Why Do You Believe?

Tip: Consider the background. Is it relevant to your image? Or does it distract?

Have you ever thought about why you believe what you do? It's easy to jump out and say "Well of course! It's in the Bible." While this is a perfectly legitimate reply and reason, one must stop and think before they blurt it out. Have I actually read this? It is easy to fall into second-hand belief, especially if you were raised being taught certain things. Hearing someone you trust talk about scriptural truths can easily take the place of searching the Bible for yourself, and this should not be.

Romans 12:2 tells us, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." [emphasis mine]

We are called to test and discern what is the perfect, good, and acceptable will of God. How do we do this? By reading the Bible. If we do not take the time and responsibility of searching the scripture thoroughly for ourselves, yet claim to know God's word, it is like someone who receives a post card or watches the Travel Channel and acts like they have been to the location spoken of. You can learn a good amount of information second-hand, and it may well even be true information, but until you go there yourself, you can't really know the place. 

The above is true with the Bible also. You can read many good, theologically sound books, hear sermons, and talk with well educated friends. These are all fine and good resources for broadening our understanding of scripture, but until you open your Bible and read it for yourself, you cannot fully know exactly what God has said.

What doctrines and beliefs of God and His workings do you cling to in your mind? Have you read the scriptures that back these up (in full context)? If not, I challenge you to do so.