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In the beginning, when God created the natural world, he established that creatures would reproduce after their kind.

Not only do we see creatures reproducing after their kind in the physical world.
But also, in the spiritual world we see fruit produced after their kind.

1/6

In the beginning, when God created the natural world, he established that creatures would reproduce after their kind.

Not only do we see creatures reproducing after their kind in the physical world.
But also, in the spiritual world we see fruit produced after their kind.

1/6

As it is with physical fruit, so it is with spiritual fruit.
As surely as frogs beget frogs, wolves will beget wolves, snakes will beget snakes...and you're probably already thinking metaphorically.

Sin begets death.

Romans 6:23 KJV - "23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
James 1:15 KJV - "15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."

The key is repentance, a supernatural change.
How shall we be sheep unless the blood of the Lamb flows in our veins?

A wolf wears dead wool, purchased or slaughtered—buying them off or slaying the sheep that get in their way—to wear their cloak.
A thief on the wall or a snake in the grass is not a sheep either.

Fit in, or sneak in...you're still not in till you're rid of sin.
You must come in by the Door.

2/6

As it is with physical fruit, so it is with spiritual fruit.
As surely as frogs beget frogs, wolves will beget wolves, snakes will beget snakes...and you're probably already thinking metaphorically.

Sin begets death.

Romans 6:23 KJV - "23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
James 1:15 KJV - "15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."

The key is repentance, a supernatural change.
How shall we be sheep unless the blood of the Lamb flows in our veins?

A wolf wears dead wool, purchased or slaughtered—buying them off or slaying the sheep that get in their way—to wear their cloak.
A thief on the wall or a snake in the grass is not a sheep either.

Fit in, or sneak in...you're still not in till you're rid of sin.
You must come in by the Door.

2/6

Drawing parallels between the natural and spiritual world is about as safe as riding a unicycle on a tightrope.

To compare physical things with spiritual things, natural with supernatural, can be deadly dangerous, though we do it with object lessons all the time.

A very effective object lesson can confuse the natural & the supernatural.
The object so well illustrates the lesson that, after a while, we cannot separate the two.

This is one place paganism begins.
Mystics, the superstitious, naturalists & more, have fundamental confusion regarding these things.
They believe the creature rather than the Creator, directing labor & love—worship—in every direction conceivable, away from the Living God.

ROM 1:18-25
"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen."

While the physical world is an excellent analog of the spiritual world, let's not learn the wrong lessons—things that are counter to God's moral code.

And let's not invert the relationship, as Satan would have us do, worshipping the creature—the mere illustration when it comes to principles, & corrupt at that—rather than the Creator.

The creature is cursed by sin; the Creator is blessed forever, holy.

3/6

Drawing parallels between the natural and spiritual world is about as safe as riding a unicycle on a tightrope.

To compare physical things with spiritual things, natural with supernatural, can be deadly dangerous, though we do it with object lessons all the time.

A very effective object lesson can confuse the natural & the supernatural.
The object so well illustrates the lesson that, after a while, we cannot separate the two.

This is one place paganism begins.
Mystics, the superstitious, naturalists & more, have fundamental confusion regarding these things.
They believe the creature rather than the Creator, directing labor & love—worship—in every direction conceivable, away from the Living God.

ROM 1:18-25
"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen."

While the physical world is an excellent analog of the spiritual world, let's not learn the wrong lessons—things that are counter to God's moral code.

And let's not invert the relationship, as Satan would have us do, worshipping the creature—the mere illustration when it comes to principles, & corrupt at that—rather than the Creator.

The creature is cursed by sin; the Creator is blessed forever, holy.

3/6

Set Your Affections Where?

Though there are strong parallels ordained by God between the natural and the supernatural, they are not the same...similar but not the same.

Beware of any attempt by the god of this world to blind you to this world's witness of God, or to worship the messenger.
No holy cows, no spirit animals, no worship or prayers to saints or angels.

Let us rather set our affection on things above, on the King of Kings, not on things on the Earth, or its prince.
And let us find spiritual life in Christ, while we bear witness of the Gospel on this earth.

2 Corinthians 4:4, 7, 16, 18 KJV
"4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. ...
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. ...
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. ...
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."

4/6

Set Your Affections Where?

Though there are strong parallels ordained by God between the natural and the supernatural, they are not the same...similar but not the same.

Beware of any attempt by the god of this world to blind you to this world's witness of God, or to worship the messenger.
No holy cows, no spirit animals, no worship or prayers to saints or angels.

Let us rather set our affection on things above, on the King of Kings, not on things on the Earth, or its prince.
And let us find spiritual life in Christ, while we bear witness of the Gospel on this earth.

2 Corinthians 4:4, 7, 16, 18 KJV
"4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. ...
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. ...
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. ...
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."

4/6

The natural creature reproduces after its kind, and
the spirit produces fruit that reveals its true character.

The writer of Romans 3:8 addresses an interesting perspective on this matter. There were people who accused him of saying,
"Let us do evil, that good may come."
He responded that this mindset was damnable. Is it not an abomination?
● Back to Matthew 7:15-17,
do we sow thistles, that figs may come?
● Do we sow wild oats? do we have a rumspringa,
expecting spiritual growth?
● Do we bribe God to look the other way with indulgences?
● Do we rob God? Malachi 3:8
● Do we continue in sin, that grace may abound? Romans 6:1

Spiritually Discerning

While physical sowing and reaping are quite visible, spiritually, people are far less discerning.
We so quickly wither in the face of opposition or are easily sidetracked by bad ideas with no track record, or at least no truthful record that is politically correct to publish.

We are scattered like so much grain upon a patch of earth.
Read Matthew 13 for more on that point.

And yet, I have see many plants, whether hardy or fragile, beautiful or noxious, poisonous or nutritious, growing in places the determinist would dismiss.

Let the power of God grow you where you are planted.

There are some who make excuse regardless how good the soil. And there are others who allow bad conditions to make a false prophet out of them.

Understand the perils, learn what is profitable, and grow where you are planted.

Whatever the obstacles, natural or supernatural, grow, by the grace of God.

But this illustration is about more. It is about being a sower, being a co-laborer, sowing in your life and the lives of others, spreading the Word.

5/6

The natural creature reproduces after its kind, and
the spirit produces fruit that reveals its true character.

The writer of Romans 3:8 addresses an interesting perspective on this matter. There were people who accused him of saying,
"Let us do evil, that good may come."
He responded that this mindset was damnable. Is it not an abomination?
● Back to Matthew 7:15-17,
do we sow thistles, that figs may come?
● Do we sow wild oats? do we have a rumspringa,
expecting spiritual growth?
● Do we bribe God to look the other way with indulgences?
● Do we rob God? Malachi 3:8
● Do we continue in sin, that grace may abound? Romans 6:1

Spiritually Discerning

While physical sowing and reaping are quite visible, spiritually, people are far less discerning.
We so quickly wither in the face of opposition or are easily sidetracked by bad ideas with no track record, or at least no truthful record that is politically correct to publish.

We are scattered like so much grain upon a patch of earth.
Read Matthew 13 for more on that point.

And yet, I have see many plants, whether hardy or fragile, beautiful or noxious, poisonous or nutritious, growing in places the determinist would dismiss.

Let the power of God grow you where you are planted.

There are some who make excuse regardless how good the soil. And there are others who allow bad conditions to make a false prophet out of them.

Understand the perils, learn what is profitable, and grow where you are planted.

Whatever the obstacles, natural or supernatural, grow, by the grace of God.

But this illustration is about more. It is about being a sower, being a co-laborer, sowing in your life and the lives of others, spreading the Word.

5/6

Sow in Tears

We are slow to sow in tears, unless they are tears of self-pity, and so we scarcely reap in joy, unless we count the fleeting sense of instant gratification, or the feel-good follies of false prophets.

Psalm 126:5 KJV
"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy."
Little do we sow in tears; little do we reap in joy.

The stewards in the parable of the talents weren't just feel-good investors (Matthew 25).
In living color, they had challenges to face, known enemies and unknown growing conditions. They earned their living by the sweat of their brow.

Jesus, the Bread of Life, earned for us eternal life, by the sweat of His blood-stained brow.
If you ever think you had a hard day of work, remember...
If you ever thought you could pay the price God requires, remember...
Remember Jesus Christ.

But wait a minute, shouldn't joy beget joy?
Hebrews 12:2 KJV
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Jesus looked forward to joy, with hope, and that is what He found.

He believed the Father,
Jesus Christ the Son,
prayed in anguish of spirit,
"Thy will be done."

Jesus believed God,
a hope beyond trials,
a faith that would walk
even double the miles.

Do you believe God?
His face you will see.
What have you sown
for eternity?

Colossians 3:1-4 KJV
"1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory."

You reap what you sow...

End of Thread

Sow in Tears

We are slow to sow in tears, unless they are tears of self-pity, and so we scarcely reap in joy, unless we count the fleeting sense of instant gratification, or the feel-good follies of false prophets.

Psalm 126:5 KJV
"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy."
Little do we sow in tears; little do we reap in joy.

The stewards in the parable of the talents weren't just feel-good investors (Matthew 25).
In living color, they had challenges to face, known enemies and unknown growing conditions. They earned their living by the sweat of their brow.

Jesus, the Bread of Life, earned for us eternal life, by the sweat of His blood-stained brow.
If you ever think you had a hard day of work, remember...
If you ever thought you could pay the price God requires, remember...
Remember Jesus Christ.

