Clarity: Can I Trust the Bible?

Welcome back to our blog series, Clarity, where we’re building a Christian worldview to navigate life’s toughest topics. In our first post, we explored spiritual warfare, learning from Ephesians 6:10-20 that our role is to rely on God and stand firm. Now, we’re tackling a foundational question: Can I trust the Bible? If we’re going to lean on Scripture to shape our understanding of reality—whether it’s spiritual battles or daily decisions—we need confidence in its reliability. Let’s dive into this with humility, recognizing I’m not an expert but a fellow traveler piecing together insights from God’s Word and solid resources. (If you’d like to dig deeper, I’ll share some recommendations at the end.)

Where Do We Turn for Answers?

Think about how we handle questions today. In 2022, Americans googled everything from “What to watch?” (109 million searches) to “Where’s my refund?” (89 million) to “How many ounces in a cup?” (32 million). Google, Siri, and Alexa are our go-to problem-solvers. But as Christians, when we face questions about God, the world, or what it means to follow Jesus, we’re called to a different source: the Bible. It’s not just a book of ancient stories—it’s God’s guide for His people.

Paul, writing to his protégé Timothy, puts it this way in 2 Timothy 3:14-17: “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of… how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Paul’s point? The Bible equips us with truth to live rightly—but only if we trust it. That’s why this question matters. Since much of our worldview hinges on Scripture, we need to establish its trustworthiness upfront.

Two Truths to Frame Our Approach

Before we dive into evidence, let’s anchor ourselves with two key truths about the Bible. First, as Dan Kimball writes in How (Not) to Read the Bible, “The Bible was written for us, not to us.” It’s God’s truth for His people, but we aren’t the original audience. Take Genesis 1:1—“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Our modern picture of the cosmos differs from an Israelite’s 3,000 years ago. Or consider Leviticus, where bats are listed among unclean “birds”—their categories don’t match ours. When something feels confusing, it’s often a signal we’re missing the original context. That’s not a flaw; it’s an invitation to dig deeper.

Second, every word in our Bible is translated. From Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek to English, teams of scholars labor to preserve the text’s meaning. Are nuances lost? Sometimes. But their commitment ensures we can trust the Bibles we hold. So, with these truths in mind—context matters, and translation is reliable—let’s explore why we can trust Scripture.

Three Lines of Evidence

To build confidence in the Bible, we’ll look at three pillars: manuscript evidence, archaeological evidence, and cohesion evidence.

1. Manuscript Evidence: A Wealth of Copies
   When evaluating ancient texts, scholars ask: How many copies exist, and how close are they to the originals? Compare the Bible to other ancient works. Caesar’s Gallic Wars? Ten manuscripts. Homer’s Iliad? 643. The Old Testament boasts over 11,000 manuscripts, while the New Testament has 5,700—far more than any ancient text. Even better, some New Testament manuscripts date within 100 years of their writing, while other classics were copied centuries later. With so many copies—fragments to full texts—scholars can cross-check them. The result? The New Testament is 99.5% accurate, and the Old Testament is remarkably consistent. This isn’t a game of telephone; it’s a carefully preserved record.
2. Archaeological Evidence: History Confirmed
   Archaeology keeps uncovering the Bible’s historical roots. Take the Mesha Stele, discovered in 1868 but newly analyzed in January 2023. This stone recounts King Mesha of Moab warring with Israel, aligning with 2 Kings 3, and mentions the “House of David” and Israel’s God. Or consider a 2007 find: a monument celebrating Hezekiah’s pools in Jerusalem, echoing 2 Kings 20:20. Then there’s a tiny lead tablet from Mount Ebal, excavated decades ago but only recently readable via CAT scan. Dated 1200-1400 BC, it bears a curse—“Cursed, cursed, cursed—cursed by the God YHW”—matching Joshua 8’s account. These are just snapshots; hundreds of discoveries affirm the Bible’s historical reliability.
3. Cohesion Evidence: A Unified Story
   Spanning centuries, penned by dozens of authors, the Bible tells one cohesive story: God’s plan to redeem creation through Jesus. From Genesis 3:15’s promise of a serpent-crusher to Genesis 12’s call to Abraham, from Israel’s role to Jesus’ arrival, and the Gospel spreading worldwide—it’s seamless. Its moral core—“Love God, love people”—threads through Old and New Testaments. God’s heart for Gentiles shines in both the prophets and Acts. This unity across time and cultures is extraordinary, a testament to divine guidance.

The Bible’s Living Power

Hebrews 4:12 adds another layer: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” The Bible doesn’t just inform—it reveals truth we’d miss otherwise. It shows us God, exposes the world’s brokenness, and unveils our own hearts. When we trust it, it shapes us into God’s people.

The Big Idea: Trustworthy Truth for Life

Here’s the takeaway: We can trust the Bible to give us the truth we need to live as God’s people. It’s not like other ancient books—its preservation, historical backing, and unified narrative set it apart. We can be confident this is the book God intended for us.

Your Challenge

So, what’s next? Find a Bible reading plan and start engaging with Scripture. Whether it’s a “Bible in a Year” plan or a slower dive into a single book, let God’s Word speak. It’s not just reliable—it’s alive, ready to guide you into truth.

