Being a Berean

Our churches, as well as our society as a whole, seem to be under attack regarding the benefit of critical thinking. It seems people are convinced there is no such thing as "real truth." With the vast number of church groups and ministries each seemingly preaching their own version of "truth," we seem to grow up accepting what ever people tell us and "let it go."

The challenge to stand for TRUTH is a constant requirement and yet sometimes, almost a burden we consider setting aside for peace. It is difficult to constantly be on the lookout for a skewed comment or statement or life challenge. It becomes easy to go with the flow and not cause waves and keep the peace.

The art of being a Berean is encouraged in Acts 17 verse 11. For the purpose of this book and study, we are going to present this "art" as very important to actually comprehending the truth of the Word of God. Hopefully you have a desire to understand God and his Word. What is God's message for you, today, living as a member of the Body of Christ. Without practicing the art of being a Berean, one would be incapable of really following God. Three are too any competing messages. Which message is going to be God's message?

Without some attempt at truth, soon the truth is unrecognizable and error becomes the guiding force leading us to continual headaches in paths full of potholes. Error is soon being put for truth because the defenders of truth desire peace and “hold their peace.” We have peace at the expense of truth.

In this study we will attempt to show the reader an example of the author practicing the art of being a Berean. We will attempt this via a review of a book published in 1994 in which the author sought to deal with divine election and human responsibility. Many questions are raised and statements doubted. We emphasize the need to test any biblical teaching which we hear or read. May this study encourage you to discern truth and contend for the faith:

Hebrews. 5.14b [even] those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Jude 1.3b it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort [you] that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.