Discerning the Truth

      Looking through old family records, I came across my father’s college grades one day.  Before he went into farming full time, he had considered becoming an attorney like his father.  He especially loved history and always got a high grade in that subject.  I inherited that love for the subject as I, too, enjoy reading things that happened long ago.  My dad used to tell me that we must learn lessons from the past so they are not repeated in the future.  This, indeed, is a wise piece of advice.
     Unfortunately, we are now living in a day of “fake” news stories bent on destroying reputations, and a time of historical revisionism to make history more politically correct.  Both of these entities distort the truth.  In addition, we find much the same thing to be true even in the realm of Christian thought.  There is a plethora of books on the market today written by a variety of authors putting forth their view of theology, faith and practice.  Yet, we have to ask the question, how do I know that what is being written is true?
     According to the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Corinthians (I Corinthians 3:11), he tells us:  “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”  Therefore we have to compare what is being written to the foundation of truth we have in Christ that is found in the Bible.  God does not leave us without a measuring stick for truth.   He wants us to know what is right.  This applies not only to books that are written but also to teaching and preaching.
     In and through the pages of Scripture, we meet God.  We come to learn about His character, the history of His people, His provision for our salvation, and how to live.  There was never a more complete source of truth for us who have been called by His name.  A passage in the book of Hebrews tells us what the Bible can do:  “For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).  Now that is a sharp instrument when it can separate truth from fiction and look at heart motivations!  Yet, people neglect to read the Bible as they should.  At this particular time in history where conflicting stories abound daily, we need to be more faithful to bathe our minds in the Word.  This will help us to recognize wolves in sheep’s clothing, false teaching, poor theology and help us stay grounded in the foundation laid by the Apostle and Prophets with Jesus being the chief cornerstone(Ephesians 2:20).
     Prayer along with Bible study is also key in its importance.  We need the guidance of the Holy Spirit in discerning the truth.  When we commune with God, we are more open to His guidance through the pages of Scripture.  Starting each day with prayer keeps our feet planted in the right soil for our growth, and reading the Word is our food.  What other ways can we discern truth when approaching books, teaching and preaching?
     One of the things I keep on hand is several different study Bibles.  Ligonier puts out an excellent Reformed Study Bible.  Footnotes help with understanding difficult passages.  I also enjoy using The MacArthur Study Bible.  Both of these resources are filled with maps and other helpful information.  In addition, my husband and I have accumulated commentaries, Bible dictionaries and other helpful resource books over the years.  The internet also has resources, but we have to be careful who the author is and what their perspective on the Bible is as well.
     This brings me to another point.  Check out the author before you buy the book.  Know something about his/her beliefs.  Do they adhere to Reformation theology?  What have they written before?  What are some other theologians saying about their work?  Personally, I check this out carefully before I jump in and read.
Most book sellers have a place for reviews so I also read these.  I want to know where someone is coming from in terms of their perspective on life and faith.  Time is valuable so I want to spend it wisely reading those things that build up with genuine meat from God’s Word.
     At this point, some may say that it seems like a lot of effort to go to in order to discern the truth.  However, Proverbs 14:15-16 says, “The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.  One who is wise is cautious and turns away evil but a fool is reckless and careless.”  I would rather take my time and follow the example of the Bereans who checked everything the Apostle Paul taught (Acts 17:11) than to accept every wind of doctrine that comes around.  Fads, “fake” news, secular trends will come and go, but the Word of the Lord will stand forever.  Be a discerner of the truth and take time to study and show yourself approved of God.  We glorify Him when we walk in the truth and the light of His Word.  Selah!