Patterns for What You Believe

Does it make any difference what we believe? Yes, because what we hold to be true affects every area of our life. Unless we clearly understand what our convictions are and why we embrace them, we will waver in our faith and poorly represent Christ to others. The problem is, most people have only a vague idea about their beliefs. It's wise to consider foundational truths that govern our Christian thinking and lifestyles.

A good place to start is with the Bible, God's unfolding revelation of Himself. Second Timothy 3:16 tells us every part of the holy book is inspired, or "God-breathed." This means that God chose certain individuals according to their beckground, their spirituality, and the messafe He wanted to convey at a particular time in history. Then He gave them every idea and recollection He wanted included; the human authors in turn wrote down what they had received.

In light of the fact that men were involved in the writing process, it is understandable that people question the Bible's reliability. Yet it is perfectly trustworthy and accurate because God was doing the speaking and the overseeing. He also made sure there would be substantiating evidence. You have undoubtedly heard about the discovery of numerous ancient scrolls-despite their age, nothing in them has contradicted a single doctrinal point in the Bibles we use today.

When you pick up a Bible, realize what you hold in your hand. It isn't merely ink on paper-it is the living Word of God, which He lovingly gave mankind so that we would grow in our relationship to Him.