I have been struggling with something my father-in-law said recently in regards to the bible. Apparently, according to Terry “Not everything in the bible is true. The bible is a collection of unverifiable stories assembled by religious fanatical leaders who were simply trying to keep people in line and fill the minds of the population with guilt.”
When I first met Terry, I had my doubts. I doubted his faith and his sense of integrity. After all, the picture I had been drawn about him added up to no good. The man had been living in sin for over 10 years sharing a luxury condo in Ohio with Sue, the woman he committed adultery with 11 years earlier resulting in divorce. Terry and his adulteress wear designer clothes, both drive sports cars and enjoy gambling.
Involved in new age semi-Christian cult following, the road Terry is on does not lead to God! From blasphemous claims about the bible to a self-indulgent lifestyle, many like him have no idea the trouble they’re in. I often ponder what his reaction would be if I confronted him with his claims about the word of God. And I am interested in finding out which parts of the bible I should tear out so my daughter doesn’t grow up believing lies?
At this point in his life, Terry is not a child of God. He is not saved and was never blessed with the touch of the holy spirit. He is among billions that will be left behind upon Christ’s second coming.
There is more to Christianity than going to church or reading the bible. One must accept Jesus Christ as their savior, repent for their sins and ask forgiveness from the Lord knowing He sent His only son to pay for our sins once and for all. To enter the kingdom of God, one must have God’s holy spirit shine from within.
The good news is even those who deny God and His word will be given a chance to accept the truth, right up until the end. Let’s pray that they make that choice, and be there for them when they do to help lead them down the right path. God loves us and wants to see us all in heaven. “For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:14)
It is not a sin to question your faith, if fact God may use your doubt and questions to ultimately strengthen your faith. However, there is a clear line between seeking answers and making blasphemous statements. Be careful. Matthew 12:31 – “Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.”
Discussing bible inconsistencies (review new testament inconsistencies) can actually be spiritually healthy. I for one know a Christian who started an atheist looking to discredit Christianity and ended up walking in God’s light.
Now an inspiring Christian speaker, Lee Strobel embarked on a mission to prove the bible was a collection of lies and ended up a believer. As a matter of fact, he was a guest speaker at Saddleback church the day I was saved. In essence, he is responsible for my accepting Jesus Christ as my Lord and savior.
Considering the fact God knows our hearts and calls all of us to join Him in heaven, accepting His invitation should be at the top of our list of things to do. It is unfortunate many who were called will never enter His kingdom. It’s a choice that those who chose to walk in darkness will not get to taste God’s eternal fruit.
His word is truth. His word is light. Live by it and He will fulfill His promises. John 3:36 reads “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God rests upon him.”
Let’s pray.
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives
For your love, your forgiveness, your light.
Lord we pray you will continue to inspire us
To search within and keep refining ourselves,
So that we may continue to live out
Your plan for our lives on earth.
Father we ask that you continue strengthening us
To seek, know and trust your word the bible
And drive us to be more like you and follow in your footsteps,
Loving other disciples and reaching out to those
Who fear or ignore you in their lives.
Lord we pray for your guidance, that you show us the path
We need to take so that we may rejoice with you in heaven .
God we thank you for all that surrounds us!
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
