• It’s important for us to think deeply and understand why we believe what we believe.

  • Do I believe in a religious tradition simply because it’s a tradition?

    • Mark 7:1-8

    • II John 9

  • Do I carry things over from the Old Covenant?

    • Exodus 20 – God gives the Old Covenant law.

    • Jeremiah 31:31-32 – God would reveal a New Covenant.

    • The New Covenant was in effect from Acts 2 on.

    • Hebrews 8:6-9, 13

    • Hebrews 10:9-10

  • Do I just believe what my family believes?

    • Matthew 10:32-38 – Jesus must be the priority, even over family.

    • Galatians 1:13-14; I Timothy 1:15

  • Do I just go along with the religious experts?

    • Who are the experts?

    • The experts are often wrong!

      • Matthew 16:6, 12

      • Matthew 23:1-3, 15

      • Acts 4:1-2, 17-18 – The experts tried to stomp out the gospel!

      • Acts 22:3

  • Do I just follow what is popular?

    • Matthew 7:13-14 – Following the majority is not a good strategy!

    • Does God’s truth change based on society? Certainly not!

  • Do I just believe what seems right to me?

    • Acts 23:1; 26:9-11 – Paul did what seemed right to him!

    • Proverbs 14:12; Jeremiah 10:23

  • Why should we believe what we believe?

    • John 12:46-50

    • Matthew 5:44

    • Matthew 13:37

    • Because it is what God commanded!

    • Mark 16:16