Believe
I have had a series of debates recently with folks with a common theme - whether or not we can believe the Bible as a word-for-word, literal message from God. In the past few months, I have had a number of passionate debates with people from all walks of life around this topic. It is interesting that so many people believe so strongly that you cannot believe the Bible. Why is that?

The folks I have debated this issue with tend to focus on the Old Testament and some of the practices and beliefs that were practiced thousands of years ago..."How could God who is love condone the stoning of a woman who is divorced" (from an old college friend that, as it turns out, went through a bitter and painful divorce)..."How is it that God could condemn homosexuals?" asked another old college friend. He went on to say that Jesus was simply all about loving one another...He later told me that he respected my beliefs because while I was completely intolerant, I was at least consistent.

I had a debate a few years ago with a former co-worker. He is bright and well-educated. He is "evolved". He was captivated by The DaVinci Code and even taught a Sunday night class at his church on the book. That's right - a "bible" study on the DaVinci Code. He told me one time that "You cannot possibly believe the Bible word for word as a literal translation. You cannot ignore the writings of DaVinci...he was brilliant. You cannot be so closed minded." And yet, he believed the writings of DaVinci over the Word of God. I told him that he was playing with fire and that when the end of time comes, I'd rather not sit down with God and explain to Him on High that I found DaVinci captivating and brilliant.

For thousands of years, man has taken the Word of God and twisted it to make it fit his needs. It started with Adam & Eve - take what God says and justify doing what you want to do. For thousands of years learned, evolved, brilliant people have tried to justify their beliefs in opposition to the Word of God. Scientists have tried to disprove many of the events of the Bible from Noah's Ark to the parting of the Red Sea and even to the crucifixion of our Lord. As far as I know, they've come up empty.

If man takes the Bible apart and accepts portions of it but rejects other parts because they are too offensive or not agreeable -- Man becomes God. Man is saying he knows best. Our sin nature pulls away from the Truth. We simply cannot accept the Word. We have to rationalize it, tweak it, delete parts of it, etc. We'll peel it down to the few sections that we can make agree with our choices and call ourselves religious.

This mindset is everywhere in the modern church and it is extremely dangerous. Be careful. Trust the Word of God. Believe.

Soar!