Why This Matters for Our Worldview

In our Clarity series, we’re constructing a Christian worldview. Last time, we saw spiritual warfare requires reliance on God. Now, we’ve established the Bible as our trustworthy foundation. It’s not Google or cultural trends we turn to—it’s Scripture, revealing reality as God sees it. As we move forward, this confidence will anchor us through life’s tough topics.

Resources to Explore:

• How (Not) to Read the Bible by Dan Kimball
• The Bible Project (videos and podcasts)
• Evidence That Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell

The First Step Toward God

“The first step toward God is a step away from the lies of the world. It is a renunciation of the lies we have been told about ourselves and our neighbors and our universe.” — Eugene Peterson, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, p. 29

A World Drenched in Lies

We live in a world full of  lies. They zip through our news feeds, hum beneath casual conversations, and flash across billboards and screens. These lies are dangerous, whispering that we’re not enough—too flawed to be loved, too broken to be whole, too ordinary to make a difference. 

These lies  don’t stop at us; they bring harm to our communities, breeding suspicion and resentment among neighbors. They paint the universe as a cold, chaotic void, therefore we need to do what we can to find a little bit of joy in our lives. 

Yet, as Eugene Peterson so insightfully writes, the journey to God, and the life He created us to live, begins when we turn our backs on this chaotic noise and renounce the falsehoods we’ve swallowed whole.

Isaiah’s Unraveling Moment

Scripture offers a vivid picture of this turning point in the prophet Isaiah’s story found in chapter 6. Imagine the scene: Isaiah stands trembling before a vision of God—enthroned in splendor, His robe filling the temple, seraphim chanting “Holy, holy, holy.” The sight shatters him. “Woe is me!” he cries. “I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips” (Isaiah 6:5, ESV). In that moment, Isaiah sees himself without a filter: a sinner, frail and unworthy, standing before infinite holiness. In spite of this new knowledge he doesn’t flee. Rather, Isaiah takes that first, courageous step toward God by confessing his sin.

Grace That Transforms

The next scene is nothing short of amazing. A seraphim (a type of heavenly being) lifts a glowing coal from the altar, presses it to Isaiah’s lips, and declares, “Your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for” (Isaiah 6:7, ESV). This is the breathtaking promise of that first step: when we reject the lies and confess our need, God responds with grace—cleansing, restoring, redeeming. It’s a moment of divine work, turning shame into acceptance, despair into hope.

A Deliberate Shift

This step—away from the world’s distortions and toward God’s truth—isn’t a single, dramatic leap. It’s a slow, intentional shift, a reorientation of the heart that ripples through our lives. It demands we face hard truths: about the pride we’ve nursed, the envy we’ve harbored, the illusions we’ve built to feel secure. The lies we’ve believed—about our worth, our purpose, our neighbors—might feel like reality, helping us make sense of life. But they’re a blindfold intended to keep us living in the dark. To renounce them, as Peterson suggests, is to step into a wild, uncharted freedom—a life rooted in love, wisdom, and the gracious presence of God.

Echoes Across Scripture

Isaiah’s experience isn’t an anomaly. The Bible is filled with stories of these stories. Moses, a political fugitive, stood before a burning bush and heard God call him to lead (Exodus 3). David, a shepherd boy turned abuser and murderer, wept in Psalm 51 for a clean heart—and found it. Mary, a young woman of no status, said yes to an impossible calling (Luke 1:38). Paul, once a persecutor, met Christ on a dusty road and was remade (Acts 9). Each faced their own inadequacy, their own tangle of lies, and stepped toward God anyway. Each found Him waiting—faithful, gracious, redeeming.

The Courage to Keep Walking

This journey isn’t for the faint of heart. It takes courage to peel back the layers of deception we’ve worn like armor. It takes persistence to keep walking when the world’s noise crescendos again and again. But it’s worth it. 

As we move away from lies and toward God, we uncover a life unshackled from shame, bitterness, or isolation. We encounter a God who doesn’t just meet us once but guides us, step by step, into a reality truer and more beautiful than the world’s fleeting promises. So let’s take that first step today—however shaky, however small—and trust Him to lead us on.

Transformed by Grace: Guarding the Truth

Imagine someone selling industrial bleach as a miracle cure—promising it could heal everything from COVID-19 to cancer. It sounds outrageous, but that’s exactly what Mark Grenon and his sons did. Under the banner of a fake church called the “Genesis II Church of Health and Healing,” they made over a million dollars selling this toxic substance, cloaked in spiritual-sounding language. Despite government warnings, they kept going, leaving behind hospitalized victims and grieving families.

It’s a disturbing story, but it reveals an important truth: deception is often dressed in religious language. What promises healing can instead bring destruction. And while most of us won’t fall for a bleach-based cure, we are vulnerable to a different kind of danger—spiritual deception. False teachers, just like the Grenons, peddle false ideas wrapped in religious packaging. The consequences are just as serious: broken faith, disrupted communities, and spiritual harm.

