We may not know each other but I can guarantee that there are things you have been taught about God that cannot be proved by Scripture. This is probably true for all of us. To achieve our goal of Christian growth it will be necessary to develop a habit of digging into the Word of God for ourselves.
The Barna Group is a Christian research organization. They once conducted a survey that asked respondents if they believed the Word of God was infallible (i.e., error-free). Less than fifteen percent agreed that it was! The number one thing respondents said their beliefs were based on is statements from the Word of God as interpreted by ministers and life experiences. That is an absolute disgrace!
There Bible is the Word of God. Many people have given their lives over the centuries to ensure it is available to us. The average Christian though does not base their life on its truths which are foundational to Christianity! It is no wonder that the power of God seems to have been lost in this generation!
I challenge you to go to the Word of God and check out the things I’m saying on these pages. This is something you should do with everything you hear or read. If we would commit to developing a habit of searching Scripture for ourselves it would build an unshakeable foundation!
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Acts 17:11
The Jews in Berea heard Paul preach. Luke tells us that they “were more noble” because they “received the word with all readiness of mind” and “searched the Scripture daily”. Why were they doing this? Notice that the verse tells us it was to see “whether those things were so”. “Those things” were the things that Paul was preaching!
It is important for us to be in Church and to listen to messages. This is without dispute but this also must not be where we stop. We should be just like the Jews at Berea and search Scripture for ourselves to see whether the things the ministers we are listening to say are so.
So what are we looking for when searching Scriptures? One of the first things will be to verify that referenced Scriptures are being used in the context of the whole chapter and book they are part of. We should also look for other passages that provide witness to what the verse is presenting. If we do just these two things, we will grow spiritually.
In the context of spiritual growth, being born again and the baptism in the Holy Spirit are vital parts. They are important but the Word of God is the key ingredient that unlocks every part of our spiritual growth. Unfortunately, it is also a missing ingredient for most people who call themselves Christians today. I believe this is why so many people are stumbling through life struggling with the same issues as their unbelieving neighbors.
Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:1
If you have received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you do have the same faith as Peter and the other apostles! Many Christians do not believe this. They spend hours in prayer pleading with God to give them what has already been imparted into their spirits.
For illustration let’s pretend we were together and I handed you my Bible. If you took it from me would you have it? Yes, you took it from me and would have it. If you were holding my Bible would you ask me to look up a verse in it or would you look it up for yourself? How do you think I would respond if you asked me to do that when you were the one holding my Bible? This may seem like a strange illustration but it is exactly what the majority of Christians are doing today concerning the things of God.
According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.
2 Peter 1:3
God has already given us everything that “pertains” to our lives! Many Christians are asking Him to give them things that have already been given to them. This is no different than if you asked me to look something up in my Bible when you were the one holding it.
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.
2 Peter 1:2
I do not believe that there is a single Christian who does not desire peace. We all want it but it seems few of us are enjoying peace in our lives. The reason seems to be that we are praying for it which is not how the Word tells us it comes. Peter tells us that “grace and peace” are both “multiplied” in our lives “through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord”.
“Lord would you please take this stress out of my life?”
Christian pray prayers that are similar to this. They flock to church services hoping someone will have that “special” touch that will relieve them of all problems from life. This is not what we are instructed to do!
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.
2 Peter 1:2
We could summarize this statement by saying, “No knowledge of God = No peace”. Does that seem too simple?
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Isaiah 26:3
If we are not experiencing perfect peace then our minds are not staying on God. This is the type of peace that will not be moved by financial situations or a doctor’s report. The person who is struggling with finding peace does not have their mind focused on the promises of God. This can be resolved by opening Scripture and giving it careful and considerate thought.
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