Early in my Christian walk, one of my struggles was knowing where to find useful theological information. It wasn’t easy to wade through. As I grew in the faith, I discovered that there were many options out there that were helpful. Yet, I would be misleading if I said I always agreed with everything these resources shared. Even today, I do not always agree with everything some of my favorite resources of information share. Ultimately, when wading through the theological resource waters, I have two critical questions that help me determine if the source is reliable.
1) Does this resource provider and author hold a high view of Scripture?
In other words, does the source believe the Bible is divinely inspired, “God-breathed?” An important passage on this subject is 2 Timothy 3:15-17:
2 Timothy 3:15–17 (ESV): “15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
I love how the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 summarizes what it means to hold a high view of Scripture:
The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God’s revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. It reveals the principles by which God judges us, and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation.1
If a resource does not hold to this view of Scripture, they start on uneven ground and are destined for error. It’s essential to have a clear and high view of Scripture.
2) Does the resource use and engage with reliable resources?
If a resource talks a good game but rarely draws from scripture, other writers, historians, theologians, and pastors, it sends a warning signal to be highly cautious with the resource. At the very least, the resource is questionable. It is more likely the resource is unreliable and riddles with theological woes.
Keep this in mind:
Even if a resource uses outside resources, it does not mean they are reliable. Examine the resources they are quoting and using as support for their works. In some cases, you will notice the resources they rely on support godlessness. They might advocate for same-sex relationships and argue Scripture is filled with errors; they might call into question the creation account, flood, and other miracles in Scripture. Do not rely on such resources in your pursuit of spiritual growth.
Ultimately, we all must test the things we read and hear. We test it using God’s Word. If it contradicts the Word of God, know it is unreliable. Pastor Jeff Schreve, the senior pastor at First Baptist Church Texarkana, TX, reminds us regularly that “being one degree off will get you miles off course over the long haul.”
We have a lot of people who, at some point, got off course, and before they knew it, they were embracing the lies of the deceiver. Be vigilant, and seek reliable resources.
Resources I Recommend Checking Out
The rule of examining the resources still applies here, and I am not saying I agree with everything they believe and teach theologically. However, I think these are good resources to glean from and are rooted in Scripture.
Websites
- Lifeway Research
- Desiring God
- Answers in Genesis
- 9Marks
- Founders Ministries
- Ligonier Ministries
- G3 Ministries
- Got Questions
Podcasts
- Real Truth For Today with Pastor Jeff Schreve
- Preaching and Preachers
- Love Worth Finding
- Good Doctrine
- Preaching Source
Apps
- YouVersion Bible App
- Logos Bible Software
- Dwell
These are only a few of the many options out there; at some point, we will create a dedicated page listing books, podcasts, and other websites we encourage people to use to continue to sharpen their spiritual growth.
Thank you for reading! If you haven’t read it yet, check out Relationship > Religion.
