Volume 26, Issue 7
WisconsinChristianNews.com
Page 19
Can We Explain What We Believe?
By William F. Holland Jr. Year-End 2025
the surface or are satisfied with the idea of just believing by faith. Similar to how those who must prove everything accord- ing to science, these individuals are in- tense and seek more difficult answers than are discussed in church classes. In fact, if one of these agnostics were to present their views in church, most would be considered a heretic or worse. I have several friends around the coun- try, and we have interesting discussions about God and the Bible. As I mentioned,
sincerely given their lives to researching every jot and tittle of the Bible?
The foundation of the Christian faith, along with the hope of eternal salvation in the next life, is based on the torturous death
It’s one thing to know what something says, and it’s another thing to explain what it means. This is true with the Bible, as there are individuals who have memo- rized what is written, but do they know how to translate the original languages into our modern English? For example, I’m not saying that I agree with what Bart Ehrman teaches, but he is recognized as a highly respected Biblical scholar who focuses on the textual criticism of the New Testament, the historical Jesus, and the origins and develop- ment of early Christianity. For any- one to debate him on Biblical topics, they would need to bring their A- game of theological research, and not just answers like, “I believe this because that’s what my grand- mother said.” My point is that all Christians should not only stand for their con- victions, but have the ability to prove why they accept and trust them. The reason why all Christians are not dedicated theologians is that it’s much easier to accept a meal than to cook one. Most people say “I do not have time to study the Bible,” while spending several hours a day watching TV and playing on their phones. I encourage every follower to take a scholarly approach to understand- ing religious texts, including their faith- based views so they can be instant in season and out of season to give an an- swer. II Timothy 2:15 is not only about gaining knowledge, it’s taking the time to rightly divide His Word and be enlight- ened by God’s divine revelation. Dr. Holland is an ordained and licensed minister, certified chaplain, and Christian author. Read more about the Christian life and contact information at: BillyHollandMinistries.com
and glorified resurrection of the only per- fect individual we know as Jesus Christ. When we trust that His sacrificial blood is the only payment for our forgiveness and our hope for redemption, we be- come reborn, a new spiritual cre- ation within His family and kingdom. Do you believe that trusting in this God-man is the greatest demon- stration of love the world has ever known? Since this miraculous event happened over 2000 years ago, do you know why you believe these promises are true? Let’s go a little further. Have you ever had a life-changing encounter with the Person called the Son of God? Did you know that just believ- ing there is a God, or that Jesus is real, is NOT the same thing as giv- ing all of your heart, mind, and soul to Him? Pastors are not the only ones who are called to explain and teach God’s Word; every person who has in- vited Christ to be their Lord and Savior should spend every available moment fo- cusing on Him and getting to know Him more intimately through prayer and study. This is how His children become His fear- less, wise, mighty, and overcoming war- riors. Over the last 100 years, the number of people interested in researching the Bible has increased. I’m not referring to those who want to draw closer to God, but rather the progressive intellectual critics who try to refute and disprove what is written. These are not your casual read- ers who accept what someone says on
we have many questions about Christian- ity that are often left to speculation. I’ve read some of the textual critics who take pride in being able to pin a preacher against the wall who has been in Chris- tian leadership most of his life. I’m writing this small article not to discourage you who are followers of Christ, but to blow the trumpet of warning about how impor- tant it is to know what we believe. Espe- cially in the last 60 years, while the nominal Christians have been spiritually asleep, these scholars have been hard at work trying to see if what the text says is actually correct. I know that many will say, “That’s a huge waste of time and is offensive to those who trust God,” but how can we condemn those who have
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