MISINFORMED

To hear truth and not accept it does not nullify truth. -Brotherhood Journal

John 8:32, And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Over the past few years there has come a new cliché about information given to us; “Fake News.” I don’t know where it originated but our previous president picked it up and it became a national saying for anything anyone didn’t agree with/ It didn’t matter if it was true or not.

When talking about the Word of God, many would say it’s outdated or irrelevant. Some would even claim it is fake news. Yet, our belief in the Word does not change what it is though. Giving its Truth, remaining the same, with the potential power to change men and women for the good every day.

Have you picked up a copy of the Bible lately and read a few verses? Have you sought to see what God’s Word can do for you? Have you asked the Lord to use His Word to give you light to the way to Heaven? Don’t be misinformed by this world, your flesh, or the devil friend! God’s Word is Truth and it will set you free!

I WANT ANSWERS

Truth lies in character. Christ did not simply speak the truth; he was Truth-Truth through and through, for truth is a thing not of words but a life and being.

Joshua 24:14 Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.

Tired of hearing this is the way to Heaven and this is what you have to do to get there? Don’t know much about truth? Don’t know what the Bible says about truth? You never will have the answers you’re looking for if you don’t open a Bible. You never will have the answers you’re looking for if you continue to sleep in on Sundays; never going to church! So, GET UP, GET READY AND GO TO CHURCH to get the answers you’re looking for!

JUST TELL THE TRUTH

If you tell the truth, you have infinite power supporting you; but if not, you have infinite power against you. -Gordon

Psalm 15:1-2, LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.

            Trying to cover up a lie is one of the hardest things you will do. The reason being is that not only will you have to tell one lie, you will have to tell another to cover that one up. Then another for that one and so forth and so on. My Mom use to say, “Just tell the truth Jay. It will be better for you.” I’m an old man now and I wished I would’ve listened to her way back when.

            Friend, Ananias and Sapphira lied and it cost them their lives. Will you continue to be a liar and end up in Hell? You see, Scripture tells us that there will not be any liars in Heaven. Please, before your life is over and you end up forever separated from the Saviour Jesus Christ, repent and trust Him as Saviour today!

THE TRUTH IS OFFENSIVE

            Don't you know my friend, it is not the most fluent man that has the greatest effect with a jury?  It is the man who tells the truth. - D.L Moody

Galatians 4:16, Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?

            Do you remember in math class when the teacher was writing problems on the board and after she finished you had to go to the board to work a problem out in front of everyone? Do you remember getting the answer wrong? Do you remember when you asked the teacher why it was wrong with that voice telling everyone you were mad at her? Do you remember telling her time and time again that you WERE right and she was wrong? She became your enemy really quick and no one was going to change your mind… until you got home that is.

            The truth is offensive but it doesn’t change that it is the truth. We need to see truth for what it is—the truth! We need to listen to the truth, even when it hurts our feelings or our pride. We need to live by the truth—the truth that will set us free from sin and shame.

            How you handle the truth will make all the difference.

GET THE WHOLE TRUTH!

Don't you know my friend, it is not the most fluent man that has the greatest effect with a jury?  It is the man who tells the truth. - D.L Moody

John 8:32, And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Often, someone comes up to me and tells me their story about someone else. I ask them, “Who told you that?” Some say, “Well so and so told me.”. I ask, “Did you go ask the person they were talking about? Did you ask them whether if it was true or not before you started to spread the gossip?” Most if not all of them say, “No.” It is sad that people will just blindly believe a person that told them some untrue gossip and begin to tell others, never questioning what was told to them.

            Hey friend, I have some Truth for you this morning. Jesus loves you! He gave Himself for you! Pick up a copy of God’s Word and get the whole Truth of what He did to prove His love for you! As someone once said, “He loved you so much that He got up on a Cross, stretched out His arms, and He gave His life for you to have life and have it more abundant!“

IF IT’S DIFFERENT, IT’S NOT THE SAME

All churches are not preaching the same message.

Galatians 1:9, As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

I heard a story once how when the folks in the US Mint were looking for counterfeit currency, they would not study the counterfeit. They would study the real bills! Friend, if you want to see the real Gospel, get into the Word of God, learning what the true Gospel is about. It’s not a gospel of prosperity, a charismatic gospel, and bloodless gospel, or any other “gospel” that isn’t the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Anything that isn’t the truth should be avoided like a plague.

            Do you know the difference? Have you studied and learned what the true Gospel is about? The true Gospel isn’t as much about you as it is about Jesus! It’s about how He came to seek and save that which was lost. It’s about how He got up on the tree to die for you and me! It’s about the blood He shed on Calvary! It’s about He arose from the dead, conquering death, hell, and the grave, setting the captives free!

            Still confused? GET UP, GET READY, and GO to a Bible believing church this morning!  

DON’T SPEAK LIES ABOUT OTHERS!

