Investigate "Facts"

Are you an investigator or do you just except things as they’re presented? Most of the time I try to investigate things presented to me, as fact, especially if I don’t know too much about the subject. Some “facts” are like “good deals”. If they sound pretty far fetched, they probably are. A lot of “truths” are how wild and vicious gossips get started. I receive a number of emails with little stories people think I might like to use and I really appreciate every one of them, but, every once in a while I’ll get one I feel I really need to investigate the truth in it before I stick my foot in my mouth using it. One such statement that’s been circulating since just after September 11, 2001 I have yet to find any truth to, but it seems to be widely accepted as such. Koran (9:11 ) - For it is written that a son of Arabia would awaken a fearsome Eagle. The wrath of the Eagle would be felt throughout the lands of Allah and lo, while some of the people trembled in despair still more rejoiced; for the wrath of the Eagle cleansed the lands of Allah; And there was peace. There’s no such statement!! The word eagle isn’t found anywhere in the Koran! Look it up! Pipe dreams and facts don’t mix. Investigate and discover the truth.
A father and his small son were out walking one day when the lad asked how it was that electricity could travel through the wires hanging between the poles. “I don’t know” said the father. “I never knew much about electricity.” A few blocks later the boy asked about thunder and lightning. “That too has puzzled me”, came the reply. The youngster continued to inquire about many things, none of which his father could explain. Finally as they were nearing home the boy said, “Pop, I hope you didn’t mind all those questions.” “Not at all”, replied the father. “How else are you ever going to learn?”
[Acts 17] A biblical literacy survey taken, among “Christians”, in 2004 reveled some of the following facts. Fewer than half of the adults surveyed can name all four gospels. Many could not identify more than two or three of the disciples. 60% could not name even five of the Ten Commandments. 12% of adults believe Joan of Arc was Noah’s wife. 50% of graduating High School seniors thought that Sodom and Gomorrah were husband and wife. A considerable number of respondents to the pole thought that the Sermon on the Mount was preached by Billy Graham. I supposed I knew my Bible, Reading piecemeal, hit or miss. Now a bit of John or Matthew, Now a snatch of Genesis. Certain chapters of Isaiah, Certain Psalms (the twenty-third), Twelfth of Romans, first of Proverbs; Yes I thought I knew the Word! But I found that thorough reading was a difficult thing to do, And the way was unfamiliar when I read the Bible through. You who like to play at Bible, Dip and dabble here and there, Just before you kneel, a weary, And yawn through a hurried prayer; You who treat the Crown of Writings as you treat no other book, Just a paragraph, disjointed, Just a crude, impatient look. Try a worthy procedure, Try a Broad and steady view; You will kneel in very rapture when you read the Bible through. (Amos Wells) Bible knowledge comes in only one way – READING THE BIBLE! If we are to “give an answer to every man” (1 Peter 3:15) and “speak as the oracles of God” (1 Peter 4:11) we must devote ourselves to reading the Bible and understanding what it teaches. It’s not just “a” book, it’s “the” book, and if we’re not reading the map, how will we know which way to go? Someone telling you their way?