Have you ever heard the expression, “Be a Berean”? The Bereans were a group of early Christians that Paul visited in his travels. In the Book of Acts, they are commended for examining the Scriptures for themselves. They eagerly listened to the gospel message that Paul and Silas presented to them, but they also matched it up to the Scriptures to see if it was true.
And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. – Acts 17:11
Today there is no shortage of Bible information. We’ve got Social Media, blogs, podcasts, and more. There are a lot of people earnestly trying to live out the Great Commission by telling people about Jesus. Unfortunately, there are also a lot of people spreading false information about God and His plan. The only way to sift through it all is to know the Bible for yourself. Then you will be able to compare what you hear with what you know to be true about the Word of God.
The more you read the Bible, the more you will get to know God and His plan for you and for the world. You will become increasingly familiar with His character so that you can determine whether what you hear lines up with who He is. You will see the principles and the precepts He has laid out throughout His word so you can make informed decisions that line up with His will. You will gain an understanding of the promises and prophecies He has made so that you can put your hope in the right place and maintain a heavenly perspective.
When you know the Word of God for yourself, you will be able to filter what you hear through the lens of Scripture. You will be able to have discernment and avoid being deceived.
*I recommend downloading the YouVersion app so that you can have the Bible with you wherever you go.
