Real truth can be elusive if one allows themselves to be influenced by compromised sources that may be uninformed or biased, even if not malicious. Where is real truth found? In the real beginning…. ♦
Our culture feeds us a lot of information that we often readily accept at face value. Many are willing to unquestioningly accept what they hear or read from peers, leaders, or someone with impressive credentials. Be it something said or published by a Harvard PhD, a museum director, an editor from a major national newspaper or scientific journal, an outspoken celebrity, nightly news commentator, famous author, TV figure, even pastor, politician or religious leader, we are either easily impressed or put a lot of value on status and reputation.
Admittedly we’re gullible and susceptible to a good (or poor) presentation and collection of data, apparent evidence, consensus, polls, and posturing. If the paper says it, or TV news, or someone with an advanced degree, we tend to believe it. We assume they’ve done their homework and researched the data, so it must be true. Or mostly true. And that’s good enough for us to believe or start believing, or start espousing as our own opinions on the matter.
This should strike you as a recipe for extending fallacies, lies and distortions. Unfortunately, the problem is rampant in a culture that’s been compromised.
And it’s worse when it comes to Biblical truths.
The Bible and Modern Culture
In my own private market research study, testing a hypotheses that we were losing a generation of basic Bible understanding, I used to ask my children’s junior high and high school friends simple questions like who was Noah, Abraham, Jonah, Moses, David, John the Baptist, etc. Mind you, I did this randomly and without brow-beating or humiliation. I simply wanted to see if this next generation was being trained at all in Biblical history and understanding, regardless of belief or devotion.
As you might imagine, the results were oftentimes woeful. One time when I asked one the question: Who built the Ark? The reply was sad but priceless: “It was either Noah or Jonah, although I thought her name was Joan.” No more questions for that one!
I dare say that if it wasn’t taught when young, then those entering adulthood are particularly susceptible to the siren sounds of a secular culture that aggressively asserts an anti-Bible, pro-evolution bias. Many buy it all hook, line and sinker without serious questioning or their own research. There are few students who can debate the college professor and survive the experience. Better to keep quiet and toe the line.
They settle into telling themselves: The scientific method rules. It kinda all makes sense anyway. And Christians are such hypocrites. And how can the Bible really be anything but a bunch of old men writing for their own benefit? And it’s all subject to interpretation. And Darwin has been proven right. And all scientists believe evolution. Etc., etc., etc.
Claiming to be wise, they’ve become fools.
John 1 and Romans 1
It should once again be required K-12 education to have everyone read the first chapters of the Book of John and the Book of Romans in the New Testament. No, not to proselytize, rather to teach human history and force acknowledgement and understanding of the greatest life lived and its context and impact on all of human development. Don’t call it religion to diminish it; call it education, wisdom seeking and a history lesson bestowed for a lifetime of learning, growing and understanding the purpose of life.
To ignore these passages is to do oneself and one’s children a grave disservice. And why ignore? Because a crass and depraved culture tells you it’s not worthy, and you believe it? Woe to those so smug that they keep themselves in darkness any longer than necessary.
The Real Beginning
I push John 1 because the story is compelling, rich, and mind-boggling. Jesus was the beginning. He created the real beginning. If you don’t understand it, study it. Keep reading into chapter 2 and you won’t want to stop as you’re led into the launching of Jesus’ ministry. Did you know his turning water into wine at the wedding was done only 3 days after His recognition and baptism by John? It’s a page-turner, not a boring religious relic. Don’t listen to what others say about it – read it and study it yourself.
Romans 1 is a whole other story. Written by Paul, the gifted former first Christian-hater, this is a masterful treatise presenting Christianity in brilliant logic and prose. Chapter 1 lays it out as it laid out Gentiles, Jews then and anyone willing to read and comprehend the magnitude of what Paul is presenting here. It ties in the history of the Jews, the origins of creation, and the plight of those who fail to grasp truth and reach for a lie.
Yes, we owe it to ourselves and our families to get educated and stop listening to others who may not necessarily have our own best interests in mind, but likely merely their own agenda and distorted worldview.
But of course, don’t take my word for it.
Do you know real Truth?
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“For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature, namely, his eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse; for although they knew God they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking and their senseless minds were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools…” – Romans 1:19-22
Categories: Abundant Living, Books of the Bible, Creation, Devotion, Evolution, Faith, Israel, Jesus, Theology
Biblical Viewpoint 
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