That’s the challenge Paul addresses in Titus 1:10–16. Writing to his trusted companion Titus, Paul warns about the danger false teachers posed to the young churches on the island of Crete. These weren’t abstract theological threats—they were real people teaching real lies, causing real damage.

Recognizing the Threat (Titus 1:10–11)

Paul pulls no punches. He describes these teachers as “insubordinate, empty talkers, and deceivers,” especially those pushing Old Covenant legalism. They didn’t just have bad theology; they were rebellious (refusing to submit to the authority of the Scripture or the Apostles), spreading confusion, and motivated by greed. Their teaching lacked substance, offered false hope, and created division—upsetting entire households, perhaps even dismantling house churches.

Paul’s command is clear: “They must be silenced.” Not through violence or censorship, but through strong, sound teaching that exposes error and explains Scripture. Truth must be louder than deception.

Application: Our world is full of spiritual noise. Not every podcast, sermon clip, or viral quote is rooted in truth. Some voices are driven by money, influence, or ego, not the gospel. Discernment begins with Scripture. A healthy skepticism isn’t a lack of faith—it’s a shield of wisdom in a world full of false promises.

Confronting Error with Courage (Titus 1:12–14)

To drive home his point, Paul quotes a Cretan poet who called his own people “liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” Paul doesn’t shy away from cultural critique—he uses it to illustrate just how urgent the problem is. These false teachers were promoting “Jewish myths” and human commands instead of God’s Word. They weren’t just off-base; they were pulling people away from Jesus.

Paul tells Titus to “rebuke them sharply.” That might sound harsh, but it’s a form of loving correction. Titus wasn’t picking fights over small differences—he was protecting the church from teachings that distorted the gospel and undermined grace.

Application: Confronting error is an act of love. Truth matters, and when someone teaches a gospel that leads people away from Jesus, we can’t afford to stay silent. But we must correct with humility, not arrogance. As Paul says in Ephesians 4:15, we “speak the truth in love.”

Exposing False Faith (Titus 1:15–16)

Paul contrasts authentic faith with the hypocrisy of the false teachers. “To the pure, all things are pure,” he writes, “but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure.” He’s pointing to the obsession some had with purity laws and religious rituals. Instead of resting in the cleansing power of Christ, they clung to rules, judging others and separating themselves from those they deemed “unclean.”

The irony? Their actions betrayed their message. “They profess to know God,” Paul writes, “but they deny him by their works.” Their lives were marked by greed, disobedience, and corruption—not the grace they claimed to preach.

Application: Right doctrine must lead to right living. What we believe should be evident in how we live. If our lives don’t reflect the love, purity, and truth of Jesus, then we’ve missed the heart of the gospel. As Jesus said, a tree is known by its fruit.


Guarding the Truth by Grace

How do we stay grounded in truth in a world so full of noise and deception? Paul’s words offer us a few practical ways to remain faithful:

1. Have a trusted teacher.

God gives the church pastors and elders to shepherd His people. Know who you’re learning from. I approach the Bible with three principles: (1) The Bible is for us but not written to us—so I study commentaries to gain understanding about the original context. (2) I interpret Scripture through the lens of God’s covenants. (3) The Kingdom of God is the heartbeat of the gospel. Knowing your teacher’s approach builds trust.

2. Watch how Scripture is handled.

If someone cherry-picks verses without context, be cautious. A good teacher explains not just a verse but the whole passage—what it meant then and what it means now.

3. Consider the focus of the message. 

Are they always telling personal stories but rarely digging into doctrine or Scripture? Are their messages more about themselves than about Jesus? That’s a red flag.

4. Test every “revelation.”

Some teachers constantly claim direct revelations from God, using phrases like “God told me…” as conversation stoppers. But Scripture tells us to test the spirits (1 John 4:1). God’s Word is the standard, not someone’s feelings or visions.


Final Thoughts: Truth in the Fog

In 2016, The Economist published a cover story titled “Yes, I’d Lie to You: The Post-Truth World.” It explained how modern censorship doesn’t always come through suppression—but through distraction. Some governments flood social media with so much noise that truth gets buried under an avalanche of nonsense.

That’s our spiritual challenge, too. In a world full of TikTok theology and algorithm-approved preachers, truth can get lost in the shuffle. But here’s the good news: grace gives us clarity. The gospel shines like a lighthouse through the fog. God has given us His Word, His Spirit, and His people to guide us.

So let’s guard the truth—not just in what we believe, but in how we live. Let’s be people who speak with clarity, live with integrity, and shine with grace. In a post-truth world, that’s what it means to follow the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Big Idea: Grace transforms us to love the truth and reject lies.

Challenge: Practice reading Scripture with discernment. Try the COMA method:

Context – What’s happening around this passage?

Observation – What stands out?

Meaning – What does it teach us about God and His people?

Application – How should it change us?


Need help? I’d love to walk through Scripture with you.

Let’s be people who not only know the truth—but who live it for the glory of King Jesus.

How do I Know if My Pastor is Teaching the Truth?

