My Source:
VIRGINIA CHRISTIAN
Volume 3, #11, November 1999
Hopkins Road church of Christ
8325 Hopkins Road
Richmond, VA 23237
Author: Randal F. Matheny
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ALL OPINIONS ARE NOT EQUAL
by Randal F. Matheny
“That’s just your opinion, and everybody has an opinion.” Have you ever heard anyone say that, or something like it? It seems to be said more often in regard to the Bible than anything else. I certainly is true that there are a multitude of opinions which circulate in the religious world today, the results being either bewildered confusion, abject apathy, rejection of any objective standard for truth, or a rigid, obstinate refusal to reason regardless of the evidence presented.
It’s no wonder that “Church” has become “potluck,” an “everyone bring your” type of affair. (Lest this seems judgmental, count the number of different churches in your community which proffer differing philosophies as well as conflicting doctrines.) Though it may seem to us that the overall situation is hopeless, we can keep from contributing to the problem. “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Prove yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? unless indeed you are disqualified?” (2 Corinthians 13:5). The only infallible standard by which to examine ourselves remains the Bible.
In spite of the value that we each may place upon our own opinions, not all opinions are equal. In Elijah’s trial of the false prophets it is said, “And Elijah came unto al lthe people, and said, “How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word” (1 Kings 18:21). When we read further, we learn that the difference between the “two opinions” was that one was wrong and one was right. Those who base their opinions upon a faithful, diligent study of God’s word, have; the more valid, defensible position.
Are you willing to put your personal religious convictions to the test of God’s word?