Having read an article in the Oliver Chronicle recently, I was initially saddened by what the denomination I was raised in has determined to be the correct Christian teachings. The sadness changed to a desire to shake their heads and change their thinking. Reality set in, and I realized there would be no reasoning with the people who wrote the article. They believe with all their hearts that they are right. My only course of action is to love them, but solidify in my own mind exactly what I believe, and live my life accordingly, so they might see the truth in me.
It was interesting as I went to various denominational sites on the internet how people had obviously given great thought and time to explaining their doctrinal beliefs. Some of the sites were very clear and made sense to me. Others left me deciphering what they meant and wondering why the explanation of their beliefs was so complicated. I left the internet and went to the Bible. The first scripture that came to mind was Mark 10:15 New International Version (NIV): Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
Children trust their parents completely. Parents care for them; providing, protecting, correcting, and loving them. That’s what God wants to do for us. A child is quick to believe and trust because they have faith in their parents. Do I have faith in my Father, God, that His inspired Word is absolutely true and relevant? I can’t pick and choose what parts to believe or reject. His Word is truth. It is just as relevant today as it was when He inspired men to write it down for us. When we start debating and arguing, adding our own interpretation, and choosing what parts we will accept, then we do not have the childlike faith that will allow us to enter into a personal relationship with our Father. That said, it is important that we don’t blindly enter into a relationship without making sure that those involved are trustworthy. Where is the proof that God’s Word can be trusted?
Proof for the inspiration of the Bible is the fulfillment of the prophecies, particularly those relating to Jesus (His birth - Isaiah 7:14, Micah 5:2; His crucifixion - Psalm 22:16-17, Isaiah 53:12; and His resurrection - Psalm 16:10, 22:22). These prophecies, prove that Jesus is the Son of God, giving Him the infallible authority to claim the inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible.
I remember learning the Apostles’ Creed as a child, and we repeated it most Sundays in church. As I went over it in my mind, it seemed so simple and straight forward. Why have things gotten so complicated? I decided to stick with basics so took at look at the Apostles’ Creed.
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
All good there.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit. Born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended to the dead.
Nothing wrong with this.
On the third day he rose again; He ascended into heaven, He is seated at the right hand of the Father, and He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
No problems here.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
.
For me, I can be happy with this little bit of doctrine. I’m not interested in all the nitty gritty details. The essentials are the Bible being inerrant and God breathed, and the living word for us today. I believe all that is stated in the Apostles’ creed. From there I move on to my own personal experience with a living God, who interacts with me on a personal level. He may interact differently with you, and that is okay. We treat our
children according to their needs and God does the same. It’s this personal relationship that is so important. The dictionary defines a relationship as “the way in which two or more people or organizations regard and behave toward each other.” God is waiting for each of us to choose to enter into a relationship with him.
I am tired of hearing from people who say, “I believe in God and consider myself a Christian, but the church is not relevant in this day and age.” The church is not the building or Sunday morning service. It is every person who claims to be a follower of Christ. Therefore, if as a believer, you are not happy with your experience with the church, you need to do something about it within yourself. Make God relevant in your
life. Walk with Him, talk to Him, seek Him in each situation, good or bad. Search His Word to know His will, and seek to be obedient. Then, and only then, will the church be relevant in your life. You have something to contribute to the church, and there is a community of believers waiting to know you, if you choose to join them at whatever gathering place you determine is best to associate with. Just remember that you, as a
believer, are the church. The community of believers provides a place for you to worship and socialize, study and learn. You can pick and choose what to participate in and contribute to. You cannot criticize if you do not participate. You are the church, and it is what you make it..
It was interesting as I went to various denominational sites on the internet how people had obviously given great thought and time to explaining their doctrinal beliefs. Some of the sites were very clear and made sense to me. Others left me deciphering what they meant and wondering why the explanation of their beliefs was so complicated. I left the internet and went to the Bible. The first scripture that came to mind was Mark 10:15 New International Version (NIV): Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
Children trust their parents completely. Parents care for them; providing, protecting, correcting, and loving them. That’s what God wants to do for us. A child is quick to believe and trust because they have faith in their parents. Do I have faith in my Father, God, that His inspired Word is absolutely true and relevant? I can’t pick and choose what parts to believe or reject. His Word is truth. It is just as relevant today as it was when He inspired men to write it down for us. When we start debating and arguing, adding our own interpretation, and choosing what parts we will accept, then we do not have the childlike faith that will allow us to enter into a personal relationship with our Father. That said, it is important that we don’t blindly enter into a relationship without making sure that those involved are trustworthy. Where is the proof that God’s Word can be trusted?
Proof for the inspiration of the Bible is the fulfillment of the prophecies, particularly those relating to Jesus (His birth - Isaiah 7:14, Micah 5:2; His crucifixion - Psalm 22:16-17, Isaiah 53:12; and His resurrection - Psalm 16:10, 22:22). These prophecies, prove that Jesus is the Son of God, giving Him the infallible authority to claim the inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible.
I remember learning the Apostles’ Creed as a child, and we repeated it most Sundays in church. As I went over it in my mind, it seemed so simple and straight forward. Why have things gotten so complicated? I decided to stick with basics so took at look at the Apostles’ Creed.
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
All good there.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit. Born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended to the dead.
Nothing wrong with this.
On the third day he rose again; He ascended into heaven, He is seated at the right hand of the Father, and He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
No problems here.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
.
For me, I can be happy with this little bit of doctrine. I’m not interested in all the nitty gritty details. The essentials are the Bible being inerrant and God breathed, and the living word for us today. I believe all that is stated in the Apostles’ creed. From there I move on to my own personal experience with a living God, who interacts with me on a personal level. He may interact differently with you, and that is okay. We treat our
children according to their needs and God does the same. It’s this personal relationship that is so important. The dictionary defines a relationship as “the way in which two or more people or organizations regard and behave toward each other.” God is waiting for each of us to choose to enter into a relationship with him.
I am tired of hearing from people who say, “I believe in God and consider myself a Christian, but the church is not relevant in this day and age.” The church is not the building or Sunday morning service. It is every person who claims to be a follower of Christ. Therefore, if as a believer, you are not happy with your experience with the church, you need to do something about it within yourself. Make God relevant in your
life. Walk with Him, talk to Him, seek Him in each situation, good or bad. Search His Word to know His will, and seek to be obedient. Then, and only then, will the church be relevant in your life. You have something to contribute to the church, and there is a community of believers waiting to know you, if you choose to join them at whatever gathering place you determine is best to associate with. Just remember that you, as a
believer, are the church. The community of believers provides a place for you to worship and socialize, study and learn. You can pick and choose what to participate in and contribute to. You cannot criticize if you do not participate. You are the church, and it is what you make it..
RSS Feed