 

In a world filled with diverse voices claiming to represent God's Word, discerning truth from error is essential for every believer. Scripture exhorts us to be like the Bereans, who "examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true" (Acts 17:11). But how can you apply this principle practically? Here are three key ways to test the teaching you receive:

---

1. Compare the Teaching with Scripture

The Bible is our ultimate standard of truth. Isaiah 8:20 reminds us, “Go to God’s instruction and testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, there will be no dawn for them” (CSB). A faithful pastor’s message should align with the clear teachings of Scripture. Ask yourself:

• Is the passage being interpreted in its proper context? Look at the verses before and after to ensure the message isn’t being twisted to fit an agenda.
• Does this teaching align with the whole counsel of God’s Word? Scripture interprets Scripture, and any teaching that contradicts other parts of the Bible is a red flag.
• Is the teaching based on one passage of Scripture or does it jump around the Bible? The historical, cultural, and narrative context of a passage take time to unpack, but are crucial to understanding and applying the text to our modern times.

Since it is difficult to both listen to the teaching and read passages in context, it is good idea to read the passages for yourself after the sermon. You may even consider keeping a notebook to jot down key points and questions to study further.

---

2. Examine the Fruits of the Teaching

Jesus said, “You’ll recognize them by their fruit.” (Matthew 7:16a; CSB). Truthful teaching produces spiritual growth, godly character, and a deeper love for God and others. Here are some signs of good fruit:

• Does the teaching exalt Christ? Sound doctrine always points to Jesus, not the preacher’s charisma, personal opinions, or self-help philosophies.
• Does it lead to repentance and transformation? True biblical teaching challenges sin and encourages obedience to God’s commands.
• Does it promote unity and love in the body of Christ? If the teaching causes division or fosters pride, it may not be rooted in truth.

Also, beware of messages that emphasize your potential, avoid the reality and consequences of sin, or prioritize worldly success over spiritual maturity.

---

3. Pray for Discernment and Listen to the Holy Spirit

Discernment is a gift from God, and the Holy Spirit plays a vital role in guiding us into all truth (John 16:13). Before, during, and after a sermon, pray for clarity and wisdom. Ask the Lord to reveal anything that is out of line with His Word.

• Do you sense the Spirit’s affirmation or caution? Sometimes, you may feel unsettled or unsure about a message. Take those feelings to God in prayer and compare the teaching with Scripture.
• Seek wise counsel from mature believers. If you have concerns, discuss them with trusted Christians who are grounded in the Word.
• Use a good Study Bible or One Volume Commentary. There are many good study resources available to us, and some of the most accessible ones are the study notes found in Study Bibles.*

Remember, while no pastor is perfect, a faithful shepherd humbly welcomes questions and strives to teach God’s Word accurately.

---

Final Thoughts

Testing your pastor’s teaching is not about being critical or suspicious but about being a responsible disciple. Paul urged Timothy to "correctly teach the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15), and we should expect the same diligence from our spiritual leaders. By comparing teachings with Scripture, examining their fruit, and praying for discernment, you can grow in confidence that you are being nourished with sound doctrine.

Let’s be Bereans together, faithfully testing all things and holding fast to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Remember, God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105)—and with it, we will not be led astray.

---

What steps have you taken to discern the truth in teaching? Share your thoughts in the comments!

* I have found these Study Bibles useful: NLT Study Bible, NLT Life Application Study Bible, ESV Study Bible, CSB Study Bible, NIV Study Bible, and NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study BIble. 

Thinking Clearly About Truth

In today’s digital age, the pursuit of truth often feels like navigating a maze of confusion. Fake news, conflicting opinions, and unchecked narratives bombard us daily. A quick scroll through social media can leave us wondering: what is real, and how do we know?

This struggle to discern truth isn’t new. In John 18:37-38, during Jesus’ trial, Pilate asks Jesus the timeless question: “What is truth?” This question reflects the skepticism and uncertainty of his time—a skepticism that echoes loudly in our culture today.

But amid the noise of our media age, there’s good news: truth is not abstract or unattainable. Truth is grounded in a person—Jesus Christ. His resurrection is the cornerstone of truth, offering clarity and hope in a world of confusion.

The Reality of Confusion and Doubt 

• Pilate’s Skepticism 

Pilate’s question reveals a heart unsure of what to believe, mirroring the challenges we face. The relativism of his day parallels our culture’s tendency to view truth as subjective—“what’s true for you may not be true for me.” This mindset leads to division and mistrust.

• Biblical Truth 

Against this backdrop, Jesus declares: “For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth” (John 18:37). Christ’s mission was to reveal truth about God, humanity, and the hope found in Him.

Truth, as defined biblically, corresponds to reality, is consistent and unchanging, and aligns with the character and revelation of God. It is not shaped by feelings, opinions, or trends.

The Foundation of Truth: The Resurrection of Jesus

• The Core of Christian Faith 

The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate proof of His divinity and the fulfillment of God’s promises. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:17, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” Without the resurrection, Christianity crumbles.

• Why the Resurrection Matters 

1. Validation of Jesus’ Teachings: Everything Jesus taught—about God, salvation, and eternal life—is confirmed by His resurrection.

2. Victory Over Sin and Death: The empty tomb proclaims hope and life beyond this world.

3. A Standard for Truth: If the resurrection is true, then Jesus’ words carry ultimate authority, offering a clear lens to discern right from wrong.