But wait a minute, shouldn't joy beget joy?
Hebrews 12:2 KJV
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Jesus looked forward to joy, with hope, and that is what He found.

He believed the Father,
Jesus Christ the Son,
prayed in anguish of spirit,
"Thy will be done."

Jesus believed God,
a hope beyond trials,
a faith that would walk
even double the miles.

Do you believe God?
His face you will see.
What have you sown
for eternity?

Colossians 3:1-4 KJV
"1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory."

You reap what you sow...

End of Thread

How do we navigate the advice given to us by clearly opposing sides?
What is the truth?
Why might it evade us?

On the left we have Bunyan's blue ox. What is the context of this bull's advice? Does it aim off-center to begin with?
Is your mentor off the mark to begin with?
And how is your aim?

Context is a wiser and wider view of the situation than mere "perspective."
If we set the best of our intentions as "true north," as if everything is relative to us, our perspective may well be askew.

If we fail to see the full picture as God frames it, preferring personal perspectives over Scriptural context, we are deceiving ourselves and those who hear us.

On the right we have your standard-issue bull-headed contrarian. "I'm right because you're always wrong," he says.

Well, big guy, sometimes you're both wrong. You're being played.

That fancy flashy flirtatious cape is just a lie, wielded by leaders and influencers who think that if they can dodge you, they can dodge God, too.

But that's not how it works.
Sometimes God lets the bull make contact.
Sometimes the works of darkness, sometimes the deceitful handling of the Word of God is exposed.
Sometimes the truth hits hard.

At the bottom we have a reddish bull, presumably here to earn his wiiiings!
Sometimes, he doesn't get a straight answer because he isn't taken seriously.

Sometimes, a little uncertainty is meant to encourage a little research, a little experience, a little diligence and effort and maturity.

The truth of a matter can be hard to discern. Without proper context, "good" advice of varying perspectives can turn us off course.

We need more than just limited human or humanistic perspectives.
We need to learn how to discern things in the context of God's Word.

If we are chasing "wide left" and "wide right," or even charging straight up the center, we may collect quite a bit of data.
"…ever learning…"

But if we do not acknowledge, accept, and apply the absolutes of God's Word, those dodgy fellows will continue to get us with their capes.
"…but never coming to a knowledge of the truth."

Do you want truth?
God is able to teach you what to focus on, what to follow, and how to follow through. 📖

How do we navigate the advice given to us by clearly opposing sides?
What is the truth?
Why might it evade us?

On the left we have Bunyan's blue ox. What is the context of this bull's advice? Does it aim off-center to begin with?
Is your mentor off the mark to begin with?
And how is your aim?

Context is a wiser and wider view of the situation than mere "perspective."
If we set the best of our intentions as "true north," as if everything is relative to us, our perspective may well be askew.

If we fail to see the full picture as God frames it, preferring personal perspectives over Scriptural context, we are deceiving ourselves and those who hear us.

On the right we have your standard-issue bull-headed contrarian. "I'm right because you're always wrong," he says.

Well, big guy, sometimes you're both wrong. You're being played.

That fancy flashy flirtatious cape is just a lie, wielded by leaders and influencers who think that if they can dodge you, they can dodge God, too.

But that's not how it works.
Sometimes God lets the bull make contact.
Sometimes the works of darkness, sometimes the deceitful handling of the Word of God is exposed.
Sometimes the truth hits hard.

At the bottom we have a reddish bull, presumably here to earn his wiiiings!
Sometimes, he doesn't get a straight answer because he isn't taken seriously.

Sometimes, a little uncertainty is meant to encourage a little research, a little experience, a little diligence and effort and maturity.

The truth of a matter can be hard to discern. Without proper context, "good" advice of varying perspectives can turn us off course.

We need more than just limited human or humanistic perspectives.
We need to learn how to discern things in the context of God's Word.

If we are chasing "wide left" and "wide right," or even charging straight up the center, we may collect quite a bit of data.
"…ever learning…"

But if we do not acknowledge, accept, and apply the absolutes of God's Word, those dodgy fellows will continue to get us with their capes.
"…but never coming to a knowledge of the truth."

Do you want truth?
God is able to teach you what to focus on, what to follow, and how to follow through. 📖

Many churches are adrift, dying of apathy, as novelties—sometimes pagan—try to revive them.
Beware such solutions.

How did we get here?
I will use 3 parallel number lines to show a lukewarm church's generational drift.
"0" is the origin, the absolute; the "moderate" middle shifts as men move the goalposts, chasing lies.

There are 2 chart variants, the left-to-right "progressive" reading, and the negative version depicting the slide towards utopian Babel.

1st Gen—Man knows the truth, but in lukewarmness falls for Satan's classic question, "Yea, hath God said?"
Beware Satan's solutions, the rudiments of this world.

2nd Gen—Truth becomes "Outdated," Lukewarmness is "Common Sense," and "Tolerant" Peacemakers say, "Go along to get along."

3rd Gen—Truth is now "Legalism," cutting-edge lies are "Progress," and Moderates discontented with "Reality" sample the latest poison fruit.

When all do "what is right in their own eyes," God's judgment awaits.

SCRIPTURES

"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
- Josh. 24:15

"14 They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace. 15 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay…"
- Jer. 6:14-15a

"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" - Micah 6:8

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
- Matt. 5:9

"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God."
- 2 Cor. 5:20

"In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes."
- Judges 21:25

"And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."
- Matt. 24:12

"For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."
- 2 Cor. 10:12

But for God's grace, we follow lies.

Many churches are adrift, dying of apathy, as novelties—sometimes pagan—try to revive them.
Beware such solutions.

How did we get here?
I will use 3 parallel number lines to show a lukewarm church's generational drift.
"0" is the origin, the absolute; the "moderate" middle shifts as men move the goalposts, chasing lies.

There are 2 chart variants, the left-to-right "progressive" reading, and the negative version depicting the slide towards utopian Babel.

1st Gen—Man knows the truth, but in lukewarmness falls for Satan's classic question, "Yea, hath God said?"
Beware Satan's solutions, the rudiments of this world.

2nd Gen—Truth becomes "Outdated," Lukewarmness is "Common Sense," and "Tolerant" Peacemakers say, "Go along to get along."

3rd Gen—Truth is now "Legalism," cutting-edge lies are "Progress," and Moderates discontented with "Reality" sample the latest poison fruit.

When all do "what is right in their own eyes," God's judgment awaits.

SCRIPTURES

"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
- Josh. 24:15

"14 They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace. 15 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay…"
- Jer. 6:14-15a

"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" - Micah 6:8

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
- Matt. 5:9

"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God."
- 2 Cor. 5:20

"In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes."
- Judges 21:25

"And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."
- Matt. 24:12

"For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."
- 2 Cor. 10:12

But for God's grace, we follow lies.

Spacecraft use the "slingshot maneuver" to boost speed, which can also change the direction. Consider the many people and institutions we learn from throughout life and consider how they are influencing your trajectory.

Also, what direction do you pull those who are within your sphere of influence? Are you drawing them closer to God, or sending them off in the wrong direction?

In this illustration, I am highlighting the paths of four rockets, starting from left to right.

Rocket #1 turns sharply left. They might be born into a bad situation, or they are attracted by that yellow glow nearest their position. Then they seem to course-correct, guided by immense peer pressure.
But in the end, they still have a choice to make, towards God and truth at last.

Rocket #2 drifts off-course, and corrects slightly, but ultimately keeps going in the same direction, driven by pride to its own destruction.

Rocket #3 seems to be headed in a good direction at first, but something about this world pulls them off-course.
The blue planet that follows could be anything, perhaps the internet, where they learn something that does set them on a better course.
But you know the internet, and soon they "learn" something else and end up getting sucked into a deadly "new" error.
Will you intervene while there is still time?

Rocket #4 takes a sharp right, spins around a destructive idea or celebrity, and crashes and burns.

I left the rockets unlabeled to avoid snap judgments—perhaps they are an atheist finding God, a proud humanist, a manipulable pragmatist, or a cult follower.

Please note, these charts can be arbitrary. More structured charts can lend credibility, but such "data" can be deceptive. Illustrations of any kind can lie just as easily as they can inform.

Why did I use Jude 1:13b below? Compare it with 2 Timothy 3:7. "Ever learning, and never able to come to a knowledge of the truth."
The more error we entertain, the longer and the farther we wander.

We must seek and find and share the Gospel, Jesus Christ the Way, with humanity before it is forever too late.

How can Christians stay true in this universe of wandering stars? Study the Word of God and pray without ceasing.

Spacecraft use the "slingshot maneuver" to boost speed, which can also change the direction. Consider the many people and institutions we learn from throughout life and consider how they are influencing your trajectory.

Also, what direction do you pull those who are within your sphere of influence? Are you drawing them closer to God, or sending them off in the wrong direction?

In this illustration, I am highlighting the paths of four rockets, starting from left to right.

Rocket #1 turns sharply left. They might be born into a bad situation, or they are attracted by that yellow glow nearest their position. Then they seem to course-correct, guided by immense peer pressure.
But in the end, they still have a choice to make, towards God and truth at last.

Rocket #2 drifts off-course, and corrects slightly, but ultimately keeps going in the same direction, driven by pride to its own destruction.

