Who Do You Believe?

Keeping abreast of current events has at once become much simpler and more complicated. There seems to be no end to media outlets available but it is increasingly difficult to know who you can trust. Listening to varying accounts and weighing the information used to suffice but are we even sure that what we’re hearing actually happened? And if so, where do you get just the facts unencumbered by hearsay and opinion.

As I read my Bible each day, passages from the the old and new testaments read like current events. Though America didn’t exist when the Patriarchs walked the earth, our modern day stories echo theirs. Biblical record is much more than history. The Word of God is alive and just as active in the world today as in the beginning.

“For the word of God is alive and powerful.

It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow.

It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God.

Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.”

Hebrews 4:12-13 NLT

https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.4.12-13.NLT

The apostle John referred to Jesus as the Word that was with God in the beginning, through whom all things were created, and in whom is light and life. (John 1) When He lived on the earth for a time, Jesus was God’s Word incarnate. His life spoke God-thoughts. With His words, He healed, admonished, forgave, encouraged, and raised the dead. The Holy Bible contains the revealed Word of God in its entirety; everything we need for life and godliness. (2 Peter 1:3)

Events around the world and in our little worlds may be unpredictable, but God’s Word is eternally the same and it will never fail. (Luke 1:37) When I feel uncertain, unsure of who to trust, I find peace and hope in knowing God’s Living Word. I am prepared for the unknown, come what may, because God is eternal and He has promised never to leave or forsake me. (Isaiah 40:8,Hebrews 13:5)

Immediately after Jesus’s death, resurrection, and ascension, the Church grew exponentially. In the face of intense persecution, the gospel spread quickly beyond Jerusalem to Judea and Samaria. The apostles performed many miracles and the believers were greatly encouraged. On one occasion the apostles were jailed for preaching the good news but the following morning, when their judges convened, the jail was found empty. When it was reported that the same men were again preaching at the Temple, guards were dispatched to arrest them again, warning them never to speak in the name of Jesus.

“But Peter and the apostles replied,

“We must obey God rather than any human authority.

And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message:

“Jesus is the Messiah.””

Acts of the Apostles 5:29, 42 NLT

https://bible.com/bible/116/act.5.29-42.NLT

“When the captain of the Temple guard and the leading priests heard this, they were perplexed (bewildered, at a loss), wondering where it would all end.”

Acts of the Apostles 5:24 NLT

https://bible.com/bible/116/act.5.24.NLT

They needn’t have wondered, and neither should you! God’s Word is very clear about the end. No precise date is given (Acts 1:7), but many signs are shared through Old Testament prophets and by Jesus Himself. God tells us clearly that His will

is that we should know Him and Jesus, whom He sent to earth. (John 17:3) He also says it is not His will that any should perish, and to that end He is waiting patiently, withholding His judgement and wrath for the appointed day. (2 Peter 3)

We are living in times described by the Bible. Whether it is soon or later is not for me to say, but all who believe hasten the day of our Lord’s return, prayerfully mindful of those whose minds are blinded by the enemy of souls. Knowing God through His Word is only possible by the power of His Spirit through faith in His son, Jesus.

Before His arrest and crucifixion, Jesus prayed, “Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.” (John 17:17-18) As believers, we are commanded to preach the word, the good news about Jesus to everyone. (Mark 16:15) We do not discriminate or hold back. The Word will hit its mark every time. (Isaiah 55:11) Salvation is in Christ alone.

“Then Jesus said to the disciples,

“Anyone who accepts your message is also accepting me.

And anyone who rejects you is rejecting me.

And anyone who rejects me is rejecting God, who sent me.””

Luke 10:16 NLT

https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.10.16.NLT

When Peter and the apostles were brought before the high priest and his council of elders for judgement, Gamaliel spoke words of caution.

“So my advice is, leave these men alone.

Let them go.

If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown.

But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them.

You may even find yourselves fighting against God!””

Acts of the Apostles 5:38-39 NLT

https://bible.com/bible/116/act.5.38-39.NLT

Come what may, I trust in the Word of God. It is a firm foundation, and when all is shaken and the temporary things are removed, His unshakable Kingdom will remain! (Hebrews 12:27-28)