Believing in the resurrection transforms our worldview, anchoring us in eternal hope and unshakable truth.

Discerning Truth in an Age of Misinformation

• The Challenge of Misinformation 

The digital age has made information more accessible—and more confusing. Every day, we’re faced with competing narratives that blur the lines between fact and fiction. This constant bombardment can lead to spiritual doubt and distraction.

• The Role of Scripture and the Holy Spirit

In John 17:17, Jesus prays, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” The Bible is a reliable and eternal source of truth, providing a standard against which all else is measured. Additionally, the Holy Spirit guides us into truth (John 16:13), helping us discern what aligns with God’s Word.

Practical Steps for Discerning Truth:

1. Test Everything Against Scripture (Acts 17:11): Measure information against God’s Word to see if it aligns with His teachings.

2. Seek the Holy Spirit’s Guidance (John 16:13): Pray for clarity and discernment.

3. Verify Sources and Cross-Check Facts: Don’t accept claims at face value—research and confirm their credibility.

4. Ask Critical Questions (Proverbs 18:17): Evaluate evidence and motives behind claims.

5. Evaluate the Fruit (Matthew 7:16-20): Consider the outcomes of believing something—does it lead to godliness or division?

By anchoring ourselves in Scripture, relying on the Holy Spirit, and practicing discernment, we can navigate misinformation with confidence. 

The Call to Live Out Truth

• Personal Integrity 

As followers of Jesus, we are called to embody truth in our actions and words. This includes being honest, consistent, and faithful witnesses to Christ’s transformative power.

• Sharing the Gospel Truth 

In a world searching for meaning, the gospel is the greatest truth we can offer. As 1 Peter 3:15 reminds us, we must always be prepared to give an answer for the hope we have—a hope rooted in the resurrection.

The resurrection is not just a historical event; it’s a life-changing truth that shapes how we live and believe. Let it guide your decisions, strengthen your faith, and inspire you to share Christ with others.

Final Thought

The search for truth ends at the empty tomb. Jesus came to bear witness to the truth, and His resurrection confirms it. In a world filled with confusion, the resurrection is our firm foundation.

Truth is not just an idea—it’s a person. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. Let His resurrection guide you as you navigate the complexities of life, and may you boldly proclaim His truth to a world in desperate need.

Hebrews: Jesus is Supreme

 Who is Jesus?

The book of Hebrews answers this question. Apparently, in an attempt to make Christianity more appealing, people were downplaying the identity of Jesus. The author of this book/sermon wanted to correct people’s incorrect theology about Jesus.

This is why the Hebrews begins with an argument for the supremacy of Jesus Christ as the Son of God.

Hebrews 1:1-4 (CSB)

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors by the prophets at different times and in different ways. In these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son. God has appointed him heir of all things and made the universe through him. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact expression of his nature, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. So he became superior to the angels, just as the name he inherited is more excellent than theirs.

The author of Hebrews started by stating that in the past, God spoke to his people through the prophets. But in these last days, he has spoken to us through his Son. This alone tells us that

Jesus is not just another prophet, but he is the Son of God, sent to us to reveal God's plan for creation.

The author then goes on to describe Jesus as "the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being." In other words, Jesus is the perfect image of God the Father. He is not just a messenger, but he is the embodiment of God's love and grace for us. Through Jesus, we can see the very nature of God, his character, and his will for us.

Furthermore, the author of Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus is the one who sustains all things by his powerful word. It is through Jesus that everything was created, and he holds everything together. This means that Jesus is not only the revelation of God, but he is also the one who upholds the universe and keeps everything in order.

Finally, the author tells us that Jesus has become superior to the angels, who were also messengers of God in the Old Testament. This is because Jesus is not just a messenger, but he is the Son of God, and he has been given a name that is above all names. He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

So, what does this mean for us? It means that we have a Savior who is not only powerful but also personal. He is not only the Creator of the universe but also the Redeemer of our souls. Through him, we can experience the forgiveness of our sins, the healing of our brokenness, and the restoration of our relationship with God.

As we reflect on these words from Hebrews, let us be reminded of the greatness of our God and the depth of his love for us. Let us also be encouraged to put our faith in Jesus, who is the only way to the Father. May we surrender our lives to him, and may we live every day in the light of his grace and truth.

Is That the Real Reason for Deconstruction?

Ever since Donald Trump’s election as president, and especially since the pandemic, deconstruction has been a topic of conversation within Christian circles.

Deconstruction, according to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, “is the analytic examination of something (such as a theory) often in order to reveal its inadequacy.” 

Deconstruction, for the Christian, is the process of breaking down the beliefs and doctrines held by a church, denomination, or theological framework because the teachings and practices don’t seem to line up. 

When done in pursuit of truth deconstruction can be an admirable work. 

In fact, I went through a period of deconstruction in the years of 2007-2009 (though that wasn’t the term being used then), as I questioned many of the things I believed both religiously and politically. The one truth I held on to in this process is the resurrection of Jesus. I knew it was not possible to have answers to all my questions, but since I was confident about the resurrection, I trusted that to be my anchor point to help guide my life in pursuit of what is true.

