truth – Page 5 – Be Still…

2 Corinthians 11:1-15 – Beware of a Different Gospel

False prophets, teachers, apostles–there are many in our world. Just as Eve was deceived by the “cunning ways” of a serpent, we can find ourselves hearing a watered down, twisted version of the Gospel message. If we aren’t careful, we might even give in and believe it. We are not immune when we call ourselves children of God. In fact, we are an even more tempting target for the evil one.

As followers of Christ, I sometimes feel like we have a target on our backs. The evil one lurks behind every barrier, around every corner, just waiting for an opportunity to pounce on our doubting heart, our wayward soul seeking answers. Are we ready to know the difference between right and wrong? Will we recognize the lies, or will we be unwittingly sucked into the “un-truth” because it sounds good?

Proverbs 14:11-20 – How Gullible Are You?

Read Proverbs 14:11-20

Have you ever heard that skepticism is a virtue? Well, at least Solomon thought it was something to point out. In verse 15, it says, “Only simpletons believe everything they’re told! The prudent carefully consider their steps.” Simpleton is this translation’s way of calling out the simple-minded, those who don’t think a lot about what they are doing.

In the day and age we are living in, we are constantly bombarded with messages. Whether it’s on social media, the news, or the gossip at the coffee shop, there is an information overload exploding around us. How do you decide what is “good” news and what is “fake” news? How do you discern?

3 John 1:1-15 – Good and Bad Examples

Read 3 John 1:1-15

Do you feel like you were reading someone else’s letter here? Again, the elder (presumably John) has written to a friend. This letter has found it’s way into the Bible on purpose. There is a message here for us. Did you see it? There are probably several things we can take away from this reading. If I miss one, please leave me a comment.

When we get beyond the normal letter format, including the salutation and wishes for health, we learn that John is happy with his friend, Gaius. John says, “I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.” That is true for us, too, isn’t it? We always want what’s best for our children or for individuals we have nurtured.

1 John 2:18-27 – Who Are You Following?

Read 1 John 2:18-27

When we see the prefix, “anti” we know it means the opposite or against. For instance, antifreeze is something we use to keep our cars from freezing up in the cold. So what about the antichrist? Is it the opposite of Christ or against Christ? John says, “anyone who denies the Father and the Son is an antichrist.” The Greek, antichristos, means literally “adversary of the Messiah.”

We are also told that many antichrists have appeared already. Can you imagine how many more have since John wrote these words? You may have encountered an antichrist who tried to cloud your judgment or belief about Jesus, put a doubt in your head, or tried to lure your trust away from Jesus.

Matthew 16:1-12 – Beware!

Read Matthew 16:1-12

There are a couple of background details I’d like to share from a commentary I was reading on the Book of Matthew. Suffice it to say that the Pharisees and Sadducees were not in the same camp when it came to religion. There were significant differences between the two, and bringing them together doesn’t necessarily mean they are on the same page. But they both seem intent on discrediting Jesus.

While it is in the law to question a prophet to make sure they are “real” and trustworthy, the way these folks went about it overstepped the boundaries of the law. To question Jesus is one thing, but to ask for a sign from Heaven thus includes God the Father. That is not what the law suggests. At all. You may recall some scribes of the Pharisees came to Jesus several passages ago, and Jesus dismissed them, too.