Growing up, my brother would challenge me with theological and Biblical debates. He would play the role of an atheist as I would attempt to defend my faith. Many times, he would stun me, leaving me unable to respond. After this, we would go back to our civil discussion, and he would explain how I could best reply to someone who does not believe in God. I found it arduous to debate with someone about Jesus if a foundational agreement was not previously established. For example, if you want to talk about Jesus being God, most often you need to come to an agreement that there is a God. Once they understand God is real, you will be able to talk about Jesus and His importance. A majority of my conversations with my brother would have to be more theological though. What I have been working on is “Why do I believe what I believe?” My relationship with Jesus started when my mother led me to know Him as Lord and Savior, but I have realized that this relationship is not my parents, Jesus, and me; rather, it is my personal relationship with the Lord. What does this mean? It means that I have to dedicate my time to God by being in His presence, praying to Him, and being in His Word.
Recently, I began attending Cornerstone College of Virginia which is a Bible college in Spotsylvania. The professors and even the students there challenge me to dig deeper into the Word and get the full context of what is being portrayed in certain passages. Everyone there has a general orthodoxy, believing that Jesus is the only way to Heaven, and it cannot be earned through works. With that basic accord, we are able to have discussions about certain Biblical matters.
In the discussions I have had with others, whether it be friends, family, or anyone else, I have conversated on the topic of prophecy… Does prophecy still occur today? Is it foretelling or rather forthtelling? Is it still a current spiritual gift or was it just for the Bible times? Some other topics I have had would be “Can one lose their salvation?” “When the Bible says that God created everything in six days, is it a literal six days?” “Do we still have apostles today?” “Can women be preachers?” “Should women be in the military from a Biblical standpoint?” “When the Bible says that we should make disciples, what would a disciple be?” “If God says, ‘Unless you do ___, you cannot be my disciple,’ could someone ever truly be a disciple since we cannot humanly execute every aspect of discipleship?
Some of these are difficult questions to answer, and honestly, I am not always able to answer all of them. I would give my best response but knew that there was probably a better way of communicating the answers to them. This leads me to curiosity of what the Bible says about these matters and to search for theologically sound reasonings. Because of this, it helped me have a desire to learn more about God and grow in my understanding of Scripture.
The Bible can seem intimidating, especially when considering where to begin reading. Do you start at the beginning? Do you start in Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John, or maybe even Romans? Where would you direct someone if they are asking where to begin their faith journey?
I believe many go throughout life and have so many questions about Bible, how you apply it to your life or what the significance is behind the whole story. We know that people have differing opinions, but what happens when you do not agree with something and you are searching for truth?
This small group series “What Does It Mean” at Choice Baptist Church has been a good experience, hearing the difficult questions people have been facing and needing direction on how to go about finding the truth. A great verse to be reminded of is Jeremiah 29:13 which states, “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jesus is the way, the TRUTH, and the life. As you seek Him with all your heart, you will begin to find truth; He will reveal it to you. In this life, we may not have all the answers, but God has sent His Holy Spirit to help us discern between right and wrong. I believe that understanding why you believe what you believe and being able to defend your faith is a vital component to your faith journey. It shows the seriousness you have for your relationship with Christ and the true genuineness to assist those who are seeking truth.
Why should you attend small groups? What will you benefit from joining? What would be the advantage of dedicating a couple of hours of your time to participate in small groups?
I have realized that by attending small groups, I learn more than I would by just simply researching my questions. Though research is important, I believe that hearing different perspectives on certain matters allows me to think theologically through concepts I would not have considered otherwise. It is a great opportunity to exchange and discuss ideas with other believers and find a Biblical basis for one’s beliefs.
I would encourage those that desire to grow in their relationship with the Lord to consider joining a small group. It is not only a time of learning about God but also the fellowship of believers. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 says, 4“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5There are differences in ministries, but the same Lord. 6And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:” As we come together as the body of Christ for fellowship with one another, we are to use our spiritual gifts for the purpose of glorifying God.
7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 (NKJV) |