Never throw mud. You may miss your mark, but you will have dirty hands. -Parker

He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool. Proverbs 10:18

Several years ago we were going through a rough time in the ministry. Lies about me and my family came out but very few people came to me to find out if the information that was said was true. I found it amazing that folks you ministered with for years were quick to believe a lie told by someone they hardly knew. I often wonder why professing Christians don’t follow God’s Word when they have a dispute (ought) with someone else in their church family.

Christian friend, if you find yourself with some bitterness brewing because you feel someone has done you wrong in the ministry or you have heard something about them, go to them. Talk it out! If you don’t, you give place for the devil to work and he would love nothing more than to destroy the relationship you have with your church family!

BE HONEST

Some people wonder why their children are such liars.  If they'd look into a mirror they'd probably see the reason. - D.L. Moody

Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 1 Peter 2:12

One of the greatest sayings in the world is “Honesty is the best policy!” It is so true. I mean really, who likes, respects, or trusts a liar? Peter told the believers, Make sure your talk and walk is honest. Why? So when someone rises up against you their lies will be seen right through. Their lies will condemn themselves. That your testimony will honor and glorify the Saviour! Why? Because that is what we are suppose to do! It reminds me of 1 Corinthians 10:31, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

GOT STRENGTH?

For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? Psalm 43:2

In 1993, the Milk Processor Education Program started running a campaign to help promote the sale of milk. The “Got Milk” slogan was promoted by media, sporting, and entertainment celebrities. The message of these commercials was that milk was the source of strength to become famous athletes, rock stars, or other celebrities. The success of this campaign ran for 21 years and boosted milk sales to record levels.

            Child of God, our strength comes from God. It comes from His Son! John 14:6, Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. It comes from His Word! John 17:17, Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. It comes from His Spirit! John 16:13, Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

            When we have to do the hard things in life, standing up against temptation, loving our enemies, or facing life’s storms when they come, we can rest in our Saviour by knowing He is our strength and He will strengthen us!

HE CAN’T DO THAT!

A liar is not believed even though he tells the truth. -Cicero

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; Titus 1:2

If God told one lie, He could not be believed in anything else He said. Since He can’t lie we have nothing to worry about! Everything He has said He would do, He will!

When He said He created in everything in 6 literal days—He did! When He said He would never leave thee nor forsake thee—He won’t! When He said He would remain faithful, even when you are not—He meant it! When He said He was coming again, He will!

Don’t forget… God cannot tell a lie!

YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN!

What we mean by salvation is this-deliverance from the love of sin, rescue from the habit of sin, setting free from the desire to sin. –Spurgeon

Leading up to one, if not the most, well known verses in all of scripture John 3:16, we have the story of Nicodemus. Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a ruler of the Jews. He had an important position within the hierarchy. Nicodemus’ problem was just like so many in the church today, he was unsaved. He didn’t understand what salvation was all about. When Jesus told him, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus was perplexed and didn’t understand what He meant. His response was, “How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?” Nicodemus literally thought Jesus was talking about a rebirth. This is a perfect example of a religious, unsaved man not understanding the things of God.

Throughout the church today we have unsaved men and women in leadership positions. They are spiritually bankrupt, not understanding the simple things in scripture such as, “YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN”. But I am thankful on this day, my physical birthday, that God gives even unsaved religious leaders in the church grace. Just as He did not close the coffers of His grace to Nicodemus, neither will He to anyone who repents and turns to Him. Look at the answer Jesus gave to Nicodemus, “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” John 3:5-7

Have you been born again? Have you trusted Jesus as your Saviour? If not now, when? If not now, why? Here is a little truth, “…now is the day of salvation.” Today, you too can be born again!

LET ME HEAR TRUTH!

All human discoveries seem to be made only for the purpose of confirming more and more the truths contained in the Holy Scriptures. --John Herschel

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. John 16:13

In the world we live in there are few places to hear Truth. Where people use to hear Truth in the classroom, on the radio, and in church, we rarely hear it anymore unless we intentionally make a means in which to hear it. By reading our Bible, listening to the preacher in church, or reading sound Christian literature we can get what our spirit needs to grow. But if you don’t intentionally make time for it, we will starve until we will be like Lot in Sodom—a powerless Christian in need of an infusion of Truth!

Will you make an opportunity to hear the Truth today or will you continue to starve yourself of it?

FOUNDATION COLLAPSE

Spiritual truth is more essential to a nation than mortar to its cities' walls.  For when the actions of a people are unguided by these truths, it is only a matter of time before the walls themselves collapse. --Charles Lindbergh

Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever. Psalm 119:160

The foundation is the most important part of a building. But if the building’s floors, walls, and ceiling aren’t installed correctly- I still do not want to be in it. A few years ago a ceiling collapsed on the campus of Duke University. The reason, it wasn’t installed correctly. They had attached the supports to part of an existing ceiling but did not anchor it back to the original rafters.

