At a recent gathering, my family and I got into what I call a "lively discussion" about some of the literal meanings of the Bible. The subject of the parting of the Red Sea came up, and some family members tried to explain the "truth" behind the actual event. When one of my family members essentially asked me--"You don't REALLY believe it happened the way it's written in the Bible, do you?"--the only answer I could give was that Jesus believed it, and that was good enough for me. Through careful and prayerful study of the Bible in recent years, I've realized that one thing is certain--Jesus believed the Scriptures were true. He even called them "the Word of God." (John 10:35) That leaves us with only three choices: Christ was (1) a lunatic, (2) a liar, or (3) He was exactly who He said He was--the Son of the Living God. He states this clearly in John 10:36 when He says, "I am God's Son." Jesus also makes it clear that what we believe about Him will determine where we spend eternity. In John 8:24, He says, "If you do not believe that I am the One I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins." Jesus believed in the infallibility of the Bible. He said, "I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished." (Matthew 5:18) He also said, "the Scripture cannot be broken." (John 10:35) Jesus called God's Word "Truth." (John 17:17) He even called Himself "the Truth." (John 14:6) He said that those who reject Him and don't accept His words as truth will be condemned. (John 12:48) It's obvious that Jesus doesn't leave us any room to doubt the veracity of God's Word. Either we believe it--and Him--or we don't.

After a Christian concert I attended some years ago, the lead singer gave an inspiring talk, and he said something that was life-changing for me. He said that it didn't matter to him what discoveries science made because nothing could shake his faith. He knew His God and believed His Word. From that day on, I made a quality decision not to put any stock in scientific discoveries that refuted, or even supported, God's Word. Every time I hear about strong scientific evidence supporting the Bible, I eventually hear evidence refuting it. God doesn't want us putting our faith in science, technology, or archeology. He wants us to put our faith solely in Him and His Word. Jesus said that only those with childlike faith would enter the Kingdom of God. That's because we're going to have to deal with a lot of unanswered questions and still trust God while we're in this world. Those who try to figure out God, or who try to find scientific or logical explanations for His actions will not be entrusted with an intimate knowledge of His awesome character and truth. Jesus said: "I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for hiding these things from the intellectuals and worldly wise and for revealing them to those who are as trusting as little children. Yes, thank You, Father, for that is the way You wanted it." (Luke 10:21-22 TLB)

If you tried to convince me that the God of the Bible isn't real, or that His Word isn't true, I'd have to tell you that you're too late. As the apostle Paul said, "I know whom I have believed." (2 Timothy 1:12) To me, Jesus is not a lunatic or a liar. He's my Lord. I've given Him His rightful place in my life, and because of that, He's revealed Himself to me in awesome ways. Because I believe His promises and take them personally, I see them come to pass in my life. Those who doubt the truth of God's Word and His promises will never profit from them. (Hebrews 4:2) If you believe the way I do, don't ever let anyone ruin your faith or cause you to doubt. Paul wrote, "Don't let others spoil your faith and joy with their philosophies, their wrong and shallow answers built on men's thoughts and ideas, instead of on what Christ has said." (Colossians 2:8 TLB) Faith is not a feeling; it's a decision. The Bible says that God has given every man a measure of faith. (Romans 12:3) That means that all of us have the ability to believe God. But we have to choose to believe. When we do, God has promised to reveal Himself to us. (John 11:40) Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do you say I am?" Today, He’s asking you the same thing. How will you answer Him?

Prayer: Lord, please give me the faith I need to believe Your Word and act on it for Your glory. Help me to do my part by seeking You daily in prayer, praise, and Bible reading. I pray that my faith would become so unshakable that nothing anyone says or does can spoil it. I surrender my all to You, Jesus, and I thank You for being my Lord!