One day Jesus left the crowds to pray alone. Only his disciples were with him, and he asked them, “who do people say I am?” “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say you are one of the ancient prophets risen from the dead.” Then he asked the, “But who do you say I am?” Peter replied, “You are the Messiah sent from God!” – Luke 9:18-20 NLT
But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on earth who have faith? – Luke 18:8
It seems 2015 has set the stage for 2016 to be a year of decision in which we will have to answer the same question Jesus posed to the disciples, “Who do you say I am?”
Today we hear some pastors of mega churches preaching that the Bible cannot be taken literally in today’s times and teaching their congregations a “new truth” of embracing choices and lifestyles that God opposes. The belief in Chrislam, an alternative religion mingling Christianity and Islam, is on the rise even though Islam teaches that Jesus was only a prophet who did not rise from the dead and was not the Son of God.
In 2015 there have been those in America who have lost businesses, been forced by the courts to pay huge fines, and even gone to jail for standing firm in their faith in God and His Word which is contrary to the “new truth of the times”. So, whose truth will you stand for in 2016? And on what will you base your decision? On opinion? Or will you hold the Bible as your standard?
You will not be able to remain neutral. The Bible warns that in the last days people will do what they think is right in their own eyes. Without a common standard, America will fall. That standard must be the Bible, the very Word of God.
In 2016, I encourage you to examine your own heart and answer the question of who you believe Jesus to be. Learning the truth about how the Bible came to be will prove that it is in fact the written Word of God and therefore the right standard on which to believe, place your faith, and determine your decisions. Then you will be compelled to prioritize time to pray and read and study what God says to us through it. This will prepare your heart, mind, and soul so that you might decide and answer rightly who Jesus is and then to stand firm in your faith when tested.
May God richly bless you with His presence and peace.
