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How do you know
the Bible is true?
This question as been argued for centuries. However, a review of
history, science and continued archeological discoveries reveal
that the farther we move chronologically away from the writing of
the Bible, the more evidence is uncovered that supports Biblical
accounts. This is counter-intuitive. Typically, the farther we are
removed from an event, accuracy diminishes. An example is the Holocaust
during World War II. Barely fifty years have gone by, and there
are those that a claiming that it never existed. There is far less
evidence, due to document and picture aging, then there was just
ten years ago. The flood depicted in Genesis, however, was thousands
of years ago. But God, continues to provide new evidence that a
world-wide flood did occur. There is more evidence to support the
Bible today, than there has ever been!
Don't all "Religions"
lead to the same God?
Many "religious" leaders state this, and at first it seems
to make sense. After all, wouldn't a god want to reach everyone?
God does want to reach everyone, but there are too many discrepancies
in the character of different gods. Jesus said "I am the way,
the truth and the life; no man comes to the Father, but by me."
[John 14:6] It would be inconsistent with God's character for His
son, Jesus to make this claim, if it were not true! If all religions
point to God, then Jesus lied! Jesus was not only God's Son, but
God in the flesh! So if Jesus lied, then God lied! If God lies,
then all religion is false, and man kind is doomed! But, if the
Bible is true, then God will not lie. Jesus statement is true, and
all other religions lead to destruction.
If Jesus was the Messiah, why
did the Jews kill him?
First of all the Jews, by themselves did not kill Jesus! Jesus
willingly died, to pay for our sins. WE killed Jesus! In order
to pay for
our sins, Jesus needed to die through punishment. Many of the Jews
did not recognize who Jesus was. Many thought of him as a false
prophet. But dying on the cross was in the salvation plan. One
last thing on this subject, Jesus died for our sins, but He was
made
alive again to prove He has the power to overcome death. This assures
us that we too, will overcome death, on the
Last Day.
Are miracles still being performed?
Jesus performed miracles for several reasons, first to prove His
power.
He also performed miracles because they were needed. Miracles are
always of a supernatural power. Sometimes, miracles that are claimed
to be so today, are not really miracles. Miracles are occurences
that could only happen by the power of God, such as the creation
of life.
When will Jesus return?
Next Tuesday, at 3:00 PM. OK not really. No one knows the exact
time. Scripture tells us that it will be quickly and suddenly,
just as lightning; it will come when we least expect it, as a
thief in the night. Therefore, we always need to be ready. We
are ready when we trust Jesus as our Savior.
My friend claims
to be a Christian, yet sometimes he doesn't act like it. How can
he be a Christian?
Believers are committed to walk as Christ walked. Our behavior should
reflect Christ's behavior. You have probably seen the "WWJD"
emblems. "What would Jesus do?" is the question being
asked. The truth is most of us Christians struggle on a daily basis.
Being a Christian is not about being perfect, it is about being
forgiven. It is a journey towards righteousness, not suddenly being
righteous. I wish it was that easy! I can't say if your friend is,
in fact, a Christian. What I can say is Christians should continually
work at showing Christ through their actions.
If I become
a Christian, is it still possible that bad things will happen
to me?
Becoming a Christian does not guarantee a trouble-free life. In
fact,
there will be additional pressures. The adversary is not too thrilled
with Christians, and will attack in any way he feels will work.
What
Christians do have is an indwelling Holy Spirit. We have the power
of the Comforter, the very presence of God. Christian's
have troubles too, but we don't face them alone!
How do I become a Christian?
Repent and believe. When we acknowledge our sin to God and believe
that Jesus Christ is our Savior from sin, the Holy Spirit has
at that moment brought you to faith in Jesus Christ. You are
then a Christian.
But I don't know how to pray!
If you know how to communicate, you know how to pray. There is no
special prayer, there are no magic words. Just talk to the Creator!
Tell Him your condition. He already knows this, but you need to
openly acknowledge it! Don't try to be fancy, or impress God with
your flowery speech. God is only interested in your heart!
I am a Christian, how do I
know what God wants me to do?
Pray and ask God to guide you. The Scriptures give guidance for
how we are to live as God's people. Everything we do is to be guided
by God's Word, whether it's in our occupation, living in family,
or our activities in society. When you need to make decisions that
are not addressed directly in God's Word you can also pray, consult
with other people (especially mature Christians) for guidance,
and even speak to a pastor. Occasionally, people will say that
God told them to do something. In that case, a is good question
to consider, "How do you know God spoke to you?" Could
it have been another "voice"?
Remember God will never have
you do anything that will not honor Him. If you think you hear "Go
greatly into
debt to buy the latest and greatest thing", it is probably
not God speaking!
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