Rocket #3 seems to be headed in a good direction at first, but something about this world pulls them off-course.
The blue planet that follows could be anything, perhaps the internet, where they learn something that does set them on a better course.
But you know the internet, and soon they "learn" something else and end up getting sucked into a deadly "new" error.
Will you intervene while there is still time?

Rocket #4 takes a sharp right, spins around a destructive idea or celebrity, and crashes and burns.

I left the rockets unlabeled to avoid snap judgments—perhaps they are an atheist finding God, a proud humanist, a manipulable pragmatist, or a cult follower.

Please note, these charts can be arbitrary. More structured charts can lend credibility, but such "data" can be deceptive. Illustrations of any kind can lie just as easily as they can inform.

Why did I use Jude 1:13b below? Compare it with 2 Timothy 3:7. "Ever learning, and never able to come to a knowledge of the truth."
The more error we entertain, the longer and the farther we wander.

We must seek and find and share the Gospel, Jesus Christ the Way, with humanity before it is forever too late.

How can Christians stay true in this universe of wandering stars? Study the Word of God and pray without ceasing.

Today, we are encouraged to "trust in our own hearts" more than we are encouraged to "trust in the Lord."
And that's even if God's heart is honestly represented at all, because His holy ways are frequently discredited, discarded, and replaced with "our own understanding."

"6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
8 For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
9 For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."
- Isaiah 55:6-9 KJV

"3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil."
- Proverbs 3:3-7 KJV

"9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? 10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings."
- Jeremiah 17:9-10 KJV

More obscure passages to consider, as we learn from the history of God's chosen people:
'We know better than God...'
Ezekiel 33:17-20
Does this sound like us today?
Speak smoothly, prophesy deceits...
Isaiah 30:9-13
Trusting in lies, premeditated sin...
Jeremiah 7:8-10

Today, we are encouraged to "trust in our own hearts" more than we are encouraged to "trust in the Lord."
And that's even if God's heart is honestly represented at all, because His holy ways are frequently discredited, discarded, and replaced with "our own understanding."

"6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
8 For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
9 For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."
- Isaiah 55:6-9 KJV

"3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil."
- Proverbs 3:3-7 KJV

"9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? 10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings."
- Jeremiah 17:9-10 KJV

More obscure passages to consider, as we learn from the history of God's chosen people:
'We know better than God...'
Ezekiel 33:17-20
Does this sound like us today?
Speak smoothly, prophesy deceits...
Isaiah 30:9-13
Trusting in lies, premeditated sin...
Jeremiah 7:8-10

Reversing this classic quote blew my mind.
It is a searing indictment of the spirit of lawlessness at work in the church today.

True:
A Christian who DEFENDS sin in any form has lost the FEAR of God.

False:
A Christian who OPPOSES sin in any form has lost the LOVE of God.

Choose:
Either call sinners to repentance
(like Jesus did),
or affirm their lawlessness
(like the Anti-Christian do).

Entire books have been written about less. Don't hold your breath on my account.
God's Word is sufficient. Read 1st John.

Reversing this classic quote blew my mind.
It is a searing indictment of the spirit of lawlessness at work in the church today.

True:
A Christian who DEFENDS sin in any form has lost the FEAR of God.

False:
A Christian who OPPOSES sin in any form has lost the LOVE of God.

Choose:
Either call sinners to repentance
(like Jesus did),
or affirm their lawlessness
(like the Anti-Christian do).

Entire books have been written about less. Don't hold your breath on my account.
God's Word is sufficient. Read 1st John.

Just as spinning in circles physically can be disorienting to people physically,
so chasing every wind of doctrine, twisting and turning about like a madman, can be disorienting to those seeking a bearing on truth.

You need to have knowledge of God’s Word, and by following it, gain experience in your relationship with God…there find your bearing, there find your peace, and clarity, and compass, your Friend and Guide.

Seek others who have this relationship with God and learn from them what you may have missed or misunderstood,
but always with God’s authority at the center, His Word the foundation of faith and practice.

Just as spinning in circles physically can be disorienting to people physically,
so chasing every wind of doctrine, twisting and turning about like a madman, can be disorienting to those seeking a bearing on truth.

You need to have knowledge of God’s Word, and by following it, gain experience in your relationship with God…there find your bearing, there find your peace, and clarity, and compass, your Friend and Guide.

Seek others who have this relationship with God and learn from them what you may have missed or misunderstood,
but always with God’s authority at the center, His Word the foundation of faith and practice.

True justice is guided not only by a knowledge of what is good, but by a love of that which is good.
Otherwise, it is but ruthless legalism.

Justice also expresses hatred towards that which is proven to be evil.

Otherwise, it is prone to tolerance of cronyism—respected persons and protected interests.

Injustice is either compromised by a love of evil or corrupted by a hatred of that which is good.

One of the observations that I made regarding the original chart was with regard to justice and injustice.
(And this topic may well be extended into the area of what the end goals of a "correctional" facility ought to be.)

But for now, let’s look deeper at justice and injustice.

JUSTICE
In Micah 6:8, we are commanded to, "do justly, love, mercy, and to walk humbly with God."
As this applies in the general sense, we might do well to consider it with regard to justice. For instance, are we not to consider mercy?

Justice, ultimately, is in divine hands. As David pointed out in Psalm 51:4, all sin is ultimately an offense against God, Who is our ultimate judge.

"Do Justly" - God's Law
If we are too "do justly," our law needs to be of the same nature as God's law.
When we go astray from God's principles of justice, we do ourselves and others grave injustice.

"Love Mercy" - God's Love
If we are to "love mercy," then we must have the love of God in our hearts, and not simply some lawless tolerant streak.

"Walk Humbly" - God's Spirit
If we are to "walk humbly," we need to mind the spirit of God in our proceedings,
pulling the mote out of our own eye,
not proudly and malevolently pursuing personal vendetta,
but resting when there is a conflict of interest.

"With God" - God's Power
And if indeed, we want God’s blessing as we pursue what is good and right and just, we need to act soberly—clearly and honestly—in the sight of God.

For with whatever measure we use of others, it will be used on us at the last day.
If we are just, and if we are merciful,
we will obtain the reward of the just and the merciful,
but if we are unjust and ruthless, we will receive no mercy.

#justice #injustice #love #humility #good #evil #mercy #tolerance

True justice is guided not only by a knowledge of what is good, but by a love of that which is good.
Otherwise, it is but ruthless legalism.

Justice also expresses hatred towards that which is proven to be evil.

Otherwise, it is prone to tolerance of cronyism—respected persons and protected interests.

Injustice is either compromised by a love of evil or corrupted by a hatred of that which is good.

One of the observations that I made regarding the original chart was with regard to justice and injustice.
(And this topic may well be extended into the area of what the end goals of a "correctional" facility ought to be.)

But for now, let’s look deeper at justice and injustice.

JUSTICE
In Micah 6:8, we are commanded to, "do justly, love, mercy, and to walk humbly with God."
As this applies in the general sense, we might do well to consider it with regard to justice. For instance, are we not to consider mercy?

Justice, ultimately, is in divine hands. As David pointed out in Psalm 51:4, all sin is ultimately an offense against God, Who is our ultimate judge.

"Do Justly" - God's Law
If we are too "do justly," our law needs to be of the same nature as God's law.
When we go astray from God's principles of justice, we do ourselves and others grave injustice.

"Love Mercy" - God's Love
If we are to "love mercy," then we must have the love of God in our hearts, and not simply some lawless tolerant streak.

"Walk Humbly" - God's Spirit
If we are to "walk humbly," we need to mind the spirit of God in our proceedings,
pulling the mote out of our own eye,
not proudly and malevolently pursuing personal vendetta,
but resting when there is a conflict of interest.

"With God" - God's Power
And if indeed, we want God’s blessing as we pursue what is good and right and just, we need to act soberly—clearly and honestly—in the sight of God.

For with whatever measure we use of others, it will be used on us at the last day.
If we are just, and if we are merciful,
we will obtain the reward of the just and the merciful,
but if we are unjust and ruthless, we will receive no mercy.

#justice #injustice #love #humility #good #evil #mercy #tolerance

INJUSTICE
Lawless vs God's Law
As we consider what is unjust, we can draw many contrasts.

On one hand, you have God's law which extends mercy out of a heart of love for that which is good, humbly offered in God's name.

On the other hand, you have the lawless heart, which is tolerant of evil, hating what is good, particularly when it offends our pride and selfish ambition.

In the end of history, the consummation, we have the man of lawlessness who sets himself above God, and then declares himself to be God, much after the pattern of the proverbial fool. We are foolish to set or to raise a standard, as if it were above God's standard.

Tolerance vs Mercy
Tolerance is a lawless mercy.
(See previous posts.)

Pride vs Humility
Pride believes in my own "good intentions" as prosecutor, but
humility actually extends the benefit of “innocent until proven guilty" to the defense.

Hate-Fueled vs Love
Since God is love, love propels God's sense of justice, and it is love that extends that mercy to sinners that they may be reconciled to Him.

Injustice does harm to those who God loves, therefore this malice—this hate-filled motivation—must not corrupt our search for justice.

Self-Empowerment +/- God's Name
(Self-serving knockoffs of the Almighty's endeavors.)

At last, we step on the toes of the antihero. There are those who are very self-driven, self-empowered, and otherwise self-seeking, operating outside of God-ordained authority to seek and enforce "justice."
Some of these individuals may do so by invoking the name of God, while others may leave Him out of it.