Deconstruction, when done to reveal the inadequacies of your former belief system, is less about discovering what is true than it is creating justification for why you changed. This is why, even though I believe deconstruction can be a healthy part of our journey of faith, I am skeptical about all the deconstruction that is happening across the different faith traditions in the United States.

Take this tweet by Zach Lambert:

Because we are tribal creatures we want to be part of a group. If we feel like outsiders with our current group we are going to find a new one and we are going to adopt the practices of that new group. That is partially what is behind the deconstruction movement. People have found a new group to belong and they are joining in on this thing everyone else is doing. In this sense it is the “sexy” thing to do.

I would agree with Zack that people aren’t deconstructing to have an excuse to sin. This is a weak argument given by morality police to make it seem like deconstruction is all about emotions and feelings rather than real intellectual questions that need to be thought through.

My main problem with the tweet Zach's proclamation that people are deconstructing because the Christianity and Christians that they know are unlike Jesus. It is a subtle jab towards conservative Christians because he doesn't like their politics or their belief about Jesus.

What Zach is saying is that people are deconstructing from the Donald Trump supporting, LGBTQ+ hating, racist, and Christian nationalist Christianity of the political right, because that is not the Christianity of Jesus.

But is that true? Are people leaving conservative Christian circles to discover the real Jesus?

I pastor a church that is made up of conservative Christians who for the most part supported Donald Trump for president, hold to a traditional sexual ethic, and are very patriotic. There are certainly issues that we don't see eye to eye on, especially in areas surrounding politics and patriotism, but I don't question their love for Jesus or their sincere desire to faithfully follow Him.

The real issue isn't that conservative Christians are so unlike Christ, rather, it is a difference of opinion about who Jesus is.

We live in a culture where virtually everyone wants to claim Jesus their own. Jesus gets distorted as a result. If Zach is going to claim that people are deconstructing because the Christians they know and the Christianity that they have been handed are unlike Christ, then we need to know what he means by Christ.

From my perspective it seems that progressive politics may have influenced his understanding about Christianity and Jesus as much as conservative politics have influenced much of evangelicalism or libertarianism has influenced my perception of Jesus and his teaching.

The reason behind much of the current trend of deconstruction is the influence of progressivism into American Christian. This influence gives them a different lens to see Jesus, interpret Scripture, and evaluate the traditions of Christianity. Rather than deconstructing to a truer version of Christianity and Christ, they are adopting a Christianity that is more in line with the progressive thought they have adopted.

With the support of a new tribe they feel supported and safe to lob accusations and mischaracterizations towards those who hold their former way of thinking.

I understand the need to critique the current state of Evangelicalism, and other branches of conservative Christianity, in the United States. We need to talk about the unhealthy alliance of Christianity and politics, the lack of true discipleship, and admitting the flaws of those who came before us. 

What is not helpful in that discussion is the accusation that Christians who are loving, helpful, generous, and faithful are unlike Christ because they see the world through a conservative lens rather than a progressive lens.

Deconstruction has less to do with truly finding Jesus and more to do with finding alignment between faith and a new worldview.

The Bible is not an Answer Book

 I love the Bible. 

In fact, I believe that people who follow Jesus should be readers and students of the Bible. In the Bible we discover God, His character, and His will. 

Without the Bible we would not be able to follow Jesus or be the people God created us to be.

Last year I lead Bethlehem Church through The Story to give us a good overview of what the Bible is about. One of the things I constantly talked about through that series is that the Bible is gift from God. In all the 30 sermons I preached, I said, “We need to read, study, meditate on, and pray the Bible to be good stewards of the gift God has given to us.”

Even though I have a high view of Scripture, I also understand that it has limitations.

As modern readers of the Bible, we often approach it as if it has the answer to all of life’s questions. That is a primary reason why we  read and study the Bible: to have all the right answers.

Instead of viewing the Bible as an answer book, we need to see the Bible  as a tool to help create a worldview. It may not provide the answers to all the questions asked in our culture, but it does provide a framework that helps us create a Christian worldview.

I have been pondering how we use the Bible the past few days for a couple of reasons.

1. BibleProject has a podcast series that looks at ancient cosmology. One of the key points in the series is looking at how the Biblical account of creation is in dialogue and debate with the other ancient creation myths. 

Many Western Christians, for the past 120 years or so, have used the Bible to provide facts and answers about the beginning of the universe. The problem is that the Bible was not written to answer modern scientific questions. It was written to give God’s people a particular view of the world and to combat the pagan religious views of their neighbors.

Therefore, we shouldn’t expect the Bible to give us definitive answers about the how and when of creation, but we should expect it to give us an understanding about who God is and why He created the world.

2. Preston Sprinkle wrote:

If someone experiences and congruent between their biological sex and their gender, which one determines who they are—and why? What does the Bible say about this question?

That’s the problem. The Bible doesn’t directly ask and answer this question. There’s no verse in, say, Leviticus 28 that says, “If thy gender identity does not match thy biological sex, then thine body is who you really are.” Or whatever. (There is no Leviticus 28, in case you are flipping pages to check.) But the Bible does say quite a few relevant things about human nature and the importance of our biological sex which will position us to cultivate a theologically informed and biblically rooted answer to our question. (Embodied, p. 63)

After doing lots of research, Sprinkle admits that the Bible doesn’t contain the answers to the questions surrounding the transgender conversation. You can’t compile a list of verses that deal specifically with these issues. 

