Be Bold Thinkers

We’re called to renew our minds and that involves studying, thinking, and reflecting. That’s the heart of how to transform our thinking to understand God more deeply. It’s also key to addressing our doubts about God and making wise choices. One scripture stands out on the importance of being open to eternal truths:

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 (KJV)

We’re called to renew our minds and that involves studying, thinking, and reflecting. That’s the heart of how to transform our thinking to understand God more deeply.

Seekers Become Believers

God confirmed doubters like Thomas, with his words, “do not continue in disbelief, but be a believer.” (John 20:27) Jesus then praised people who do not see, and yet believe. He wants to satisfy hunger for truth, and also rejoices with people who believe. The Bereans without the New Testament, dug into the recorded scriptures and accounts of the resurrection, determined to seek the truth (Acts 17). They would have read the scrolls, listened to testimonies, and discussed how events involving Jesus matched prophecies. Their methods resulted in many believers.

Filmmaker Tim Mahoney faced his doubts when he found no evidence of the Exodus in archeology. It became a crisis of faith, but he persisted and finally found archeology that confirmed the patterns of what happened in Exodus. That led to his creating a documentary film series called Patterns of Evidence. He challenges others to investigate and listen to various arguments while searching for evidence that will overcome doubts. 

Encouraging Others to Seek Truth

I apply ideas of the Bereans and Mahoney to promote reasoning in kids when I write books for tweens, including a future book on biblical archeology to help tweens confirm their faith. I share archology facts, scripture passages, and scientific methods used to uncover the past, plus ask questions to inspire kids to examine information and think.

I traveled to Israel in June 2024, as a guest of the Ministry of tourism while researching for the book. We visited a site believed to be the real town of Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee, not yet open to the public. The archeologist shared that his most important find: an inkwell. Many anti-biblical people argue that Peter, born and raised in Bethsaida, came from an illiterate village and would not have been able to write books of the Bible. Clearly, in the small village, Peter was exposed to literacy and may have learned to read and write. I share passages about Peter and ask young readers to consider how God provided literacy during his childhood.

Seekers and Apologetic Approaches

Doubts have led to some great students of apologetics and books such as Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell, Lee Strobel’s The Case for Christ, and Alex MacFarland’s Stand: Core Truths You Must Know for an Unshakeable Faith. They discovered  faith in Christ’s existence and God’s work in the world he created. They renewed their minds and then shared their findings with the world.

Such thinkers encourage us to follow their example. When puzzled by a passage, search for other scriptures on the same topic, and look up the words in a lexicon and various translations, to gain insights and understand what God means. Pray and discuss questions in a Bible study group, or talk with Bible teachers.

Apply these methods to other decision making and problems, even political candidates and laws, in the quest for what God’s principles and eternal truths re. Seek what patterns in the Bible that will guide you to make choices that affirm biblical principles rather than personal or emotional preferences.

Miraculous Testimonies

Many miracles and healings remain unexplained because God is beyond our comprehension. Miracles, including the healing of my youngest child after eleven years of a 24/7 migraine that doctors could not relieve, amaze us. They remind us of God’s power, compassion, and blessings. They show that God is still at work in our lives. Our testimonies and miracles in the Bible s reveal God’s power. Ask believers you know about miracles they experienced or witnessed. Hebrews chapter eleven shows what faithful believers from long ago accomplished and why they remained steadfast. Faith gives us hope in spite of evil and our circumstances, hope to make godly choices.

Seeking Godly Answers

Fighting and debates continue around the world including people from many nations fighting over Israel and to whom the land belongs. The associated wars throughout history beckon us to study and ponder God’s will about Israel and true peace. An upcoming November documentary The Israeli Dilemma by Tim Mahoney focuses on the problem and impasse in making peace in the middle east, with leaders and scholars on various sides of the issue voicing opinions (https://www.patternsofevidence.com/Israel/ ). Mahoney interviews experts, examines scriptures, reveals archeology evidence, and cites historical records. Being open to listening is one step toward peace. 

How Shall We Live?

In Israel I spoke with an Arabian taxi driver who works hard to support his family, and shows kindness to everyone. The Jews I met also confirmed their desire to live in peace without fear of attacks and shared that in their neighborhoods everyone gets along. Such individuals remind us that the common person wants to live life in peace, without strife. 

Through searching Christ’s response to persecutors as well as other biblical characters who sought peace, we can also gain insights in how to respond.

The Bereans watched the Thessalonians, still filled with anger from Paul’s visit to their town, come stir up trouble. The Bereans responded quickly, as some escorted Paul to safety and then returned. It appears they stood firm on their beliefs while protecting Paul and others who traveled to spread the good news. Through searching Christ’s response to persecutors as well as other biblical characters who sought peace, we can also gain insights in how to respond. 

Society often resists people who pursue truth and debate logically. As Christians we can choose to respond with love and continue to seek answers, examine scripture, and apply truths in all our decision-making and choices.