In my calling as a pastor, I talk one on one, to a couple thousand people a year.
These conversations have revealed an interesting trend that caught me by surprise.
The majority of people I talk to, have no religious background.
Their parents didn't take them to Sunday School when they were children.
This means that what little they know about God, they watched on TV.
What makes this so interesting to me, is that this has been happening for generations.
This is the second or third generation of people growing up "unchurched"
The result seems to be either tolerant (believing everyone is right and there are no absolutes), agnostic (honestly have no idea what they believe), or "wired by many hands" (are influenced by many religions and sources with no depth of understanding).
So your first thought is, "This is very heavy for a Tuesday morning, why should I care?"
Since you don't want me to drag this out for pages, I will get right to the point.
What sets people apart is, "What they recognize as a reliable authority for their beliefs."
Many people consider their reliable authority, anyone with a Doctorate degree.
Many people consider their reliable authority, anyone that has written a book.
Many people consider their "feelings" as a reliable authority for their beliefs.
Many people consider their "culture" as a reliable authority for their beliefs.
Many people consider their pastor as a reliable authority for their beliefs.
My point is this, "Why do you believe what you believe?"
To make it even more interesting, have you ever sat down and questioned what you believe? Is Jesus God? What brought you to that conclusion? Is your conclusion important?
If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?
If the judge called you to testify in court and demanded that, under oath, you explain what you believe about Jesus Christ. What would you say?
And if the judge demanded that you back up your testimony with evidence, what evidence would you produce?
Consider this:
"Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonicia, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true" Acts 17:11
My point for you to consider today is, "If you base your belief's on God's Eternal Word, then you are building your foundation on an unmovable and reliable source."
"For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any doubled edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and bare before Him to whom we must give account" Hebrews 4:12-13
My challenge to you is, "Don't take my word for it. Pick up a Bible and with an open mind, see what it says about your life."
There are a lot of misconceptions out there about what the Bible says. People seems to take the Da Vinci Code movie with Tom Hanks as their credible reliable authority for their beliefs.
Where do you get your reliable information for what you believe?