Not only is this true for the transgender conversation, but it is true for many of the questions we have today. Our culture is significantly different from the cultures that the Bible was originally written for. We shouldn’t expect to to have answers to our modern questions.

Since the Bible is God’s gift to His people, we can expect that it will give us a proper perspective to see the world.

It is important to make this shift away from seeing the Bible as an answer book to one that helps us create a Christian worldview.

God did not give us the Bible so we can have all the right answers. 

Rather, He gave us the Bible so we can become the right type of people. 

If we primarily use the Bible to have the right answers, to win arguments, and to point out other people’s sin then we are using the Bible wrong.

The Bible should help form us into the people God created us to be. One of the ways it does that is to create a proper perspective for us to see the world.

Let the Bible form your worldview.

Join the Paul’s Ponderings Facebook Page.

Seek to Discover Jesus

Reading through the book of John it becomes evident that there were great disagreements about Jesus' identity.  This is even seen in the Pharisees. Here is a group that we generally talk about opposing Jesus, but the reality was that there was a disagreement about Jesus among them (John 9:16).

In John 10:19 we again see that people had a disagreement about Jesus: When he said these things, the people were again divided in their opinions about him (NLT). 

 

There was this disagreement, or division, because Jesus provided a paradox for them. 

On the one hand Jesus taught with great authority and insight. 

On the other hand Jesus did not obey the culture expectations of the day. He was not always a "good" Jew.

All these centuries later, people still have disagreements about who Jesus is. 

• Some want to classify him as a good teacher who was able to give profound spiritual insight. 
• Some may elevate him to the position of prophet, a man of God giving people a word from God. 
• Some label Jesus as a liar who led people astray. 
• Some call him a myth who never existed. 

People are still divided about who Jesus is.

Since I claim to follow Jesus, it is important that I understand who Jesus is to the best of my ability. 

Now, I admit, it is easy, even by looking at the biblical account, to create Jesus in my image. To make a Jesus I am comfortable with, who will support my agendas, and promote my worldview. 

 

Even within the Church there are many different ideas of who Jesus is, how he lived, and what he taught.

This means we need make an effort to discover who Jesus is. 

• We need understand the culture in which Jesus lived which provide much needed context to his teaching. 
• We need to seek to hear his teaching through the ears of his intended audience.
• We need to learn why see his miracles and ministry through these first century eyes.

 It is easier to engage the Gospels, as well as the whole of Scripture, at just the surface level, as we look for those eternal truths to apply to our lives. But, I have come to believe that we miss much of the truth God has for us by not digging deeper into the text. 

People will always be divided over who Jesus is, but that shouldn’t keep us from the responsibility of doing what we can to discover the Jesus of history. 

I believe that when we commit ourselves to such a study we will be blessed with the gift of getting to know who Jesus is and all that he has done for us.

We Need to Discuss Truth

 

This tweet from Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is true. 

Lies are contrary to the truth and are not just mere opinions.

As a Christian I want to seek, believe, and even defend the truth.

Here is the thing, it isn’t always easy to tell what the truth is.

For example, I like to say that love is the central command of Christianity and the resurrection is the central truth of Christianity. 

I believe the resurrection of Jesus is true and not a lie. There are different pieces of evidences that I use to support that belief. 

Yet, there are very smart people who will offer their evidence on why the resurrection never happened.

In other words, there is a difference of opinion when it comes to how we arrive at something being truth or a lie.

I bring this example up because I think many things within the realm of politics fall into this same sort of category. When trying to arriving at what is true, we have to discuss our perspective about why we believe something is true or not. 

It is not good enough to simply declare something to be true or false. We need to be wiling to share our thoughts and listen to why someone else believes what they do.

To simply declare something to be true or false causes dialogue to end and division between people to increase.

Here is another example.

On Wednesday, January 6, 2021 a violent mob stormed the Capitol Building in Washington D. C.

That is a statement that virtually everyone would agree to be true.

What isn’t agreed about, and the areas of opinion that should be discussed are: 

1. Whether that mob was incited by President Trump? 
2. Was it an insurrection or coup attempt?
3. What defines someone as a domestic terrorist?

Here is my point: Our different perspectives give us a different understanding of truth. If we are truly committed to truth then we should be willing to hear those different perspectives.

This is precisely why freedom of speech is such an important part of life. It allows us to dialogue with one another. It helps us refine our arguments and beliefs. It gives us a chance to demonstrate why certain things are lies.

A major problem we are facing in the United States is the inability to really participate in the process of free speech. We want to be able to say what we believe the truth to be, but we don’t other people to respond with their perspective. We would much rather stay within our own little echo chamber, having our world view confirmed, than stepping outside that bubble and having it challenged.

We need to be brave enough to have civil conversation with people, seeking to understand why they believe what they believe, rather than just declaring the other side is lying and walking away. 