Bonus: The lawless are like atheists; both will deny the authority or even the existence of that which they oppose.

The difference is, are you willing to personally suffer an injustice, though you dearly love justice, until the day you stand before the Lord, the Righteous Judge, and there find your vindication or condemnation?

Are you willing to deny self in the short run, suffering injustice, so that others may find justice in the long run?
And will you extend mercy as you have been shown mercy by God?

Or are you untouchable, unstoppable, unaccountable, and ungracious?
#injustice #good #evil #tolerance

INJUSTICE
Lawless vs God's Law
As we consider what is unjust, we can draw many contrasts.

On one hand, you have God's law which extends mercy out of a heart of love for that which is good, humbly offered in God's name.

On the other hand, you have the lawless heart, which is tolerant of evil, hating what is good, particularly when it offends our pride and selfish ambition.

In the end of history, the consummation, we have the man of lawlessness who sets himself above God, and then declares himself to be God, much after the pattern of the proverbial fool. We are foolish to set or to raise a standard, as if it were above God's standard.

Tolerance vs Mercy
Tolerance is a lawless mercy.
(See previous posts.)

Pride vs Humility
Pride believes in my own "good intentions" as prosecutor, but
humility actually extends the benefit of “innocent until proven guilty" to the defense.

Hate-Fueled vs Love
Since God is love, love propels God's sense of justice, and it is love that extends that mercy to sinners that they may be reconciled to Him.

Injustice does harm to those who God loves, therefore this malice—this hate-filled motivation—must not corrupt our search for justice.

Self-Empowerment +/- God's Name
(Self-serving knockoffs of the Almighty's endeavors.)

At last, we step on the toes of the antihero. There are those who are very self-driven, self-empowered, and otherwise self-seeking, operating outside of God-ordained authority to seek and enforce "justice."
Some of these individuals may do so by invoking the name of God, while others may leave Him out of it.

Bonus: The lawless are like atheists; both will deny the authority or even the existence of that which they oppose.

The difference is, are you willing to personally suffer an injustice, though you dearly love justice, until the day you stand before the Lord, the Righteous Judge, and there find your vindication or condemnation?

Are you willing to deny self in the short run, suffering injustice, so that others may find justice in the long run?
And will you extend mercy as you have been shown mercy by God?

Or are you untouchable, unstoppable, unaccountable, and ungracious?
#injustice #good #evil #tolerance

CHRIST
Consider the actions of Christ in this matter of justice and injustice:

"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:"
- 1 Peter 3:18 KJV

But this is not an article primarily about suffering.
It is about having the mind of Christ regarding justice and injustice.
See also: 1 Peter 2:19-20.

Let's deal with some counterfeits. In the king's English, we call this reproof.

Compromise vs Grace
Those who seek justice may well extend mercy. They seek the betterment of all persons involved.
They do not believe it is a zero-sum game.
They believe God‘s grace is sufficient, and
they extend that grace to raise others up.

But injustice seeks for compromise, which pulls people down, back into the ditch, back into the gutter, back into ways that are worse and worse.

Be an agent of justice and grace, not an agent of injustice and compromise.

Corruption vs Redemption
You are here to seek for people‘s redemption, not their corruption.

In Conclusion
Seek what God has to say about what is good.
Love what is good. Hate what is evil.

Wherever you are, and by whatever means God gives you,
do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly…
use that to call sinners to repentance.
#justice #injustice #love #humility #good #evil #mercy #tolerance

CHRIST
Consider the actions of Christ in this matter of justice and injustice:

"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:"
- 1 Peter 3:18 KJV

But this is not an article primarily about suffering.
It is about having the mind of Christ regarding justice and injustice.
See also: 1 Peter 2:19-20.

Let's deal with some counterfeits. In the king's English, we call this reproof.

Compromise vs Grace
Those who seek justice may well extend mercy. They seek the betterment of all persons involved.
They do not believe it is a zero-sum game.
They believe God‘s grace is sufficient, and
they extend that grace to raise others up.

But injustice seeks for compromise, which pulls people down, back into the ditch, back into the gutter, back into ways that are worse and worse.

Be an agent of justice and grace, not an agent of injustice and compromise.

Corruption vs Redemption
You are here to seek for people‘s redemption, not their corruption.

In Conclusion
Seek what God has to say about what is good.
Love what is good. Hate what is evil.

Wherever you are, and by whatever means God gives you,
do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly…
use that to call sinners to repentance.
#justice #injustice #love #humility #good #evil #mercy #tolerance

"Don't let the observation of a present fault become the excuse for a future failure."

How would you say it? 👇
(Comment below.)

😐 Don't let your parent's mistakes become your own.
😬 Don't make excuses that will harm others later.
🙂 Change is possible!
👑 Repent!

Longer quote:

Don't let the observation of a past or present fault—yours or someone else's—become the excuse, the justification, for a future failure.

#quote #quotes

"Don't let the observation of a present fault become the excuse for a future failure."

How would you say it? 👇
(Comment below.)

😐 Don't let your parent's mistakes become your own.
😬 Don't make excuses that will harm others later.
🙂 Change is possible!
👑 Repent!

Longer quote:

Don't let the observation of a past or present fault—yours or someone else's—become the excuse, the justification, for a future failure.

#quote #quotes

The Nature of UNBELIEF

We do not believe God when He warns us, and when it happens, we do not believe that He can save us.

From arrogance to despair we go, without a thought for our All-Knowing and Almighty God.

Because if I can't handle it, then surely God can't handle it either, for I have perceived my God to be no bigger than myself.

God knows the effect of our actions, good or bad.
He knows when our hearts desire to do foolish things; and He warns us of the consequences.

But we, trusting in our "good intentions," wise in our own conceits, disregard His counsel.

And as surely as we disobey the God Who cannot lie, what He has foretold comes to pass.

And now we're stuck. We didn't believe God when things were going well, and now they're not.

If we only trust God when things go well, what is our trust in, our circumstances, ourselves?

"Oh for grace to trust Him more."
Tis’ So Sweet to Trust in Jesus
__________ __________ __________

To the proud and unbelieving, beware:
What we sow in arrogance, we will reap in despair.

In our arrogance, we dismiss an all-knowing God's warnings.
When the direct result of our actions comes back to bite us, we need to consider outside counsel.

At some point, we will become disillusioned by our own devices (methods, life-hacks).

I submit that our Creator knows a lot more than we give Him credit for—a lot more than we do.

Before you despair, go to God in prayer. Read His Word. Submit to His Will. Sow and reap a better crop.

But this is more than just DIY morality motivation.

Just as God's ways are beyond our understanding, walking in His ways is beyond our power.

Unless we are born again, not only will we fall short of His standards, but that which we have done before is still on our record.

We need someone who can pay the penalty.

We need a Savior, the Son of God from Heaven.
#romansroad

The Nature of UNBELIEF

We do not believe God when He warns us, and when it happens, we do not believe that He can save us.

From arrogance to despair we go, without a thought for our All-Knowing and Almighty God.

Because if I can't handle it, then surely God can't handle it either, for I have perceived my God to be no bigger than myself.

God knows the effect of our actions, good or bad.
He knows when our hearts desire to do foolish things; and He warns us of the consequences.

But we, trusting in our "good intentions," wise in our own conceits, disregard His counsel.

And as surely as we disobey the God Who cannot lie, what He has foretold comes to pass.

And now we're stuck. We didn't believe God when things were going well, and now they're not.

If we only trust God when things go well, what is our trust in, our circumstances, ourselves?

"Oh for grace to trust Him more."
Tis’ So Sweet to Trust in Jesus
__________ __________ __________

To the proud and unbelieving, beware:
What we sow in arrogance, we will reap in despair.

In our arrogance, we dismiss an all-knowing God's warnings.
When the direct result of our actions comes back to bite us, we need to consider outside counsel.

At some point, we will become disillusioned by our own devices (methods, life-hacks).

I submit that our Creator knows a lot more than we give Him credit for—a lot more than we do.

Before you despair, go to God in prayer. Read His Word. Submit to His Will. Sow and reap a better crop.

But this is more than just DIY morality motivation.

Just as God's ways are beyond our understanding, walking in His ways is beyond our power.

Unless we are born again, not only will we fall short of His standards, but that which we have done before is still on our record.

We need someone who can pay the penalty.

We need a Savior, the Son of God from Heaven.
#romansroad

THE MEEK
are they who do the will of God without pomp or protest.
With humility and patience they walk, not fainting, nor taking occasion for the flesh.

2/The meek, like Moses, do not need the pomp of Egypt, nor its fleshly ambitions, but they walk humbly with their God.
"By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God,
than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt:
for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward."
Hebrews 11:24-26 KJV

"(Now the man Moses [was] very meek, above all the men which [were] upon the face of the earth.)" Numbers 12:3 KJV

"He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"
Micah 6:8 KJV

3/The meek do not protest that they think their way is best, but seek to do the will of God on earth as it is in heaven.
Patience and long-suffering are buoyed by rejoicing in the cross of Christ, so that they do not faint by the way.

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
Matthew 11:29 KJV

"Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done."
Luke 22:42 KJV

"For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds."
Hebrews 12:3 KJV

"But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world."
Galatians 6:14 KJV

"And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name."
Acts 5:41 KJV

4/ "If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will [my] Father honour."
John 12:26 KJV

"For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth."
2 Corinthians 10:18 KJV

THE MEEK
are they who do the will of God without pomp or protest.
With humility and patience they walk, not fainting, nor taking occasion for the flesh.

