We are constantly warned about all the misinformation to be found on the Internet, leading many of us to believe what we read in the newspapers is more reliable.

This morning I read something that reminded me whether we hear something from a friend, on TV, find it on the Internet or read it in the newspaper, we need to test it against what we know to be true.

The guest columnist I read was presenting myths, opinions and outright falsehoods as facts to show why this country was not founded on the principals of Christianity, but rather as an attempt by non-believers to get out from under the religious oppression of those enforcing belief in Christ as the son of God.

As a Christian who has studied Biblical history, I was amazed to read her reasons for doubting the authenticity of Scripture and the historical reality of Jesus, but I wondered how a person without any knowledge of historical facts would interpret her “proofs”.

Believers are encouraged to study our Bibles so we can give the reasons for the hope we have and defend our faith, but we sometimes forget that for those who do not trust in the Bible, we need to know history, as well… and not just Bible times history, but history of our country and our world.

The more we study history, from a variety of trustworthy sources, the more we strengthen our own faith and our witness to others.  Just as studying science illuminates Scripture, studying history underscores its truths and reveals the accuracy of the prophecies which have already come to pass.

“The B-I-B-L-E, yes, that’s the book for me,” is fine, as far as it goes, but if you want to know and explain why you believe, and to be able to discern the facts from fancy in the world around you, don’t stop there.

Learn everything you can about this wonderful creation.

The more you know, the more clearly you will see, “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:7-9)