JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is learning to discern the messages we hear.
There are many voices that speak into our lives in a given day. But how can we discern between truth and error? Not all voices lead us in the same direction.
Perhaps we can learn a framework for discernment by observing the example of the Berean Jews in Acts 17:11.
They were described as people with noble character, for they received Paul’s message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
This group of people was eager to grow in their walk with God. Discernment helped them to stay on track with God so that their beliefs and way of life would be consistent with the attitude of Jesus.
According to verse 12, as a result, many of them believed.
Learning to Discern is a vital step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Eye on Integrity is based on First Thessalonians 5, verses 21 and 22.
“Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.”
There is wisdom in using spiritual filters whenever we hear a sermon or watch a movie, or read comments on social media forums.
The Bereans were a group of people commended for their discernment. When Paul came to teach them, they were receptive to his message and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. They took time to evaluate Paul’s words in light of what the Bible says. That is a valuable exercise that can keep our faith well-rooted in the truth of God’s Word.
Walking in discernment is a virtue to embrace for our lives in the Year of Integrity.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Q and A Segment explores the question, “What can we learn from the Bereans?”
There is a brief description of this group of people as Paul and Silas arrived in Berea. According to Acts 17:11, “the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Many of the Jews believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men.”
The Bereans would have been hungry for God’s Word, and as they examined the Scriptures daily, God’s Word was getting into them. They were serious students of the Bible, weighing Paul’s teachings in light of what the Bible said. As they took God’s Word to heart, more people were coming to faith in Jesus.
The Bereans are good examples of spiritual discernment. When we hear sermons, listen to music, or engage in conversation, it is good to test what we hear with what God’s Word says. The Bible is the standard of truth because it is the Word of God. Knowing what God’s Word says will help us to know Jesus better and be able to discern truth from error in the Year of Exploration.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
