As my husband, Larry, and I were finishing up our long run late Saturday morning, we decided to leave the trail and walk the last half mile or so through the local park to cool off before getting into the car. We were intent on getting home to eat a much-earned lunch, but not so intent (although we were starving) on doing it that we passed up the opportunity to engage with a couple sitting in the park with Jehovah's Witnesses pamphlets, tracts, literature and a sign that read “Join us for Bible Study.”
My husband who always speaks out of love but is a staunch defender of the Truth, stopped and engaged in polite conversation about the display, knowing that many of the beliefs that Jehovah's Witnesses hold do not align with those of the Bible--specifically their view of Jesus being created by Jehovah as the archangel Michael before the physical world existed, and being a lesser, though mighty, god rather than being the Son of God who was not created and has always been.
"Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints." Jude 1:3
As the discourse progressed, Larry and I were introduced to some of their other doctrines we were unfamiliar with that were directly antithetical to the teachings of the Bible. And although Larry nor I had ever read The New World Translation (NWT-the Bible translation the Jehovah's Witnesses use), we were able "to contend earnestly for the faith" because we had made diligently studying the Bible our highest priority.
This was something that became obvious when the woman smiled and said to Larry, "You must talk to Jehovah's Witnesses a lot." "As a matter of fact," he answered smiling back. "This is my first time. But I had to speak up. " At that, we talked a little more before exchanging pleasantries, shaking hands, and agreeing that none of us had changed our beliefs despite the efforts of the other.
"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6
"And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.'" Matthew 3:17
And, you know, although the couple didn't change their mind right then, Larry and I prayed that our "rightful dividing" of the "word of truth" stirred their hearts to seek to grasp why we were so passionate about them coming to the understanding that Jesus is not only the Son of God but the only way to salvation, that their minds might be changed later.
But here's the deal. This is the reason each and every believer must make it their highest priority to diligently study the Bible--that they might show themselves approved unto God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed by their mishandling (or misinterpretation) of the Word of God. In this way, believers will be ready to contend for the faith by always being ready to actively stand up, guard, and defend the core teachings of Christianity against distortion or false ideas.
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:33
So, make Bible study your highest priority. It will not only ensure that you will be a staunch defender of the faith but will ensure that the rest of your priorities will fall into line just as God intends. And this, my friend, is the secret to living a joy-filled life with Jesus Christ, the Son of God, at the center of it.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the Bible that is God-breathed and without error. Give us a passion for diligently studying it that we might always be ready to speak in love and truth as we contend for the faith, so that the lost would come to worship You in spirit and in truth. Help us to be bold Lord as we look for opportunities to both share and defend the Gospel. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!
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