In the last post I brought up the signal vs noise ratio and how it is used metaphorically to differentiate factual/relevant information from false/irrelevant information. Signal is the factual and relevant info; noise is the false and irrelevant info. I then posed the question, where does someone go to find the “signal” about Christianity? With the endless number of sources on Christianity this seems like an impossible question to answer. One could go to the bookstore, library, internet, friends, family, religious leaders…the list could go on and on. So, where can you reliably go to find factual and relevant information about Jesus, God and the church?
Thankfully, there is a simple answer to this question…the Bible. It really is that simple. Do you want to know more about God? Look in the Bible. Want to know more about Jesus? Look in the Bible. What about the church? Look in the Bible. That is where you will find factual and relevant information. The Bible is the inspired word of God…2 Timothy 3:16 makes that point clearly. Any source outside of that is subject to incorrect and irrelevant information or to put it another way, noise. The Bible is where the signal is found.
I am not suggesting you ignore all other sources information out there. That would be ironic given this is a blog on a site “dedicated to the proclamation of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and a discussion of His teachings.” What I am asserting is the Bible is the only authoritative source. It is the only source that is completely reliable. It is the only source that is purely signal.
Do not rely upon others and their opinions. Go to the Bible and see what it has to say. Use it as the source by which to judge all other sources. That’s what we find the Bereans doing in Acts 17. As Paul and Silas taught these individuals …they searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so (Acts 17:11). They were using the scripture to fact check an apostle! We should have the same diligence and the same wisdom in our search for the truth.
If you are confused about where to go to find the truth the answer is simple…go to the Bible. There you will find truth. That is the signal. Everything else may just be noise.
