MORNING MANNA 7-1-22
IF YOU BELIEVE THE BIBLE
“If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.”– John 15:19
If you believe the Bible—if you believe what God says in his Word—be prepared for society to come at you with a vengeance. Long gone are the days when the culture simply wanted equality; they are past equality and demand our approval. Don’t budge.
If you believe the Bible—if you believe Scripture is inspired by God—be ready to give a reason for the hope within you. We don’t get brownie points for being Christians anymore, no matter our demographic. It’s no longer enough to say you believe the Bible—you need to know it in order to give a reason for why you believe it.
If you believe the Bible—if you believe God is ultimately the author—then don’t be surprised if you’re labeled a bigot, a homophobe, transphobe, or any other “phobe.” The Bible is crystal clear regarding those issues. Don’t cower in fear, back away, or compromise.
If you believe the Bible—if you believe the scriptures are inerrant—then many people will turn against you. If the world hated Jesus, they will hate you, too. Believing in the Bible will cost you—in more ways than one. Be prepared for the pushback, the vitriol, the marginalization (and even persecution).
If you believe the Bible—if you believe the Word of God is the supreme authority—then prepare to be laughed at, scoffed at, and insulted. Ponder this word from George Whitefield: “If you are going to walk with Jesus Christ, you are going to be opposed … In our days, to be a true Christian is really to become a scandal.” Many will ridicule you for believing in the Bible because “it’s not relevant anymore.” However, as Steve Lawson says: “The Bible is more relevant than tomorrow’s newspaper.”
If you believe the Bible—if you don’t compromise your convictions on its truth claims—then you will be labeled an outcast, on the fringe of society. Most will proclaim you as a minority, as one who needs to get with the times. But they’re wrong. As John Knox once said: “A man with God is always in the majority.” If you’re in Christ, you’re on the right side of history. Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise.
You can stake your life on the Bible. Stand firm. – Blake Long
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
