wants to know Him. The journey begins as we lay aside our preconceived ideas and beliefs and in simple faith ask Him to tell us the truth. Be brave enough to shine the light of truth on what you believe . Better to allow God to show you the exact truth about what you have been taught rather than continue to embrace what may be a lie. When I asked God to show me the truth about my beliefs it resulted in many walls coming down…..denominational walls, Bible version walls, music preference walls, and any other walls that presumed to dictate spirituality in myself or others. No matter what, the truth is worth it!

Father, You are Truth and Your Word is absolutely true. I have experienced deception but it has never been from You. Amen.

Ancient Words - Michael W. Smith
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vmTkXNpwzs&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.