2/The meek, like Moses, do not need the pomp of Egypt, nor its fleshly ambitions, but they walk humbly with their God.
"By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God,
than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt:
for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward."
Hebrews 11:24-26 KJV

"(Now the man Moses [was] very meek, above all the men which [were] upon the face of the earth.)" Numbers 12:3 KJV

"He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"
Micah 6:8 KJV

3/The meek do not protest that they think their way is best, but seek to do the will of God on earth as it is in heaven.
Patience and long-suffering are buoyed by rejoicing in the cross of Christ, so that they do not faint by the way.

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
Matthew 11:29 KJV

"Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done."
Luke 22:42 KJV

"For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds."
Hebrews 12:3 KJV

"But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world."
Galatians 6:14 KJV

"And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name."
Acts 5:41 KJV

4/ "If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will [my] Father honour."
John 12:26 KJV

"For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth."
2 Corinthians 10:18 KJV

Faith and Fact ● Poem by Eric Druist

1/ Faith takes as fact that God cannot lie.
This flies in the face of the very first lie:
● Unbelief cost Adam and Eve paradise.

2/ “Yea, hath God said?” asked the devil so sly,
“That if you will eat it, you surely will die?”
● Is your faith equipped with answers?

3/ This most foolish question is truly absurd.
“Yea, God hath said!” I’ll not add one word.
● Even legalism finds its roots in Eden. “Don’t touch it,” is sound advice, but it is not the motivating principle. Promoting or blaming mere application (works) when tempted is deadly.

4/ Every truth is complete, even if it’s not heard.
You’ll find all the answers in God’s Holy Word.
● Sticking your fingers in your ears will not save you on judgment day. Faith does, and it comes by hearing the Word of God.

Faith and Fact ● Poem by Eric Druist

1/ Faith takes as fact that God cannot lie.
This flies in the face of the very first lie:
● Unbelief cost Adam and Eve paradise.

2/ “Yea, hath God said?” asked the devil so sly,
“That if you will eat it, you surely will die?”
● Is your faith equipped with answers?

3/ This most foolish question is truly absurd.
“Yea, God hath said!” I’ll not add one word.
● Even legalism finds its roots in Eden. “Don’t touch it,” is sound advice, but it is not the motivating principle. Promoting or blaming mere application (works) when tempted is deadly.

4/ Every truth is complete, even if it’s not heard.
You’ll find all the answers in God’s Holy Word.
● Sticking your fingers in your ears will not save you on judgment day. Faith does, and it comes by hearing the Word of God.

"My Perspective" vs "Your Opinion"
The following is a specific observation, not a dogma to hound any and all users of these phrases.

This situation involves two people with opposing views, where one side calls the other a liar in very politically correct terms.

There is diplomacy, and then there is duplicity.
Some sly creatures use every synonym and slang in the book to accuse or excuse, while avoiding any accountability for their lies.

Proud people may contrast “my perspective” with “your opinion,” calling themselves true and all their opponents liars.
Don’t be this person; don’t let pride get the better of you.
#Truth #lies #Opinion

If it be truth, why spin it?
If it be truth, for what reason do we swear?
If it be truth, live it, and live with the consequences.

"My Perspective" vs "Your Opinion"
The following is a specific observation, not a dogma to hound any and all users of these phrases.

This situation involves two people with opposing views, where one side calls the other a liar in very politically correct terms.

There is diplomacy, and then there is duplicity.
Some sly creatures use every synonym and slang in the book to accuse or excuse, while avoiding any accountability for their lies.

Proud people may contrast “my perspective” with “your opinion,” calling themselves true and all their opponents liars.
Don’t be this person; don’t let pride get the better of you.
#Truth #lies #Opinion

If it be truth, why spin it?
If it be truth, for what reason do we swear?
If it be truth, live it, and live with the consequences.

GOD=TRUE | MAN=LIAR
(In Fools We Trust)

"The Fool" doth solemnly swear:
My Truth, Your Truth,
& Anything but The Truth
“There Is No God."

When man wishes to promote something counter or askew to the Word of God, he redefines truth.
#Truth

Just as the pagans of old created a pantheon of gods to displace the One True God, the pagans of this present era/error create a pantheon of “truths” to displace Absolute Truth.

In the beginning, Satan called God a liar, and Adam acted accordingly. No, let us affirm the opposite, “Yea, let God be true, but every man a liar.”

Yes, this illustration is a play on words, quite striking considering the state of the world with the rise of the anti-religion of Atheism.
#Atheism

Satan’s goal with the folly of Atheism is not only to proclaim “there is no God”–not only to remove God–but also to replace His Christ.

Read God’s Word for what comes next, for clarity in the coming conceits.

GOD=TRUE | MAN=LIAR
(In Fools We Trust)

"The Fool" doth solemnly swear:
My Truth, Your Truth,
& Anything but The Truth
“There Is No God."

When man wishes to promote something counter or askew to the Word of God, he redefines truth.
#Truth

Just as the pagans of old created a pantheon of gods to displace the One True God, the pagans of this present era/error create a pantheon of “truths” to displace Absolute Truth.

In the beginning, Satan called God a liar, and Adam acted accordingly. No, let us affirm the opposite, “Yea, let God be true, but every man a liar.”

Yes, this illustration is a play on words, quite striking considering the state of the world with the rise of the anti-religion of Atheism.
#Atheism

Satan’s goal with the folly of Atheism is not only to proclaim “there is no God”–not only to remove God–but also to replace His Christ.

Read God’s Word for what comes next, for clarity in the coming conceits.

How did we get from Divine Love to desperately wicked?
A heart divided–drawn by 2 conflicting narratives–chose wrongly.
Seduced by Satan, humanity made proud & selfish choices…departing from God…exchanging truth for a lie.
Here is the descent of the human heart from God.

Why is deception so powerful?
It manipulates our:
Thoughts & Feelings,
Beliefs & Motives,
our Minds & our Hearts,
how we relate to both
Absolute Truth & Divine Love.
Who Satan cannot convince by argument, he will try to seduce.

The reason deception is so powerful, even when it is obvious, is because it twists the love that is in our hearts.

Deception is not just a mind game, it is a heart game.

In the end, it disillusions and disheartens this world of people who God so loves. Return to Him.
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek & lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Mat 11:28-30

When Satan offers to spoil you, he is using an oxymoron. Don't be fooled, he wants to sweep your house, not fill it, though fill it with kindling he might.
1 Cor 3:11-15
You may have good foundations, but do not build from there with lying vanities.

"Thou shalt not covet."
Covetousness, desire, lust, these seduce the heart, exchanging bread for stones and fish for serpents.
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." 1 Jn 2:15

Be wise in God's eyes.
Understanding stands under God's authority.
Fear what you flatter, beware what you bash.
"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" Isa 5:20

Our love can be twisted by loyalty, and turn us into liars, if God does not come first.
"For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?" Mat 5:46

Paul vs Transactional Relationships:
2 Cor 12:14-17.
"I seek not yours, but you."
He wasn't in it for the income, but for the outcome.

Jer 17:9 #wicked
Yes, God knows your heart. Repent😢

How did we get from Divine Love to desperately wicked?
A heart divided–drawn by 2 conflicting narratives–chose wrongly.
Seduced by Satan, humanity made proud & selfish choices…departing from God…exchanging truth for a lie.
Here is the descent of the human heart from God.

Why is deception so powerful?
It manipulates our:
Thoughts & Feelings,
Beliefs & Motives,
our Minds & our Hearts,
how we relate to both
Absolute Truth & Divine Love.
Who Satan cannot convince by argument, he will try to seduce.

The reason deception is so powerful, even when it is obvious, is because it twists the love that is in our hearts.

Deception is not just a mind game, it is a heart game.

In the end, it disillusions and disheartens this world of people who God so loves. Return to Him.
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek & lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Mat 11:28-30

When Satan offers to spoil you, he is using an oxymoron. Don't be fooled, he wants to sweep your house, not fill it, though fill it with kindling he might.
1 Cor 3:11-15
You may have good foundations, but do not build from there with lying vanities.

"Thou shalt not covet."
Covetousness, desire, lust, these seduce the heart, exchanging bread for stones and fish for serpents.
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." 1 Jn 2:15

Be wise in God's eyes.
Understanding stands under God's authority.
Fear what you flatter, beware what you bash.
"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" Isa 5:20

Our love can be twisted by loyalty, and turn us into liars, if God does not come first.
"For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?" Mat 5:46

Paul vs Transactional Relationships:
2 Cor 12:14-17.
"I seek not yours, but you."
He wasn't in it for the income, but for the outcome.

Jer 17:9 #wicked
Yes, God knows your heart. Repent😢

In the battle between good and evil, where do we retreat when pressed or distressed?
What is our default? What has dominion over us?
#goodvsevil

When the Battle Lines are met, and we face Trials and Temptations, which do we find more attractive: The arms of Jesus, or the arms of a stranger? The Word of God, or the wiles of the Devil?

On the battlefield of the heart, remember this verse.
“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.”
Rom 6:12

On the battlefield of the mind, beware ambush.
"While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage." - 2 Pet. 2:19
When good or evil delivers a city, they rule it. Who is your king?

What scribes & experts call "syncretism," God calls "adultery." Beware doctrines that introduce error from the rudiments of this world.
This is particularly potent, when selling a cure for physical adultery, un-Christian psychologists promote spiritual adultery.

