Sarah sometimes wonders if she only believes in Jesus because she’s surrounded by family and friends who also do. She asked, “Am I a Christian because it’s true or because I live in a Christian bubble?”
I get where Sarah’s coming from. Our global village has made us aware of other groups who believe differently. The same Internet that connects us with other believers also links to voices that doubt what we celebrate. So how can any of us think we’re right?
I told Sarah that “bubbles” are inevitable. The agnostics in New York City gather with other agnostics. Buddhists in Bangkok meet with other Buddhists. The Internet that might bring us together can actually further divide us, as each of us tend to click on the websites of our particular tribe. Such difference of opinion might tempt us to doubt what we believe, except for one important fact: We have received a revelation.
The author of Hebrews says God “has spoken to us through his Son,” who “radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God” (Hebrews 1:2-3). Whatever “bubble” we are part of, that reality has been invaded by the Word from above (John 1:1-2). We don’t fully comprehend this revelation from our limited perspective, but we understand it well enough to say we truly know God (Hebrews 1:3).
Communities gathered around certain beliefs are a reality, so it’s important to know why we’re part of one. Hebrews describes a living Savior who came to earth and revealed by His life, death, and resurrection the very heart of God. It’s now our joy to freely share Him with those outside our community of faith. How can we serve them and perhaps lead them to understand their need for Jesus?
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Psalm 139:1-24
More:
Read 2 Timothy 1:3-18 to learn how a legacy of faith can be the launching pad to reach those who don’t know Jesus.
Next:
How do Jesus and the evidence of His transforming ways give you confidence when you meet with people with other perspectives? How can you encourage—and be encouraged by—other believers to share faith in Christ?
bill953bates on May 17, 2017 at 12:12 am
In reference to 1 Peter’s epistle, I am ready to give an answer to anyone who asks me about that eternal hope in Christ, that I have within me.
Mike Wittmer on May 17, 2017 at 7:55 am
Amen, Bill. So am I, and I hope to do it, as Peter says, with “gentleness and respect.”
godlove on May 17, 2017 at 4:44 am
Thank you, Mike. I think the “bubbles” of brothers and sisters in the faith are an important encouragement for all believers and indispensable to enable us grow spiritually. The love we enjoy within the community of believers certainly helps us make a more convincing and credible case when we go out to invite others to come and share in it, too. I have particularly enjoyed the bubble of ODB Ministries since I discovered it and have used it as a tool to encourage others to daily meditation on God’s Word. I would like to take this opportunity to, once again, thank all the authors and fellow commenters who make this such a wonderful place where I grow everyday in the faith. I learn so much from the daily devotionals and ensuing conversations on here (ODB and ODJ). Blessings to all.
Mike Wittmer on May 17, 2017 at 7:58 am
godlove, I hadn’t thought of that but you are exactly right. ODJ is the best kind of bubble that we may rely on in our walk with Christ. God made us to need each other.
Tom Felten on May 17, 2017 at 10:24 am
godlove, it’s a delight to have you in the ODJ community! And thank you so much for the encouraging words you posted. I’m preparing to share them with my colleagues here at ODB Ministries (ODJ’s parent ministry). Hoping more and more people join us in this “bubble” as we pop out of our comfort zones and reach out to them!
Gary Shultz on May 17, 2017 at 6:21 am
Hi Mike: The world certainly is fragmented when it comes to a brand to believe. One thing I keep noticing is the attack. People vigorously attack that which really yanks the heart. In today’s world we see hate move in decisive ways toward the Christian faith. In my mind proving the effectiveness of God’s word, it is real, and whatever counterfeit or new wave, new age concept is thrown out, God’s truth still stands. On the encouragement meter, that works for me. It is also a joy to met other believers and to be able to share and experience the bond of faith. Thanks Mike
Mike Wittmer on May 17, 2017 at 7:59 am
I agree, Gary. The pressure from the world will drive us closer to each other, which will be a great benefit. Perhaps this is why the church has always thrived best during periods of persecution.
Facebook User Dannielle on May 17, 2017 at 8:19 am
I think it is also important to not stay within our bubble. As Christians we need to go out and preach the gospel to these other bubbles. 1st Timothy tells us we need to go without fear a, and prayerfully. We have the support of our bubble to help us keep ourFocus on God in fulfilling the great God’s desire that none should perish.