"Why Do You Believe?"

  If someone came to you and asked you why you believed what you believe, could you tell them? I am certain some would give a Scriptural answer. The next question comes, "Well, why do you believe that?" You might stumble for words but probably end up saying, "Because the Bible says that." As they continue to probe they ask, "Why do you believe in the Bible?" What would you say? How would you respond? Would you simply state that it is God's word? Then comes the big question, "How do you know the Bible is God's word? The Quran, the book of Mormon also claim to be the word of God!" Would you have an answer?

  Do we not realize how important it is to know why we believe what we believe? Over my many years I have watched the children of many growing up in the Lord's church and are talked out of their faith either in college or early adulthood simply because they have no understanding or conviction about what they believe. Other children just walk away and think nothing of it. They simply went with mom and dad growing up with little to no understanding. The belief by many parents is they will get what they need at worship or study. No real conviction of faith was ever developed. We can turn the page and find many Christian adults fall to pieces when their faith is put to the test because they have no real foundation of strength because of the lack of conviction. Many adults do not know why they believe what they believe. They simply exist without any real desire and the moment a problem arises, off they go to something else or quit. Many find their belief that easy to rob!

  We need to believe God's word is God's word but unless you know why it is so you won't last long when confronted with ideas and you can be easily swayed to something else outside the realm of truth. Paul stated to the church at Colossae when speaking about the treasures that are hidden only in Christ and found no where else: "I say this to that no one will delude you with persuasive argument. For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ. Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude."  (Col. 2:4-7) Paul was making certain they were grounded and rooted. What about you?