Question:  Dear Greg,

            First of all, let me just say that I am a born-again Christian and have been since 1995.  However, for the last month I have been fighting two spiritual battles at once.  The first one deals with doubting the reality of the claims of the Bible.  Out of the blue one day last month, the message of the gospel hit home for me.  I found myself thinking, “This story is so fantastic, so far fetched and so crazy!  How can it really be true?”  One positive outcome of this battle has been that it has caused me to dive deeply into information and writings on the authenticity of the Bible, which has helped me a great deal.

            My second battle deals with a call to the ministry.  About the same time I started having doubts, I felt what I think may be a call to ministry.  My problem is, how do I know if that call is from God or me?  I feel a gentle prodding deep down to go to seminary, although I’m not sure about what kind of ministry I’m led to.  Is this common?  Are there any signs or feelings that are common to people who have been called by God?

            Your advice would be greatly appreciated.

            Thank you,

            Ben

Answer:  Dear Ben,

            Thanks for allowing us to be of help.  Here are a few thoughts for your consideration:

1.      The mere fact that someone is troubled by the authenticity and authority of the Bible does not mean, ipso facto, that such a person is rebelling against God and is a prime candidate to become an atheist.  This issue troubles many who research and think about the Bible while it can cause little or no problem to the person who never wishes to “go that far” in the intellectual discovery of his or her faith.

One thing to keep in mind: at the end of the day you will find what everyone has found who has engaged this issue, from whatever perspective they have started with and whatever their final view may have been.  The Bible has been on trial, scrutinized and examined more than any other book—ever.  It still stands.  In fact, the integrity of the Bible is stronger in many ways than it ever was, due to modern sciences such as archaeology, which has proven the Bible correct—rather than the opposite.

However, you need to discover, consider and examine yourself—and see for yourself—and satisfy yourself on this issue.  There are many books to read (on both sides) as you no doubt know.

2.      A call to ministry.  You are correct.  One of the best ways to find out is to go to seminary and enter into the life of what it will mean to serve God professionally with your career.  Learn, study, listen to and observe those who have served him for many decades.  All of this will help you come to an appropriate conclusion and decision.

            May God bless you.  Let us know if we can be of further help.

            In Christ,

            Greg Albrecht