AN ONGOING STRUGGLE FOR TRUTH

Church family,

As is the “norm” for me throughout each week, I read various articles online. Yesterday I came upon one that caught my eye – Approach Your Bible Desperately by Matt Smethurst.

As a child of God, I am sure you have struggled with Bible reading. Perhaps you find it intimidating, hard to understand, have questioned God, or maybe you’ve just “read or heard it before.” Whatever your challenges, I am very aware that we all struggle with a consistent and meaningful devotion to God’s Word. Perhaps you have grown to value and appreciate its truths. Or maybe you are going through personal struggles and the Bible seems distant. Maybe life’s disappointments have left you struggling with your faith. These challenges seem to be common to man.

I am often reminded that we have an enemy who raises questions against the truth of God’s Word. He is a deceiver. He raised the same questions with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. When we have a struggle with God or His Word, be reminded there is a battle going on to question the truth – “Did God really say…? You’ll be fine without His Word.”

Our faith in God is being attacked all the time. Not just whether or not you are in the Word or not, but its truth is being questioned by many supposed followers of Christ as well. Do you see it? Pay attention to the changing message of Christianity. In many churches we see the ignoring of the truth of God’s Word. We see the reinterpreting of traditional beliefs for new views that are trying to connect to cultural ‘norms.’ Terms like consumerism, socialism, progressive, and prosperity have all been connected with the word “Christian” and have replaced the gospel of Jesus Christ. A focus on “me” or “reforming society” has taken the place of the power of the gospel message – repentance, faith, obedience, and devotion to God.

What is at the root of this? Perhaps many things. One reason is the self-seeking heart of man. But I believe one of the central issues is not holding God’s Word as truth. Read what Job says about the Word of God;

Job 23:12b (ESV) I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food.

What thoughts go through your mind when reading that verse? Have you read Psalm 1 or 119 recently? Have you gone to the Word when you are disillusioned by what is happening in your life or the world at large? Have you recognized the battle going on right in front of you against the truth?

Let me encourage you… be in God’s Word. Hold to the truth. Recognize the battle against truth. Recognize your need for truth. And finally, run to and hold desperately to His Word.

Walking with you,

Pastor Brian