Welcome
to The Narrow Pathway
My Testimony
Isaiah 55:8-9 speaks volumes, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts more than your thoughts."
This passage sets the foundation for my belief: God's ways are beyond our human understanding.
Growing up in Southern California, Catholicism was a part of my life, but my understanding of the Bible was superficial. I knew of Jesus and the Holy Trinity but didn't deeply know God.
My past was marked by distractions and discomfort at the mention of God. It used to sting, leading to guilt, which I quickly suppressed. That changed in August 2019, when I truly met and embraced Jesus and decided to follow Him.
Why the Bible is reliable.
At the heart of my faith, the Bible stands not merely as a collection of stories, but is a profound love letter from GOD to his creation, a narrative centered around Jesus His greatest gift to the world. Yes, it was penned by human hands, but the Holy Spirit (the spirit of the living GOD) entirely inspired it. There is a vast amount of evidence about the reliability of the bible that commands attention from every individual.
1. Historically Reliable Collection of Documents
I hold steadfast to the belief that the Bible is a historically reliable collection of documents. These aren’t just any documents; they are accounts witnessed by eye-witnesses, detailing supernatural events and prophecies that assert their divine, not of human origin. Many struggle to believe in the Bible, questioning its reliability since it was written by men. But historical events don't adhere to scientific methods; they rely on eyewitness accounts. The Bible's consistency, historical accuracy, and the lack of evidence against it encourage belief.
2. Spirit Lead
A particular passage that deeply resonates with me is 1 Peter 1:16-21. This scripture firmly states that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation. It's a clear declaration that prophecy never came by human will, but from men who were moved by the Holy Spirit. This scripture underlines an important truth - we are not being led astray by "cunningly devised fables."
3. Transformative Power
What many people fail to grasp is the transformative power of engaging with the Bible. When you truly start reading this holy book and earnestly seek God, you will find Him. The most profound realization comes when you recognize that the Bible isn't just a text you read; it begins to read you. You find yourself ingesting living scripture that doesn’t just inform but feeds and fuels your very soul and spirit. The Bible's impact is immense and personal. It's a journey of discovery, of finding God and, in the process, finding oneself through the divine wisdom it imparts.
4. Debunking the Zealous Monks
A common challenge is the belief that the Bible isn't real because it has been rewritten many times. Some even suggest monks altered documents to suit their needs. But consider the enormity of such a task: the New Testament alone has over 6,000 manuscript portions. Compared to historical documents like Julius Caesar's Gallic Wars or Aristotle's Poetics, the New Testament's manuscript evidence is vast. Moreover, some of these copies date back to just decades after the originals. The logistical nightmare of altering 6,000 manuscripts across multiple translations (Latin, Syriac, Coptic, Gothic, Ethiopic) without leaving any trace is implausible. The early church fathers' writings alone could reproduce much of the New Testament, further debunking the idea of a grand conspiracy.
5. Cultural Impacts and Archaeological Evidence
There are many reasons why people believe in the Bible: personal encounters with God, its moral and ethical teachings, its historical and cultural impact, its consistency and unity, archaeological evidence, transformative power, and its rootedness in community and tradition. Apologetics and reasoned arguments also play a role in reinforcing belief.
6. Fulfilled Prophecy
Psalm 22, written a millennium before Jesus and before the invention of crucifixion, predicts the Messiah's suffering. This is just one example of the Bible's prophetic accuracy. Similarly, (2 Peter 1:19-21) emphasizes the divine origin of these prophecies.
In conclusion, I see God as a figure of utmost patience and grace, a true gentleman who respects our freedom of choice. He will not impose Himself upon us; the journey to find Him is ours to embark upon. It's a personal quest where you seek Jesus, and in that seeking, you become aware of God the Father's call, with Jesus patiently waiting at the door of your heart. It's a decision we each must make – to open our hearts and let Him in.
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Accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior brings an indescribable peace, along with joy, self-control, love, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and faithfulness. These are gifts that enrich life in ways beyond words.
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The Bible has been a profound guide in my life, shaping my faith and deepening my understanding of God. Sharing this belief and engaging in discussions about faith is not just important, but transformative. It helps us grow personally and assists others in discovering the wisdom within the Bible. This journey of faith binds us together, creating a compassionate community united by our shared belief in God and His Word.
