Monday, June 19, 2017

Pastor's Ponderings, June 19, 2017

Whose Message Will You Believe?

Forrest Stroud defines fake news in Webopedia, as “false information or propaganda published under the guise of being authentic news. Fake news websites and channels push their fake news content in an attempt to mislead consumers of the content and spread misinformation via social networks and word-of-mouth.” We have a world that seems to be committed to leading others astray.

The Bible speaks of people deceitfully scheming to manipulate others (Ephesians 4:14).  Why?  Because they want to use, abuse, and misuse others for their own selfish gain (2 Peter 2:3). Evil people may extol the joy of life on the streets by convincing unaware people so that they can fleece or trick victims with get rich schemes or extorting them for their cash (Proverbs 1:10). Even some preachers have been guilty of this! Others may persuade people with white collar plots to lie, cheat, or embezzle with the rationale “everybody does it”. The devil wants to take you captive with his lies and deceit. Only knowledge of the truth will help to escape the devil’s captivity and set you free (2 Timothy 2:25-26, John 8:32).   

Fake news seems very real, but we are going to have to seek God’s wisdom for knowing how to distinguish the real from the fake.  The devil says you will always be sick, cursed, and broke. We have to believe God’s real news that we are healed, prosperous and blessed in every way (3 John 2). God wants us to decide to believe what His word. He asks who will believe His message (Isaiah 53:1). Let us decide that we will believe what God says about us and about our future. Let us believe God’s message.

Ephesians 4:14
New International Version (NIV)
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.

2 Peter 2:3

New International Version (NIV)
3 In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.

Proverbs 1:10
New International Version (NIV)
10 My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them.

2 Timothy 2:25-26
New International Version (NIV)
25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,
26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

John 8:32
New International Version (NIV)
32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

3 John 2
New International Version (NIV)
2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.

Isaiah 53:1
New International Version (NIV)
1 Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?


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