HAVE QUESTIONS?

A person could also ask the question, “Aren’t there many ways to God?” We live in a culture today that values pluralism and diversity. In this context, it is easy to assume that all paths are equal in value and have the same end – even when these different beliefs are mutually exclusive and lead to very different destinations. It seems that a person’s perceptions or preferences are the final measure of what is true and valid rather than an objective standard pointing us to a specific goal.

As Christians, we believe the destination has a great deal to say about the validity and the truth of the paths we choose. Even as our culture embraces diversity, some things remain absolute. For example, if someone in Jackson, MS wanted to travel to Memphis, TN, they could choose, as is their privilege, to travel east or west on Interstate-20. In doing so, it is an absolute truth that no matter how far they traveled or how long they traveled, this person will never arrive at Memphis unless they changed direction.

All roads or paths cannot lead to God because there are so many different ideas of what or who God is. Some paths lead to “gods” that call us to achieve the goal, whatever that may be, through our personal effort, work, struggle, and sacrifice. Few people reach this “destination,” but the value comes from making the effort. On the other hand, Christianity has an entirely different view of how life achieves meaning and purpose. It points to a God who is radically different and personal. It leads to a God who loves his creation and who desires a personal relationship. As God, however, he has the perfect right to demand that those who seek him satisfy his expectations and standards – just as does every other faith, philosophy, or religion. Different from other gods, this God recognized the impossibility of imperfect people reaching him on their own. Because of his love, he took action and did everything necessary for anyone who wanted a relationship with him to have it as a gift. This God is one who actively seeks those who need him. He does not wait passively for those searching to stumble on to him by accident. There is a path that leads to him if you choose to take it. We can help if you are interested.

Ephesians 2:8-9
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.

God has given us evidence of His existence:

• Nature: Nature is orderly, consistent, and beautiful. God designed this world for our enjoyment and His glory. Psalm 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork.”
• Our uniqueness: God did not create clones. Each of us is “fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14) Our individual identity points to a Creator God who values each of us, even numbering the hairs on our heads. (Luke 12:7)
• Sense of right and wrong: Our moral compass shows us that we have a righteous Creator who places within each of us the ability to understand and recognize specific core values as right and wrong – even when we choose to go against those values.
• Love: Where does love originate? People seek and desire relationships with others. The ability to give and receive love is guided by more than instinct. 1 John 4:19 says, “We love Him because He first loved us.”
• Bible: The Bible has archaeological, historical, scientific, and spiritual proofs. The Bible tells us how God has acted in the past, how we can obey Him in the present, and how He will act in the future. 2 Timothy 3:16 says that God inspires all of the Bible.
• Jesus: Jesus is God’s ultimate revelation of Himself. Jesus came so that we could know the nature and character of God.
• Changed Lives: The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation. We can see the reality of God’s power in the changed lives and attitudes of those who choose to accept him and follow him in obedience.

We believe that God is real and personal and desires to have a personal relationship with each of us. If you want to talk more about the nature of God and who he is, we would love to hear from you.

Because Christians look to the Bible as their source of knowledge about God and what He desires, it is logical to ask how we can know the Bible is true. This question has been the subject of thousands of books, articles, and blog posts. The Bible is the most studied and analyzed book in the history of the world.

There is a lot we could say, but here’s a brief outline answer. We know the Bible is true because of:

• External evidence, including historical authenticity. The Bible describes historical events and places that can be and have been verified. Archaeology and non-Biblical writers and sources confirm many details in the Bible.
• Internal evidence, including prophecy. The Bible is internally consistent and unified in its themes despite being written by many different people over 1,500 years. The Bible does not speak to every event or circumstance, but where it does speak, it has proven to be accurate, factual, and free of contradiction. This internal consistency is also evident in how hundreds of predictions and prophecies made in one part of the Bible concerning people (including Jesus), places, nations, and events are fulfilled hundreds of years later.
• Reliable testimony. We have extensive ancient manuscripts, or copies, of the Bible in far greater numbers than the manuscript support for other accepted ancient writings. Many of these Bible manuscripts were written close to the time of actual events by people with first-hand knowledge. While they may be embarrassing to the writer or counter to the culture at the time, the Bible contains many facts and events that reflect this first-hand testimony and authenticity. Through detailed study, we have confirmed that the Bible has been accurately transmitted down through the years to us today.<.li>
• Impact. The Bible is unlike any other book. It contains sound logic, unmatched wisdom, and divine insight into the human experience. It does so in a unique way that speaks directly to reality—the way things are. It speaks truth. It has a unique authority and power. It has changed the lives of millions of people. It has done this because it is inspired by God and is God’s revelation to humanity. It claims to be the word of God, and it is!

There is much more we could add. But if you have further questions about this issue, please contact us.

This world is very diverse. In it thrive amazing animals, a multitude of natural environments, beautiful cultures, creative arts, medical breakthroughs, significant accomplishments, beautiful acts of love, and Divine blessings. However, it also contains opposition politics, wars, religious fanaticism, riots, disease, false information, and many other less desirable things.

We can all agree that it can be a confusing, broken, and sometimes harmful place. We all need direction and answers to help navigate this world in which we live. This doubt leads us to ask: “Who can I trust for the answers?” We are all searching for someone to provide not just an answer for a single issue but wise counsel to help direct our entire lives for good.

First Baptist Jackson believes that the most trustworthy source for wisdom and direction lies in God, “The Beginning of all Wisdom.” God loves you and has made you and desires you to have a full life.

This life includes a purpose to live spiritually in a relationship with God; to live physically with specific talents and abilities to produce, work, and cultivate; and to live mentally with passions, desires, and emotional peace. God created you, and He is the source of truth for the answers you seek.

Because God is good and our Creator, you can trust His guidance. He is Truth, and He never contradicts Himself. God often guides us while we talk with Him, through the reading of His Word (the Holy Bible), in the experiences we have, and by hearing wise counsel. If you have a question or concern about anything and have difficulty finding a reasonable resolution to your problem, please feel free to contact First Baptist Church of Jackson, Mississippi. Our church family would love to help you navigate any issue with you with love. We do not presume to have all the answers, but we can point you to the One who does.

“The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.” Proverbs 18:15

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6