"That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."
Eph 4:22-24

Good and Evil fight differently.
"Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."
Rom 12:20-21

In the battle between Good and Evil,
on one hand we have the Trying of our faith, Tests,
and on the other hand we have Temptations.
What Satan intends for Evil, God can use for Good, if we obey Him.
Consider Joseph in Potiphar's house, or Daniel & Co.

We may see others like us on either side of Good vs Evil.
The temporary middle ground of choice & indecision can pull us or them either way.
"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;"
Colossians 3:23

Patience works
Jas 1:2-4
Luk 21:19

In spiritual warfare, where do your heart and mind retreat?
Christ went into the mountain.
Peter went into his boat.
Where are you?

In the battle between good and evil, where do we retreat when pressed or distressed?
What is our default? What has dominion over us?
#goodvsevil

When the Battle Lines are met, and we face Trials and Temptations, which do we find more attractive: The arms of Jesus, or the arms of a stranger? The Word of God, or the wiles of the Devil?

On the battlefield of the heart, remember this verse.
“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.”
Rom 6:12

On the battlefield of the mind, beware ambush.
"While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage." - 2 Pet. 2:19
When good or evil delivers a city, they rule it. Who is your king?

What scribes & experts call "syncretism," God calls "adultery." Beware doctrines that introduce error from the rudiments of this world.
This is particularly potent, when selling a cure for physical adultery, un-Christian psychologists promote spiritual adultery.

"That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."
Eph 4:22-24

Good and Evil fight differently.
"Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."
Rom 12:20-21

In the battle between Good and Evil,
on one hand we have the Trying of our faith, Tests,
and on the other hand we have Temptations.
What Satan intends for Evil, God can use for Good, if we obey Him.
Consider Joseph in Potiphar's house, or Daniel & Co.

We may see others like us on either side of Good vs Evil.
The temporary middle ground of choice & indecision can pull us or them either way.
"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;"
Colossians 3:23

Patience works
Jas 1:2-4
Luk 21:19

In spiritual warfare, where do your heart and mind retreat?
Christ went into the mountain.
Peter went into his boat.
Where are you?

How does humanity lose sight of Absolute Truth?
We could trace a thousand histories, but let's look at the deception of the individual.
#truth

God authored Creation:
God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. But He creates individuals who may choose otherwise.
Satan authored Confusion:
Wishing to be like God–but not in character–Satan presented a 'new perspective' on the forbidden tree.
#FreeWill

Confusion began with Satan.
"Yea, hath God said?"
Now we're not so sure. Did we miss something? Did God omit something? Are these other claims true?
Using the Ultimate Foolish Question, Satan asserts equality with God.
NO! not equal. Divisive? Yes…departing from the living God.

Given a choice between two lights, Creator God vs the Angel of enLIGHTenment, man had to make a call.
He should have brought God back into the conversation to clarify, but he chose a back-room deal with an alternative light source.
Man does so to this day, but less in back rooms.

To this day, Adam's race uses the rationale,
"We've heard both sides now. We're smart enough to figure it out all by ourselves."
Leaning on our own understanding, much? Prov 3:5
This pride leads to the unholy mixture of man-made religions, proprietary blends of truth and error.

When mankind has Absolute Truth, the path is simple. Then Lies come and complicate matters. Pretty soon everything is relative, and when Truth is Relative, anything could be a lie, and man is left to pick his preferred narrative, playing the Arbiter of Truth to his fellow man.

What man loves guides his choice of arbitrary truth.
Basically, passion drives practice, and practice drives preaching.
Anyone who counters his covetous conceits risks his wrath and/or rebellion.

Jesus said, “If the light that is in you be darkness, how great is that darkness!”
This is a searing depiction of the reprobate mind.
Do not mistake darkness for “spiritual meat.” Don't even start.
You will "spit out the bones"? Dogs tend to gnaw on bones. Don't try dog food.

How do we stay grounded in truth?
Put down roots by putting it into practice.
🌞Truth defines what is best; Love desires what is best.
🔑Practice truth in love, grow in faith and humility.

How does humanity lose sight of Absolute Truth?
We could trace a thousand histories, but let's look at the deception of the individual.
#truth

God authored Creation:
God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. But He creates individuals who may choose otherwise.
Satan authored Confusion:
Wishing to be like God–but not in character–Satan presented a 'new perspective' on the forbidden tree.
#FreeWill

Confusion began with Satan.
"Yea, hath God said?"
Now we're not so sure. Did we miss something? Did God omit something? Are these other claims true?
Using the Ultimate Foolish Question, Satan asserts equality with God.
NO! not equal. Divisive? Yes…departing from the living God.

Given a choice between two lights, Creator God vs the Angel of enLIGHTenment, man had to make a call.
He should have brought God back into the conversation to clarify, but he chose a back-room deal with an alternative light source.
Man does so to this day, but less in back rooms.

To this day, Adam's race uses the rationale,
"We've heard both sides now. We're smart enough to figure it out all by ourselves."
Leaning on our own understanding, much? Prov 3:5
This pride leads to the unholy mixture of man-made religions, proprietary blends of truth and error.

When mankind has Absolute Truth, the path is simple. Then Lies come and complicate matters. Pretty soon everything is relative, and when Truth is Relative, anything could be a lie, and man is left to pick his preferred narrative, playing the Arbiter of Truth to his fellow man.

What man loves guides his choice of arbitrary truth.
Basically, passion drives practice, and practice drives preaching.
Anyone who counters his covetous conceits risks his wrath and/or rebellion.

Jesus said, “If the light that is in you be darkness, how great is that darkness!”
This is a searing depiction of the reprobate mind.
Do not mistake darkness for “spiritual meat.” Don't even start.
You will "spit out the bones"? Dogs tend to gnaw on bones. Don't try dog food.

How do we stay grounded in truth?
Put down roots by putting it into practice.
🌞Truth defines what is best; Love desires what is best.
🔑Practice truth in love, grow in faith and humility.

1/ There is a heavenly home above,
All free from earthly cares,
But here below, imperfect love;
Beware the tares and snares.

Sin cannot enter Heaven. But here below, we have a test of love. Do we love the Father, and is His love in us? Or do we love the world, covet, and lust?

2/ The best of earth that we can choose
Can bring to us a snare,
If we are not prepared to lose;
Beware the tares and snares.

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 1 Tim 6:9

3/ The fellowship of humankind
Can change us unawares,
If deeper truth we do not find;
Beware the tares and snares.

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. - Galatians 1:10 KJV
Men ◀OR▶ God?

4/ So ask yourself: Am I the friend
That leads my friends to God?
Or am I one to shift the load,
And wander far abroad?

Even as I please all [men] in all [things], not seeking mine own profit, but the [profit] of many, that they may be saved. - 1 Corinthians 10:33 KJV
Men ▶TO▶ God

5/ The things that I desire most,
Am I within their grasp?
Or do I thank the Lord above,
And treasure chests unclasp?

Idols:
Those who make them are like them; So is everyone who trusts in them. - Psalm 135:18 NKJV
Gold—used in effigy or not—is a god to many. What is your worth?

6/ For home is where my treasure is,
And earth is where I roam;
So guide my steps and keep my heart
From Tares and Snares till HOME.

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. - Luke 12:34 KJV

#snare #snares #tare #tares #money #wealth #temptation #gold #treasure

1/ There is a heavenly home above,
All free from earthly cares,
But here below, imperfect love;
Beware the tares and snares.

Sin cannot enter Heaven. But here below, we have a test of love. Do we love the Father, and is His love in us? Or do we love the world, covet, and lust?

2/ The best of earth that we can choose
Can bring to us a snare,
If we are not prepared to lose;
Beware the tares and snares.

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 1 Tim 6:9

3/ The fellowship of humankind
Can change us unawares,
If deeper truth we do not find;
Beware the tares and snares.

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. - Galatians 1:10 KJV
Men ◀OR▶ God?

4/ So ask yourself: Am I the friend
That leads my friends to God?
Or am I one to shift the load,
And wander far abroad?

Even as I please all [men] in all [things], not seeking mine own profit, but the [profit] of many, that they may be saved. - 1 Corinthians 10:33 KJV
Men ▶TO▶ God

5/ The things that I desire most,
Am I within their grasp?
Or do I thank the Lord above,
And treasure chests unclasp?

Idols:
Those who make them are like them; So is everyone who trusts in them. - Psalm 135:18 NKJV
Gold—used in effigy or not—is a god to many. What is your worth?

6/ For home is where my treasure is,
And earth is where I roam;
So guide my steps and keep my heart
From Tares and Snares till HOME.

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. - Luke 12:34 KJV

#snare #snares #tare #tares #money #wealth #temptation #gold #treasure

Amazing Grace for All the World 🧵
The Great Commission extends beyond friends.
It comes with challenges and pitfalls but must not be ignored.

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
For all the world to hear.
We all like sheep had gone astray;
Christ's blood has brought us near.

Let me tell you what Jesus Christ has done for me and for you.
"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me."

The Word of God is like a flame
To light this darkened world;
The Gospel Torch we raise abroad
For those who've never heard.

Do not neglect "other" groups: nationalities, ideologies...
We all heard the Gospel first somewhere, and we have all needed reminders. Pass it on.

Forever, Lord, is long to wait
For those who've never heard;
So speed our steps, prepare our hearts
To spread the Living Word.

Yes, we have the witness of Creation, but let that not excuse to silence the witness of the Commission.
Lord prepare me...to do Your will on Earth.

Mortality a price too rare
To spend life foolishly [on vanity]:
Lord, help me lead some other soul
To blest eternity.

Lacking purpose? What about this call? What are you doing? How are you serving the Lord?

The chaff of fame with gilded hand
Leads many men astray;
May I whatever lot I meet
Turn men into Your Way.

Fame and fortune? Or Christ?
"I am instructed both...to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. - Philippians 4:12b-13 KJV

The worth of gold is measured there
For pavement in the street;
As I receive, I'll build with prayer
That men their Savior meet.

A wise steward seeks God's Will through prayer, not simply by his own understanding.
Where will we go? the yellow brick road, or streets of gold?

#amazinggrace #greatcommission

Amazing Grace for All the World 🧵
The Great Commission extends beyond friends.
It comes with challenges and pitfalls but must not be ignored.

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
For all the world to hear.
We all like sheep had gone astray;
Christ's blood has brought us near.

Let me tell you what Jesus Christ has done for me and for you.
"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me."

The Word of God is like a flame
To light this darkened world;
The Gospel Torch we raise abroad
For those who've never heard.

Do not neglect "other" groups: nationalities, ideologies...
We all heard the Gospel first somewhere, and we have all needed reminders. Pass it on.

Forever, Lord, is long to wait
For those who've never heard;
So speed our steps, prepare our hearts
To spread the Living Word.

Yes, we have the witness of Creation, but let that not excuse to silence the witness of the Commission.
Lord prepare me...to do Your will on Earth.

Mortality a price too rare
To spend life foolishly [on vanity]:
Lord, help me lead some other soul
To blest eternity.

Lacking purpose? What about this call? What are you doing? How are you serving the Lord?

The chaff of fame with gilded hand
Leads many men astray;
May I whatever lot I meet
Turn men into Your Way.

Fame and fortune? Or Christ?
"I am instructed both...to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. - Philippians 4:12b-13 KJV

The worth of gold is measured there
For pavement in the street;
As I receive, I'll build with prayer
That men their Savior meet.

A wise steward seeks God's Will through prayer, not simply by his own understanding.
Where will we go? the yellow brick road, or streets of gold?

#amazinggrace #greatcommission

There is a Church in Need of Reformation
#reformationday #reformation
1/ Respect of Persons
2/ Virtue-Signalers
3/ Tyrants and Rebels
4/ Deliverance Theology
5/ Self-Help Theology
6/ Kingdom of this World
7/ Abortion
8/ Revival and Apostasy

There are more stanzas to be written, but I wanted to reach people while Reformation Day was on their minds.

Reformation is more than bashing papal leaven, it is about examining ourselves for the leaven of pride, and submitting ourselves to God who judges rightly.
Unite by truth, as defined by God. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God, and follow Him.

There is a Church in Need of Reformation
#reformationday #reformation
1/ Respect of Persons
2/ Virtue-Signalers
3/ Tyrants and Rebels
4/ Deliverance Theology
5/ Self-Help Theology
6/ Kingdom of this World
7/ Abortion
8/ Revival and Apostasy

There are more stanzas to be written, but I wanted to reach people while Reformation Day was on their minds.

Reformation is more than bashing papal leaven, it is about examining ourselves for the leaven of pride, and submitting ourselves to God who judges rightly.
Unite by truth, as defined by God. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God, and follow Him.

God is Right. Walk in the Light.
Wallpaper for Phone and PC
#God #light #truth #walkinthelight #godsword

God is Right. Walk in the Light.
Wallpaper for Phone and PC
#God #light #truth #walkinthelight #godsword

Yea, Hath God Said? Yea, God Hath Said!
Wallpaper for Phone and PC
#temptation #truth #lies #gardenofeden #godsword #scripture #holybible #answers

Yea, Hath God Said? Yea, God Hath Said!
Wallpaper for Phone and PC
#temptation #truth #lies #gardenofeden #godsword #scripture #holybible #answers

Life is Precious, Because Life is Eternal.
Wallpaper for Phone and PC
#life #eternal #eternallife #motivation #christianmotivation

Life is Precious, Because Life is Eternal.
Wallpaper for Phone and PC
#life #eternal #eternallife #motivation #christianmotivation

Let your "yes" be "yes," and your "no" be "no."
Be a faithful friend anywhere you go.
📖Matthew 5:37 & James 5:12
If you want friends to have genuine trust in you, build it on truth.
Confidence games, manipulating "trust," are a tool of Bible-defined seducers.
📖2 Timothy 3:13
#faithful #truth #truthful #trust

Let your "yes" be "yes," and your "no" be "no."
Be a faithful friend anywhere you go.
📖Matthew 5:37 & James 5:12
If you want friends to have genuine trust in you, build it on truth.
Confidence games, manipulating "trust," are a tool of Bible-defined seducers.
📖2 Timothy 3:13
#faithful #truth #truthful #trust

WHAT DO WE NEED?
A right relationship with God

WHAT DO WE KNOW?
Jesus Christ died for our sins

WHERE ARE WE AT?
Are we dead in sin?

WHERE DO WE GO?
Go to God in prayer.
Believe, Confess, Repent.
#romansroad

WHAT DO WE NEED?
A right relationship with God

WHAT DO WE KNOW?
Jesus Christ died for our sins

WHERE ARE WE AT?
Are we dead in sin?

WHERE DO WE GO?
Go to God in prayer.
Believe, Confess, Repent.
#romansroad

God's ways are higher than our ways. Yet we are not alone. The Comforter has come. God is with us.

"We Are Not Alone" by Voice of Eden
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnwBJPsjRNo

God's ways are higher than our ways. Yet we are not alone. The Comforter has come. God is with us.

"We Are Not Alone" by Voice of Eden
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnwBJPsjRNo

GOD's LOVE desires what is best for us. From the beginning, Satan has called that fact into question.
In fact, the seeds of our destruction were sown when we considered God a liar in Eden. Lies are the fruit of Satan's hatred for God.
If you love God, seek His righteousness.

GOD's LOVE desires what is best for us. From the beginning, Satan has called that fact into question.
In fact, the seeds of our destruction were sown when we considered God a liar in Eden. Lies are the fruit of Satan's hatred for God.
If you love God, seek His righteousness.

Holiness is above the 'good' and 'very good' of creation. It is the character of the Creator.
GOD is GOOD, He is the standard.
God's Love is above mere camaraderie and respect of persons. While we were yet enemies of God, Christ died for us.
GOD is GOOD, He offers us salvation.

Holiness is above the 'good' and 'very good' of creation. It is the character of the Creator.
GOD is GOOD, He is the standard.
God's Love is above mere camaraderie and respect of persons. While we were yet enemies of God, Christ died for us.
GOD is GOOD, He offers us salvation.

So often, GOD's HOLINESS is missing from the equation when people question the goodness of God.
We fail to reckon with the results of justice were we to be held accountable as well.
Those who fail to see God's holiness often have a pretty high opinion of their own 'goodness.'

So often, GOD's HOLINESS is missing from the equation when people question the goodness of God.
We fail to reckon with the results of justice were we to be held accountable as well.
Those who fail to see God's holiness often have a pretty high opinion of their own 'goodness.'

Counterfeit Godliness
"Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. - 2 Timothy 3:5 KJV
>>THREAD

Humanity has common needs and common questions arising from those needs.
God, our Creator, has provided answers in His Word, if we would but approach it with faith, rather than echoing Satan's skepticism in the garden, "Yea, hath God said?"

While Satan has sowed doubt in God's answers, the questions remain. Obviously, Satan can't give a straight answer; he must provide a counterfeit, pursuant to our destruction.
Just as counterfeit cash can bankrupt a business, counterfeit godliness can bankrupt a church.

There have been countless iterations of Satan's lies making a hollow pretense of godliness down through the ages.
Satan's lies are like a snake shedding its skin, so it's a bit difficult to stay 'relevant' as Satan continues to evolve his dictionary.

In the 60s and 70s, love was redefined as lust.
In the 2010s and 2020s, mercy was displaced by tolerance.
Somewhere along the line, colleges founded on Biblical truth devolved into a 'trust the experts' charade.
Even in Biblical history, liberty was mistaken for licentiousness.

Tolerance is a Lawless Mercy.
Mercy relates to an absolute standard, anticipating repentance and the reconciliation of the lawbreaker to the lawgiver, ultimately, Holy God.
Tolerance lowers standards, redefining the crime. It sees itself above the law, and wiser than Creator God.

Tolerance is a Begrudging Longsuffering
Mercy is forgiving and patient.
Tolerance avoids forgiveness by pretending standards don't exist, which builds resentment. Tolerance is a slow simmer.

Tolerance Offers a Dishonest Peace
Tolerance is never satisfied. As it spirals away from God—waxing worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived, a moving target—the peace that it offers is evermore fleeting.
Mercy offers peace with God, unchanging and eternal.

Mercy is a gift.
Tolerance is an entitlement.

Counterfeit Godliness
"Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. - 2 Timothy 3:5 KJV
>>THREAD

Humanity has common needs and common questions arising from those needs.
God, our Creator, has provided answers in His Word, if we would but approach it with faith, rather than echoing Satan's skepticism in the garden, "Yea, hath God said?"

