I Still Believe!!

 

Reno, Nevada is located farther west than San Diego, California. Look it up! While you are wondering why you have never noticed that before, you might want to grab a world map and note that Rome, Italy is located farther north than New York City. Since San Diego is on the Pacific Coast, we assume that no cities outside California could be farther west than San Diego. We picture New York City as a cold city, with long winters and heavy snowfalls, whereas Rome is considered to be warm and arid. Even though we know a little about San Diego and New York City, we should not assume that we know everything about those two places, particularly as they relate to other cities.

There was a man from Alexandria, Egypt named Apollos who was very intelligent. The Bible states that he was “…an eloquent man and mighty in the scriptures” (Acts 18:24). In a day when most of the population was illiterate, one would think that Apollos had everything figured out. But that was not the case. Apollos was only aware of the baptism of John, a baptism that became obsolete once the church was established. A husband and wife, Aquila and Priscilla heard Apollos speak. They were undoubtably impressed with his speaking abilities and his interest in the things of God. But there were still things Apollos needed to know. His knowledge was abundant but not complete. So Aquilla and Priscilla “…took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26).

Someone once said, “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.” Why? Because it produces stereotypes, half-truths, misconceptions, misunderstandings, and downright lies. The church has been a victim of “a little knowledge” for centuries. Someone hears that women are not allowed to preach during worship assemblies. The perception, therefore, is that women are mistreated, second-class members. The reality, however, is that there are typically more female teachers in a church than male teachers. Since churches of Christ do not use instruments in worship, the perception is that they either do not understand music or that they just want to be different. The reality is that if one were to read the New Testament without any prior knowledge of 21^st Century worship practices, he would never have the first idea to use an instrument to worship. Acapella worship is practiced in an effort to do Bible things in Bible ways. Before you think you know everything about every subject, investigate the facts again. Francis Bacon said, “A prudent question is one half wisdom.”

[Romans 1:16] In response to a question concerning a sermon heard about Jesus never dying, only going into a coma, and being revived by the cool air in the tomb, a magazine editor replied: “In this modern age of “user friendly” theology I make no apology that I still believe in the fundamentals of the Word of God!! I believe the miracles of the Bible are true. I believe, “In the beginning, God…” I believe God created the heavens and the earth in six literal 24-hour days; that Jesus was born of a virgin; that He literally, bodily, walked the shores of Galilee; that He healed the lame, raised the dead, and caused the blind to see. I believe He went to a hill called Golgotha and willingly laid down His life for the sins of man, and yes, I believe He died on that Roman cross. I believe that in three days He literally, bodily, came forth from the tomb victorious over death, hell, and the grave. I believe He ascended back to Heaven and sat down at the right hand of the Father, and that the same blood shed nearly 2000 years ago is still the only atoning payment for man’s sin today. And I believe that one day soon He will return for the blood-washed throng of believers, the church, to take them home to their Creator as His Bride. Scoffers and doubters may turn up their noses in disgust at old time religion, but I STILL BELIEVE!!”