But, WHY Do You Believe It?

I had the privilege of hearing Josh McDowell speak last night. He is the author of Evidence that Demands a Verdict, along with about a jillion other books. He spoke about the generation growing up today and how different their thinking is from ours. It isn’t just that their lingo is different, the way they think is different!

He put it this way. We, as adults, believe if something is true, then it will work. For example, if God’s word says he will never leave us or forsake us, we trust that as true and know that one day, we will know the full meaning of that verse. For teens, they believe if something works, then it’s true. Sadly, the converse of that, if something doesn’t work, then it isn’t true, is also a part of their thought process. For example, if their parents divorce, then vows are lies because they didn’t work. They ask questions that most parents can’t answer and as a result, give up on faith.

How do you know, for sure, that the Bible is true? How do you know the disciples were telling the truth?

How do you know the words in the Bible are an accurate depiction of what Jesus really said? How do you know that Jesus actually said I am THE way. Maybe he said I am A way. How do you know it wasn’t just written down wrong?

Most of us can’t answer these questions for ourselves, let alone our kids. The difference is we rely on our faith. We trust that these things are true. Kids today see adults who call themselves Christians and their lives are falling apart. With their way of thinking, it is natural for them to conclude that Christianity doesn’t work, therefore it isn’t true.

The most recent studies indicate this is exactly what is happening. When teens are asked if there is any absolute truth, only 9% of born again, churched teens say yes. 91% say there is no absolute truth. Non-churched teens? 4%. That’s not much difference.

When asked if the Bible is the infallible word of God in 1995, 10% of teens said it is. In 2002 less than 4% would agree with that statement.

I was made painfully aware that I need to be able to explain not just what I believe, but why I believe it! A great place to start is with the book More Than a Carpenter by Josh McDowell. Parents, we need to take the issue of defending our faith seriously or we may lose our kids!

One more note: It is not the church's responsibility to grow your kids into spiritually strong adults. It is your job as their parent. The church is a resource, but you are the primary example. They will believe it is true only when you live it in front of them!