Evaluating the Truth

Scripture: But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets. Acts 24:14

Observation: As Paul defends himself before the Roman governor, the core of his defense is this ... he believes EVERYTHING in the old testament.

He doesn't just believe in ceremonial practices, or selected commands, or rules about food. Paul believes in everything. He believes in the Messiah of Isaiah. He believes in the behavior of that Messiah as told by Malachi. He believes in the raising of the dead as seen by Ezekiel. The list goes on. Paul believes in the prophets, and that the predictions of those prophets are now coming to pass. It is this fact, having nothing to do with Roman law, that Paul confesses.

Application: This is the only test that anyone can use to evaluate truth - the alignment of what is being said and done against the word of God found in the Bible. This was true of Paul, but it is also true in our church today. It is the way to evaluate a pastor, to evaluate a sermon or lesson, to evaluate doctrine or policy of a denomination or single church, or even to evaluate advice from a friend. If the concept claims to be truth, how does it align to the Bible?

I was again sad today when I drove by a church of the PCUSA, my former denomination. However, this verse reminds me why I left. It was simple, really: They have made formal declarations that are contrary to scripture. That being the only way to evaluate the truth - a fact that was fact even with Paul standing before the Romans - leaving the denomination remains the only correct choice. I may look back with sadness, but I am so excited about the great work my church is now doing to advance the name of Jesus that I will never look back with second guesses. I am confident of the path God has laid out for me and my family.

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your love and your guidance. I do look back and see the signposts in my life that show your movement in me, and I do look ahead with anticipation of further serving you. You are great and greatly to be praised. Amen.