‘The trouble with young people today is ….’ these words or similar ones have been uttered down through the centuries by the ‘older generation’. What do we really mean by this? Are we so forgetful of our own youth and lack of experience or are there great differences in the generations. The short answer is yes, but also we must say that the younger generation see things differently simply because the world they are growing up in is different. The older generation are the product of a world where it was ok to say Jesus is the only way to God or argue strongly against another faith we may consider false, without fear of being arrested for breaching so called racial hatred laws. To hold strong biblical views is no longer safe because we now have very particular laws in place that, it would seem, are designed specifically to side line Christian men and women of deep conviction. Christians who are convinced that homosexuality is wrong or that Islam is probably the most dangerous import into this country for instance, are now looking over their shoulders. They must be careful when for instance comparing various religions of the world ‘lest we offend’.

In my opinion as Christians we need to contend for the faith and preach passionately of Christ and his great love for us. Let us preach of how He demonstrated that love by being crucified on the cross. In short, in these days which I consider the last of the last days (Jesus is coming again soon) every Christian should be actively involved in reaching out to their neighbours and friends to bring them to Christ. Do we need to forget these ‘restrictions’ and pull back from confronting the obvious inequality in these laws. No, but we must be wise in how we behave, above all not forgetting this generation is a very confused one. There is no absolute truth according to so called informed opinion today. We have so many very opinionated people in our society but unfortunately they are self- opinionated. This is true also of many Christians, mainly because they do not know their Bible. So it is repeated over and over `the Bible is probably no more truth than any other sacred writing. If it suits you and is convenient for you then believe it, live your life by it`. Small wonder this generation is a very confused one.

In the last days the Bible says :-

`But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.` 2 Timothy 3:1 

`In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways,  but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.  The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.` Hebrews 1:1-3

`Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, ‘Where is this “coming” he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation’` 2 Peter 3:3,4.

Increasingly people believe what is convenient for them. By this I mean a belief that is comfortable and demands nothing from them, enabling them to live how they want. This   surely must mean so very many of us are believing lies or at best half truths; so called truth that has no basis in fact at all. Now we all make arbitrary judgements as to which is the best washing machine, television or car and in the big scheme of things these beliefs don`t have serious or life threatening outcomes. But we carry these arbitrary or ill informed judgements into spiritual matters. For instance :-

Where are you going when you die?

I know where I am going do you? The Bible alone teaches you can know with certainty you are going to heaven when you die, because Jesus made the way possible by dying on the cross for you.

Is your soul eternal?

The bible teaches it is. Therefore it is vital we settle the above question in our own lives.

Is belief in oblivion reasonable in the light of a loving creator God?

Clearly not if you believe the bible. Believing when we die there is absolutely nothing leads us to live without any restraint `for tomorrow we die`. We can do what we like. We can say what we like. We can believe what we like because it does not matter because this life is all you have. The bible teaches you can know this loving God and go to heaven when you die. Are you prepared to take a massive gamble that your opinion or philosophy of life will stand you in good stead and it will be alright at the end of your life? Suppose all those millions of Christians were right after all!!

Another question I will ask – why do all of us know in our heart of hearts there is right and wrong? Put another way – why are we moral beings? I leave you to ponder that.

Who is Jesus?

The bible teaches He is the Son of the Living God. He came into our world to reveal who God is and what He was like. Jesus demonstrated His love for us by dying for us on the cross, to take away our sin.

Can we trust the Bible?

Absolutely!! The bible is unique above all other religious writings. It is proven to be accurate and wholly trustworthy to live your life by. Contrary to common belief there is no inconsistency or contradiction in its pages.

With some believing the earth is supported on the back of several elephants to some believing there was a big bang that began this whole cosmos it is no wonder there is such an incredible diversity of so called truth out there. In an age where science apparently holds the truth, can we believe the Bible? Can we trust it to be truth or is it just an opinion or theory. I am convinced it is truly the word of God to us. Here also I add the god I write about is not just any god but the living creator God (Yahweh) of the bible.

It is your responsibility to respond to the love of God expressed in Christ dying on the cross for you. You can reject Christ or receive Him as your saviour. It is up to you to respond you cannot sit on the fence.

David Weaver, Sussex May 2010