I was at a conference last week of mostly pastors. I saw a young man (we’ll call him Jacob) in one of the sessions and felt like I was supposed to talk to him. I asked God to put him in my path if I should. Later that day, as the crowd shifts we end up standing right next to each other. So I start talking to him. He tells me how he goes to a Christian college. I feel God telling me to probe deeper, so I do. I ask him a bit about himself and we share some stories. Then God tells me to ask him if he is born again. My heart races. I do NOT want to ask that! I’m at a Christian conference! Come on God. But I obeyed:
Me: So tell me brother, have you been born again?
Jacob: Well, I was kind of born into the faith. It really has been this last year that I think I’ve made that faith my own.
Me: Oh that’s interesting. What church do you go to?
Jacob: (church I will not mention out of respect but one I would never recommend anyone go to)
Me: Interesting. So tell me, how often have you been in the Word?
Jacob: You mean the Bible? Well, not much at all. I get my truth from other books.
Me: Other books huh? Can I share a piece of scripture that God really put on my heart this week:
63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. (John 6:63)
Me: So tell me, based on this verse, if you are reading other books for truth, is that from the Spirit or the flesh.
Jacob: Well the book of John is not trustworthy because …
Me: If you are coming to other things seeking truth, is that not simply relying on your flesh to tell you what is true? But it says the flesh is no help at all!
Jacob: Well there is truth in a lot of other books.
Me: I agree that is truth in a lot of places. Psalm 19 tells us that creation itself tells us truth about God. But you have to evaluate claims of truth somehow, right?
Jacob: Yes.
Me: But how do you decide what is and is not truth? Something is your guide and your anchor by which you evaluate what is and is not true. You only have two options: either it is the Spirit as revealed in the Bible, or it is your own flesh. If it is your own flesh, you cannot be sure you really know anything truthfully.