Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - July/79

Contributor - John Kaptein

Title - Getting Back To The Bible

Topic - Youth

My name is John Kaptein. Before I turned 18, I had a personal confrontation with Christ. .Although I was raised in a Christian home, during these 18 years I could never understand why anybody could get excited studying and reading the Bible. But as every Christian understands, the closer you come to God, the more you hunger and thirst for His word.

For two years following my 18th birthday, I worked as a mechanic and was involved in various activities of the church. It was during these two years I felt the need to know the scriptures better and to understand how they related to life in a fuller way. I struggled through the various doctrines, different beliefs but I soon discovered the only way to find answers was to study the Word. Various persons encouraged me to consider Bible College. So, off I went!

Now that I am in my third year. I look back to those two years as a real eye-opener. The one thing that has been deeply engrained on my mind: to "Stand firm on the Bible, to examine all things in the light of the Word of God.

I am deeply concerned with the manner in which many people have been tackling the serious questions of life such as capital punishment, rights of women, homosexuality, and divorce. Many of these people have been quite verbal but it makes me wonder if they have checked the scriptures first as to what it has to say. Students in various colleges are often plunged immediately into controversial issues without first obtaining a firm scriptural foundation. The question I ask myself is, "Do we build a house beginning from the roof down or from the foundation up?" The means to building a foundation in Christ is revealed to us in the Holy Scriptures.

The cultists and modern day prophets base their lives upon the shifting foundation - upon the philosophy - "if it feels good, do it." The Bible warns us about the "false Christs and false prophets that will arise" (Matt. 24: 24). The people need standards or principles upon which to build a life foundation, but the modern day prophets and cultists do not have the answer. Without Biblical guidelines, chaos will result. It is time to get back to the Bible and search out those eternal guidelines. As I see it, God has called people to be obedient so that we may become more Christlike. Let's get "back to the Bible".

I wanted to become a workman who would handle accurately the word of truth and at the same time to be not ashamed of it (11 Tim. 2: 15). I found it by reading Gods Word. I challenge you to get back to the Bible. In it, you will find, as did king Josiah and all Israel when on that day they found the book of the law, a Lord God who loves you and desires your obedience, so that you might have life more abundantly. I found the scriptures and what joy I discovered! I now have a firm foundation upon which I can build a victorious and secure life.

I would wish for you to consider the advice of Paul to Timothy: "All scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequately equipped for every good work (11 Timothy 3: 16,17).

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