Just as with that ceiling, if we are not anchored to The Truth our lives will eventually collapse around us. We will begin to believe the lies of the devil. And as it says in James 1:14-15, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”

Does it seem as if your walls are collapsing in around you? Has your life hit rock bottom? When your down there it is only one way to look- and that’s UP!----I know you have heard the saying, “When all else fails, read the Bible.” My saying is a spin on that, “Before all else fails, read the Bible!”

DON’T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU HEAR OR SEE!

Seeing isn’t believing anymore, but then neither is hearing.

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1

The digital, computer generated age we live in propels images to us that are so far from the truth the FBI, CIA, Homeland Security, and NSA have trouble determining what’s real. So how do they determine what’s real? They study the real things! How do we know if a twenty dollar bill is real? I don’t! A cashier at the market runs a mark over them to check them out. But I don’t have one. The guys keeping check don’t study the fake ones, they study the real ones!

You and I are going to determine truth versus error by studying the Truth. It will not be by looking at the dead religions of the world. We will see Truth when we read His Word, study His Word, and apply His Word. Let’s be like the Bereans in Acts 17, “…they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”

SPEAK TRUTH EVEN IF IT MAKES SOMEONE MAD.

For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. 3 John 1:3

It’s a given, if you speak Truth someone will lash out at you. You will find out where they stand. Their true colors will shine through. But do you shrink back in a hole never more to proclaim the Gospel? No! If anything, you speak a little louder! You shine a little brighter! You stand firm in Who you have believed! Paul said in 2 Timothy 1:12, For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Don't let a little backlash on the Truth you speak cause you to discontinue doing what God has commanded!

WILL YOU TELL THE TRUTH?

One taper lights a thousand, yet shines as it has shone; and the humblest light may kindle one brighter than its own.— Butterworth

A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies. Proverbs 14:25

In a court of law, when a witness comes forward to give testimony of the events pertaining to a case they are asked to place their hand on the Bible and to swear or affirm to tell the truth. They take an oath or make a promise that what they are about to testify to is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. If the jury finds the witness credible, the one who is being accused has a pretty good chance of being convicted and sentenced to time in prison.

As you and I go out and testify to the truth found in God’s Word, will it be enough to convict a sinner? Will there be enough power in our testimony to change one’s opinion about who Jesus is and what He has done for every man, woman, boy and girl in the world? Will the light of truth shine so bright in your life that it will kindle another’s?

EMBARRASSED ATHEIST?

An atheist's most embarrassing moment is when he feels profoundly thankful for something, but can't think of anybody to thank. –Vincent

For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. Romans 14:11

I can only imagine seeing an atheist coming up out of a fox hole that just had grenades blasting beside it, bullets whistling by his head, missiles exploding dirt hundreds of feet into the air, saying, “Thank God!”, then thinking, “What did I just say? That was stupid!” I’m sure he would probably look around to see if anyone heard him…

It is my prayer, before it is too late, he would bow his knee to God on this side of the grave. Then he won’t have to worry about being wrong or embarrassed!

LIARS BEWARE!

A liar is not believed even though he tells the truth. –Cicero

        But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation 21:8

I am amazed at the attempts at lying some people go to. They forget a few things; you must cover up a lie more than once, you will always question if others are telling the truth, and the most important… your sin will find you out. You will stand before God and give an account of your life—including all the lies you have told.

Have you attempted to cover up lies? Time to come clean with the Lord and the one you lied to!

GET UP, GET READY, and GO!

The living Church, though never neat, keeps God's world from complete disaster. -Macleod

We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company. Psalm 55:14

GET UP, GET READY, and GO WHERE; to church of course! There is no better place for you to be on a Sunday morning! The fish don’t bite any better and you won’t find better deals at the mall on Sundays either. Even though it may be the only day you have to sleep in and you get your best cleaning done, don’t forsake the day the Lord has set aside for us to come together and worship Him in spirit and in truth! So please join me in worship this Sunday morning somewhere!

Which way do I go?

The greater thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are going. --Oliver Wendell Holmes

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6

Before the times of GPS people used a paper map to get around. Sometimes the husband would yell at his wife, “Which way do I go?” At other times, they would end up needing to stop on the road because many a wives, bless their heart, couldn’t read a map very well. But most of the time, the husband wouldn’t want to read it at all. He would be like, it just up here a few more miles. They drive and drive and finally she would end up asking, “Honey, do you know where we are at?” His response, “Nope, we’re lost!”

Friend, if you don’t know Jesus as Saviour, you’re already lost. You’re on the way to hell. Won’t you GET UP, GET READY, and GO TO CHURCH TODAY? There you will find the direction to get to HEAVEN! And then you can sing with me:

When He shall come with trumpet sound,

Oh, may I then in Him be found,

Clothed in His righteousness alone,

Faultless to stand before the throne!

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand.