Where did we come from? Why are we here? What happens when we die? Is the Bible true? Is there any evidence for God? All these questions and more run through everyone’s mind at times and we all seek solid answers for these hard questions. According to data from OpenAI, people ask ChatGPT about 10 million religion-related questions every day which amounts to 70 million each week. But is that really the best place to look for answers?
Artificial Intelligence may be great at finding statistics or providing historical facts for a research project. But when it comes to questions of ultimate reality, AI may not be the best source of information. Since it scours the internet for common answers instead of correct ones, the responses it provides might be completely false. And what we believe regarding some of these questions will determine where we will spend eternity. That’s too big a gamble to risk on a resource that by its own admission is wrong up to 60% of the time.
Instead of searching the internet for such important information, how much better to consult a book that has stood time’s test. The Holy Bible is a collection of 66 books that has yet to be proven wrong even 1% of the time. In fact, it continues to be validated by virtually every archaeological discovery in the Middle East. Even its record of Jesus’ miracles and resurrection has been independently reported by non-Christian historians such as Josephus and others who lived at that time.
The Bible, however, has some passages that are difficult to understand. I heard a man admit once that it wasn’t the parts of the Bible he didn’t understand that concerned him. It was the parts he did understand. While most Biblical truths are plain and straightforward, there are some teachings that are more challenging. For such passages, we can seek guidance from a pastor, Sunday School teacher, a trusted commentary, or a good study Bible.
There’s another possibility as well. Thankfully there are some believers who have studied especially difficult passages and topics to help us understand them, and one of these individuals will be speaking at Antioch Covenant Brethren Church this Saturday, November 14, from 9:30am-3:30pm. Brother Mike Sherrard is a Georgia pastor and an international speaker specializing in worldview, ethics, and defending the truth of the Christian faith. He has authored two books and works regularly with Life Training Institute and Summit Ministries.
Even for those who may not have Biblical questions themselves, people pose questions to us all the time that can be challenging to answer in ways that are correct, coherent, and well received. That’s the beauty of this type of event. Mike can help us answer our own questions as well as prepare us to respond to hard religious questions posed by our friends and relatives. The topics he will address were chosen by members of a local youth group and will center around Why You Matter; Defending the Christian Faith with Holiness, Respect and Truth; The Quest for Moral Sanity; and Abortion and the Case for Life. Following each segment, there will be time for questions for Mike to answer. Those who have their own questions are free to ask and we can also raise questions others have stumped us with. 1 Peter 3:15 tells believers to, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” This is an opportunity to do exactly that.
Mike will also speak at the 10am Sunday worship service about Dealing With Doubt. We are fortunate that Mike’s visit to the valley is fully funded and there is no cost for anyone to attend. There is no preregistration necessary so all you have to do is show up! For more information or directions to Antioch CBC, call 540-459-3661. Blessings, George