Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - DO YOU BELIEVE?

 DO YOU BELIEVE?

That doesn’t seen to be a difficult question but, when you think about it, perhaps not as easy as first thought. Belief was one of the main points in Paul’s letter to the church in Thessalonica when he stated that:

…when you received the word of God which you heard from us, 

you welcomed it not as the word of men, 

but as it is in truth, the word of God… 

(1Thessalonians 2:13)

It was evidently due to this belief that their…

…faith toward God has gone out…

[and] you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. 

(1 Thessalonians 1:8,7)

So, in light of this, the question must be raised as to whether we have the same degree of faith as did the people in that church in Thessalonica. After all, much has changed since Paul ministered and penned the letter referred to in the Bible. The development of all the means of communication that we now have and the influx of commentators on any subject causes one to wonder just what is real and what is not. Nowadays, there are so many books with myths and wonders and miracles, and shows which display beings who possess superhuman characteristics that the separation of reality from fiction becomes more difficult each year. When beings such as Superman, Captain America, Iron Man, Wolverine, etc. can do what’s attributed to them, it becomes easy to understand why the Bible becomes just another book of myths and superhuman stories.

In light of this, it seems to be more difficult than ever for people to have faith that the Bible is just not another book of stories but that it really does give the history of the relationship between God and man and that:

 

All scripture is given by inspirational of God, 

and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, 

for correction, for instruction in righteousness… 

(2 Timothy 3:16)

Without all the distractions of the modern world, the church at Thessalonica believed that what they had heard came from God and so went on to do remarkable things. But today those distractions are present and increasing every day. Perhaps that is why the Bible states:

Let no one deceive you by any means; 

for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first…

(2 Thessalonians 2:3)

In many ways, that falling away certainly seems to have occurred causing many to disbelieve that the word such as Paul preached was really the word of God. As a result, the faith of many is lacking and as it is written:

without faith it is impossible to please Him, 

for he who comes to God must believe that He is, 

and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. 

(Hebrews 11:6)

And because there is a lack of faith… 

There is no fear of God before their eyes. 

(Romans 3:18)

Lack of faith leads to a lack of fear and a world such as we have today. In due time, we will all know the truth and in the meantime, the question remains.

Do you believe?

It is something to think about.