“Build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the holy spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love.” Jude 20, 21

Most Christians do not suffer physical persecution today. They are not burned at the stake or thrown into a den of hungry lions. However, they are frequently attacked by critics—people who believe that Christianity is a weak and foolish faith.

It is important to study the Bible for in it we can see God’s beautiful plan to bless all mankind. As we continue to study and pray, we are building a sound faith which will strengthen and encourage us every day. Many errors can creep into our thinking and take us away from the reasonable and harmonious lessons we have learned. We need to prove all that we believe with the Bible because it is the inspired word of God. 1 Thessalonians 5:21

There are those who study mainly for the purpose of denying the Bible. Their study does not bring them the truth or a desire to understand God’s plans and purposes. These are called “higher critics.” Paul referred to them as “scoffers” a word describing those who laugh at another’s beliefs. 2 Peter 3:3

Those who consider themselves higher critics do all they can to discredit Daniel and other Old Testament prophets. Thus they also discredit Jesus and the apostles who felt that these prophets were inspired by God. The book of Daniel has many wonderful prophecies that describe our day. We have seen and are seeing many of these prophecies being fulfilled.

Many people are intelligent about worldly subjects which can cause them to become full of pride. Those who study their Bibles and have a good understanding of the truth can also become full of pride and high-minded. We need to remember that the truth is from God; we are to glory in his wisdom, not our own. We can have complete confidence in God’s word—his promises will never fail (Jeremiah 9:23, 24). This will bring us understanding of what it means to be a follower of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

As people began to believe more and more religious errors, the hope of the resurrection and a wonderful kingdom here on earth was swept away. Eventually this unbelief will lead to anarchy, which is no government at all, and a state of lawlessness. We are living in early stages of the “time of trouble” spoken of in Daniel 12:1 (King James). But in due time, this time of trouble will lead to the establishment of Christ’s kingdom. Haggai 2:6, 7

God’s beautiful plan for all mankind is described in the Bible.