The true benefit found in the freedom of speech is the opportunity to point out the inconstancies, errors, and false beliefs the other side has. It gives you the ability to answer those who promote a different ideology than you do and make the case for why your beliefs are true.

This is such an important freedom, and skill, to have.

War for Truth

 I recently saw the following on Facebook:

"We're losing the war for truth. There's no bigger crisis for media, politics and society than the growing number of people who don't believe facts and verifiable figures. If we don't collectively solve this, we are all screwed."

Truth is important. 

People, and I think Christians especially, should strive to be on the side of truth.

Yet, that goal is not always as easy as we make it out to be. I believe we need to think about how we come to know truth. 

Ask yourself the question: “How do I know my beliefs are true?”

For most of us, what we believe to be true we have received second hand, from a source that we trust. The problem really isn’t a “war for truth,” but a disagreement on what sources can be trusted. 

Let me also say I dislike the use of the word “war.” We tend to use this word to show there are two distinct sides that are at conflict with one another. So we have things like the drug war, the war on poverty, the war on Christmas, and the war on Terror. On the one side you have the “good guys” and on the other side you have the “bad guys.” 

Do you see the problem with this belief?

Consider this tweet:

No seriously, when you think you need to “deprogram” friends and neighbors because they don’t think like you, you have lost the chance to have a civil conversation. 

You can’t take the moral high ground if you want to cast other people (people who are often friends and family) as your enemy. No meaningful conversation is going to come from that.

After all, who gets to decide what is true and what is not true? Why should I accept your version of truth?

Everyone believes they know what the truth is, but their versions of truth differ because they have chosen to trust different sources for the information that makes up that truth.

Again, this is the key issue: “What sources can I trust to provide me with true information?”

While you may trust what is printed in the newspaper or is on the evening news, not everyone does.There is a significant percentage of people in the United States who believe they cannot trust what comes out of the corporate press. 

Last month Michael Malice tweeted:

If you don’t understand that the corporate press, the source of information many Americans trust, has lost the trust of many other Americans, then you are going to see this as a “war for truth.” 

It is not. 

Therefore, rather than treating it like a war, we need to have a discussion about why we trust the sources of information that we do.

Why would some Americans not trust the information offered by the government and the corporate press?

Thaddeus Russell tweeted this:

This is just one example of why many people don’t trust the same sources of information that you do.

The problem isn’t that there are Americans who are ignoring “facts and verifiable figures,” rather the issue is that they don’t think those facts and figures can be trusted. In other words, it is less about the information, and more about the source of that information.

So Michael Malice’s question is a good one: “What can the corporate press do to regain the trust of the public?”

Rather than starting a war, maybe you should ask that simple question first.

Perception and Truth

In our search for truth it is important to recognize that most of our beliefs that we hold on to as truth are just our interpretation of the data that we have. 

I am not saying that truth doesn’t exist or that it is impossible to discover truth, but I am saying that truth isn’t as objective as we sometimes would like it to be. 

We realize that two people looking at the exact same data can come to two different conclusions. 

Some of that is based on first principles, for example, believing in God is going to shape our interpretation of the data about the origins of the universe.

Some of that is based on our experiences, for example, whether you have a positive or negative experience with church growing up is going to shape your opinion on the importance of being part of church family as you grow older.

This is what Erwin McManus wrote in his book Soul Cravings:

In other words, for something to make sense to us, it cannot remain outside of us. We do not simply study information and then come to a conclusion; we absorb it and come to a personal interpretation of what is real.

I was listening to a lecture in which the speaker referred to studies in neuroscience that describe the process from which the human brain gathers and holds information. He explained that when the human brain absorbs information, that information is one part data and six parts emotion. Now that’s a fascinating thought--that everything we remember is wrapped around everything we experience. When you reflect on this, it makes perfect sense. (Meaning; Entry #12: It’s All in How You Look At It)*

What Erwin talks about here explains why, for most people, their relationships with the fathers affect their view of God. 

It also accounts for people who leave Christianity after a personal tragedy in their lives. Their view of God and the Church affected by their experience.

In the United States there is a significant amount of people who are not buying the version of truth being offered from the corporate press and politicians.

Why are they skeptical?

They are skeptical because they believe they have been lied to, overlooked, and stabbed in the back by these people who now say, "Just trust us." 

When we remember that perception is reality for people, it should not surprise us that there people who do not hold to your version of what is real. Their experience is leading them to a different conclusion.

It really doesn't matter how many experts, studies, and facts we believe back up our point-of-view because another person will put all of that through their filter of experience and emotion. This is why facts are weak persuasion. 

All of us like to believe that we rational and that the beliefs that we hold we arrived at through following the facts. The reality is that the majority of the time we arrive at our beliefs for emotional reasons and we use facts to justify our positions afterwards. This is why these facts seem so obvious to us.

If we want to change someone's mind the best thing to do is not to throw a bunch of facts and figures at them, but to offer a listening ear and show that you understand what they are saying. Without listening and seeking to understand other people there will be an ever growing divide between people who hold different points-of-view.

* Soul Cravings is a book without page numbers. For reference I provided the title of the section and the entry number and title. I believe the McManus discussion on truth is worth the price of the book.