Susan Lim, a former Buddhist turned Christian, discusses how the history of the Bible impacts our faith. She explores the journey from Buddhism to Christianity, the importance of a church community, and the struggle of accepting the Bible as God's Word. Their exploration of faith and the messy nature of the Bible, along with studying history and ancient literature, aids in strengthening their faith.
Susan Lim's transition from Buddhism to Christianity highlights the transformative power of the gospel and God's pursuit of individuals and families.
Studying the historical context and evidences of the Bible strengthens faith and affirms its reliability and divine inspiration.
Deep dives
Dr. Susan Lin's Journey from Buddhism to Christianity
Dr. Susan Lin, author of the book 'Light of the Word,' shares her personal story of transitioning from Buddhism to Christianity. Growing up in a family with a mix of nominal and devout Buddhist believers, Dr. Lin had a deep awareness of the spiritual realm from an early age. Despite her exposure to Buddhist rituals and ceremonies, she always felt that there must be something beyond what was visible. At 17 years old, she had a life-changing encounter with God's love and accepted Jesus as her Savior. Her father, initially resistant to Christianity, eventually embraced the faith after witnessing the transforming power of the gospel in his wife's life. Through personal experiences, prayers, and the studying of scripture, Dr. Lin solidified her belief in the truth and authority of the Bible, realizing its profound impact and divine inspiration.
God's Pursuit of Dr. Lin's Family
God's pursuit of Dr. Lin's family did not end with her own conversion. Her sister and brother also came to faith in Christ, along with many relatives and friends. Each person's journey was unique, but the common thread was God's relentless pursuit, working through various circumstances and encounters to draw them closer to Him. From sickness and healing to experiencing the love and peace found in Christ, each family member's decision to follow Jesus was a testimony to His grace and transformative power. Dr. Lin's family serves as a powerful example of God's faithfulness and His ability to work in the lives of those we love.
The Role of History in Strengthening Faith
Dr. Lin, being a historian, found that her knowledge of history played a significant role in strengthening her faith and understanding the reliability of the Bible. Studying the historical context of biblical events, as well as the various archaeological and literary evidences supporting its accuracy, reassured her of the trustworthiness of Scripture. Recognizing that God often uses ordinary people and common means to accomplish His divine work, Dr. Lin's study of history demonstrated how God's character and ways align with the way He authored the Bible. This understanding affirmed her belief in the full truth of the Scriptures and reinforced the divine inspiration found within its pages.
The Power of Scripture and the Second Confession
Dr. Lin shares her personal journey of coming to a deeper understanding and acceptance of the Bible as the Word of God. Initially struggling with doubts and questioning certain parts of Scripture, she embarked on a quest to thoroughly study the Bible and its historical foundations. Through a combination of scholarly literature, Bible study, and prayer, God revealed His truth to her and guided her to confidently declare her faith in the entirety of Scripture. This second confession, akin to a mature and steadfast commitment to the Bible, brought her a profound sense of peace and an unshakable trust in God's Word. Dr. Lin emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit's guidance and the continued lifelong love for and study of Scripture in deepening one's faith.
How does a former Buddhist convert to Christianity and use history to help bolster the Christian faith? Susan Lim unpacks how the history of the Bible impacts our faith and anchors us through the changing tides of time. The story of Scripture, while messy and complicated at times, is also the story of how God shepherded his people throughout the centuries in and through these writings. Christians came to accept certain documents as inspired and not others, and how the books we now call the Bible came to be assembled and canonized as authoritative. The same Spirit of God who oversaw the writing of Scripture continues to be at work actively in us in our receiving and reading of it, to grow us in faith and maturity.
Light of the Word: How Knowing the History of the Bible Illuminates Our Faith by Susan Lim (https://a.co/d/5WB49J0)
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