Matthew 7:15-16 - "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?"
Jesus warns us to watch out for those who would tell us things that match up with what we want to hear, but are not the truth. A lot of false teaching has invaded our modern western worldview that is perverse and does not line up with the only truth; that which we know is true because God says it is so. The fact that there even is one truth about a subject is up for debate in our culture. A common western worldview is that "There is no single truth; that whatever you believe to be truth is fine, just don't tell me what I believe is wrong."
This is a lie right from the Father of Lies, the devil. If he can convince us that we can believe anything we want to be true then there become infinite lies for us to believe. Which means the one truth can become lost in a sea of other possible truths.
I've found that in our culture it is hard to call someone out on something they believe to be true, but that we know is a lie, for fear that we will be labeled close minded, intolerant, or judgmental. It's a real catch twenty two. While it is important that we find a way to work through this problem in our society, I want to focus on the most personal aspect of truth. Not that we tell other people what the truth is, but that we ourselves know the truth. We have to start there.
Here's the simple truth...You can find answers to any issue that presents multiple ideas of what the truth could be...wait for it...in the bible. If you want to know the truth spend some time with the Author of Truth. Jesus says that He is, "The Way, the Truth, and the Life." The words of truth in the bible will help you set your compass to true north and adjust your worldview to help you see the truth.
While it is true the truth will set you free, I heard it said today (and I'm sorry I can't recall whom to give the credit) that, "The truth will set you free, but it will probably hurt a lot first." Let God set you free with the truth, but be prepared to have your ego or your reputation hurt as He reveals the whole truth to you.
May God bless you and keep you. May He shine His face upon you and give you peace.
Check back soon for Jesus' Command #21 - Pray for laborers, for the harvest is plenty.
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Jesus' Command #19 - Choose the Narrow Way
Matthew 7:13-14 - "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."
That's a tough passage. Tough, at first, to understand. And once understood, tough to swallow. "The gate" is the way to heaven. "The gate is narrow" means there aren't a vast many ways to go through it, but only one; Jesus. Jesus is the only way to enter eternal life in heaven rather than eternal death in hell. Romans 10:9 says "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord', and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." That is the only way through the narrow gate. Matthew 19:24, Mark 10:25, and Luke 18:25 say, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God." That sounds damning; however, what is impossible to man is only possible with God. While a rich man can do just about anything he likes on Earth it is impossible, by his own will and merit, to enter eternal life in Heaven. However, what is impossible even for the rich man is possible with God.
So, although this passage is scary and tough to swallow, it offers eternal hope through Jesus! It's sad that the bible says "those who find it are few", because we know that God wants us all to choose life by believing in Him and following Him, but we know only some will choose this path and enter eternal life through this 'narrow gate.' And those that choose the path of the 'narrow gate' will enjoy life with our creator eternally.
I know it took me a while to get back on track in writing about Jesus' commands, but come back soon to hear Jesus' command #20 - "Beware of False Prophets".
That's a tough passage. Tough, at first, to understand. And once understood, tough to swallow. "The gate" is the way to heaven. "The gate is narrow" means there aren't a vast many ways to go through it, but only one; Jesus. Jesus is the only way to enter eternal life in heaven rather than eternal death in hell. Romans 10:9 says "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord', and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." That is the only way through the narrow gate. Matthew 19:24, Mark 10:25, and Luke 18:25 say, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God." That sounds damning; however, what is impossible to man is only possible with God. While a rich man can do just about anything he likes on Earth it is impossible, by his own will and merit, to enter eternal life in Heaven. However, what is impossible even for the rich man is possible with God.
So, although this passage is scary and tough to swallow, it offers eternal hope through Jesus! It's sad that the bible says "those who find it are few", because we know that God wants us all to choose life by believing in Him and following Him, but we know only some will choose this path and enter eternal life through this 'narrow gate.' And those that choose the path of the 'narrow gate' will enjoy life with our creator eternally.
I know it took me a while to get back on track in writing about Jesus' commands, but come back soon to hear Jesus' command #20 - "Beware of False Prophets".
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