While Satan has sowed doubt in God's answers, the questions remain. Obviously, Satan can't give a straight answer; he must provide a counterfeit, pursuant to our destruction.
Just as counterfeit cash can bankrupt a business, counterfeit godliness can bankrupt a church.

There have been countless iterations of Satan's lies making a hollow pretense of godliness down through the ages.
Satan's lies are like a snake shedding its skin, so it's a bit difficult to stay 'relevant' as Satan continues to evolve his dictionary.

In the 60s and 70s, love was redefined as lust.
In the 2010s and 2020s, mercy was displaced by tolerance.
Somewhere along the line, colleges founded on Biblical truth devolved into a 'trust the experts' charade.
Even in Biblical history, liberty was mistaken for licentiousness.

Tolerance is a Lawless Mercy.
Mercy relates to an absolute standard, anticipating repentance and the reconciliation of the lawbreaker to the lawgiver, ultimately, Holy God.
Tolerance lowers standards, redefining the crime. It sees itself above the law, and wiser than Creator God.

Tolerance is a Begrudging Longsuffering
Mercy is forgiving and patient.
Tolerance avoids forgiveness by pretending standards don't exist, which builds resentment. Tolerance is a slow simmer.

Tolerance Offers a Dishonest Peace
Tolerance is never satisfied. As it spirals away from God—waxing worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived, a moving target—the peace that it offers is evermore fleeting.
Mercy offers peace with God, unchanging and eternal.

Mercy is a gift.
Tolerance is an entitlement.

“Happiness” today is defined as “loving yourself first,” often by wellness gurus.
They reason that you "first have to love yourself before you can love others."

This is suspiciously similar to lines about "forgiving yourself" regardless of whether or not you have repented and have begged the forgiveness of God. Beware self-centered theology.

But what has God said about self-love? In Ephesians 5:29, the observation is made about husbands naturally caring about themselves, but self-love is not the point. Rather, admonition is given for the husband to likewise love his wife, as Christ loves the church. Self-love is observed, but selflessness is commanded.

In Philippians 2, we are encouraged to have a Christ-like mindset. This applies to our motives, our agendas, our love and devotion.

Luke 10:27 places our love for God first, and for our neighbor second. And 1 John 4:19-21 makes it absolutely clear that loving our brother is necessary.

And even in the toughest spots, we can still have a hope-filled joy after the pattern of Christ in Hebrews 12:2.
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
That joy is eternal, anticipating to hear the Father say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

“Happiness” today is defined as “loving yourself first,” often by wellness gurus.
They reason that you "first have to love yourself before you can love others."

This is suspiciously similar to lines about "forgiving yourself" regardless of whether or not you have repented and have begged the forgiveness of God. Beware self-centered theology.

But what has God said about self-love? In Ephesians 5:29, the observation is made about husbands naturally caring about themselves, but self-love is not the point. Rather, admonition is given for the husband to likewise love his wife, as Christ loves the church. Self-love is observed, but selflessness is commanded.

In Philippians 2, we are encouraged to have a Christ-like mindset. This applies to our motives, our agendas, our love and devotion.

Luke 10:27 places our love for God first, and for our neighbor second. And 1 John 4:19-21 makes it absolutely clear that loving our brother is necessary.

And even in the toughest spots, we can still have a hope-filled joy after the pattern of Christ in Hebrews 12:2.
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
That joy is eternal, anticipating to hear the Father say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

"Seek first to understand, then to be understood."
This is not a Bible verse. Proverbs like this can be easily twisted because people are not aware of a larger body of work against which to compare them, be it from the same author or such.
When people twist Bible verses, at least, we can go to God's Word and find a counterbalance or reproof.

Since God's Word supersedes all, why can we not check the propositions of men by it as well? Mankind likes to judge God's Word by their standards, so why should we not judge man's word by God's standard?

This is what I have done here, but I've pulled it out of a relativistic framework of people following people following people, the blind leading the blind, since that is no way to come to a knowledge of absolute truth.
And I have placed our responsibility towards God at the top, and our responsibility to relay that to our fellow man after.

With meekness we must share the truth, not slacking for cowardice. God's Word is truth, regardless of whether man wants to hear it.
How we present truth matters to God, and we must not be ashamed to extend to mankind the truth that will set them free.

"Seek first to understand, then to be understood."
This is not a Bible verse. Proverbs like this can be easily twisted because people are not aware of a larger body of work against which to compare them, be it from the same author or such.
When people twist Bible verses, at least, we can go to God's Word and find a counterbalance or reproof.

Since God's Word supersedes all, why can we not check the propositions of men by it as well? Mankind likes to judge God's Word by their standards, so why should we not judge man's word by God's standard?

This is what I have done here, but I've pulled it out of a relativistic framework of people following people following people, the blind leading the blind, since that is no way to come to a knowledge of absolute truth.
And I have placed our responsibility towards God at the top, and our responsibility to relay that to our fellow man after.

With meekness we must share the truth, not slacking for cowardice. God's Word is truth, regardless of whether man wants to hear it.
How we present truth matters to God, and we must not be ashamed to extend to mankind the truth that will set them free.

Have you ever been tricked into lying for someone? Not only are they lying to you, but they are lying to others through you. And it is a mess. How do you recover? Not by 'saving face.'
You can end up trapped by your pride.
Pride is the 'Stockholm Syndrome' of Satan's lies.
"Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? "There is more hope of a fool than of him."
What are the natural outcomes? What's the fruit gonna be of his folly? How do we respond when God corrects us in our folly?
"Let God be true, and every man a liar," and that includes me and you. We do need to find forgiveness, and we do have this promise:
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Forgive and be forgiven and extend that grace to others as God has extended it to you.
Don't go the carnal route and try to get a mob behind you. It's better to suffer for well doing. And if well doing means telling the truth...
Use God's Word as the antidote
to the lies to which you have been exposed.
If you're on the Lord's side, who should you fear?

Have you ever been tricked into lying for someone? Not only are they lying to you, but they are lying to others through you. And it is a mess. How do you recover? Not by 'saving face.'
You can end up trapped by your pride.
Pride is the 'Stockholm Syndrome' of Satan's lies.
"Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? "There is more hope of a fool than of him."
What are the natural outcomes? What's the fruit gonna be of his folly? How do we respond when God corrects us in our folly?
"Let God be true, and every man a liar," and that includes me and you. We do need to find forgiveness, and we do have this promise:
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Forgive and be forgiven and extend that grace to others as God has extended it to you.
Don't go the carnal route and try to get a mob behind you. It's better to suffer for well doing. And if well doing means telling the truth...
Use God's Word as the antidote
to the lies to which you have been exposed.
If you're on the Lord's side, who should you fear?

How to recover from a deception gracefully.
FULL VIDEO
https://youtu.be/aBzxQoMJBJ0

There's a lot of times in these situations where we don't want to say something. We would rather that someone continue in their lie than that we would face pushback.
It's less comfortable, as if comfort were our standard,
and then we just let the lies keep running.

Some of the same people who deny that persecution exists... ...it doesn't even require any physical pain in order for them to turn tail and run.
No, it's not persecution. It's peer pressure, you know.

If we're going to deny that God has made a change in our life, whether it's salvation or whether it's, "Hey guys, we were wrong," how's God gonna honor it?
He's not.

Spend a lot of time in prayer as to how God wants you to do that, because sometimes people try to weaponize the truth as a carnal weapon to get back at those who have hurt them.

Use God's Word as the antidote to the lies to which you have been exposed.
If we never listen to the absolute truth of God's Word,we build up a lot of pride in the way that we excuse ourselves and accuse others.

People excuse their inaction because, "If everybody doesn't do the right thing, then there's still going to be negative consequences."
Well, If nobody does the right thing, then you are assured of that outcome.

How to recover from a deception gracefully.
FULL VIDEO
https://youtu.be/aBzxQoMJBJ0

There's a lot of times in these situations where we don't want to say something. We would rather that someone continue in their lie than that we would face pushback.
It's less comfortable, as if comfort were our standard,
and then we just let the lies keep running.

Some of the same people who deny that persecution exists... ...it doesn't even require any physical pain in order for them to turn tail and run.
No, it's not persecution. It's peer pressure, you know.

If we're going to deny that God has made a change in our life, whether it's salvation or whether it's, "Hey guys, we were wrong," how's God gonna honor it?
He's not.

Spend a lot of time in prayer as to how God wants you to do that, because sometimes people try to weaponize the truth as a carnal weapon to get back at those who have hurt them.

Use God's Word as the antidote to the lies to which you have been exposed.
If we never listen to the absolute truth of God's Word,we build up a lot of pride in the way that we excuse ourselves and accuse others.

People excuse their inaction because, "If everybody doesn't do the right thing, then there's still going to be negative consequences."
Well, If nobody does the right thing, then you are assured of that outcome.

How to recover from a deception gracefully.
FULL VIDEO
https://youtu.be/aBzxQoMJBJ0

Have you ever been tricked into lying for someone? Not only are they lying to you, but they are lying to others through you. And it is a mess. How do you recover? Not by 'saving face.'
You can end up trapped by your pride.
Pride is the 'Stockholm Syndrome' of Satan's lies.

"Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? "There is more hope of a fool than of him."
What are the natural outcomes? What's the fruit gonna be of his folly? How do we respond when God corrects us in our folly?
"Let God be true, and every man a liar," and that includes me and you. We do need to find forgiveness, and we do have this promise:
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Forgive and be forgiven and extend that grace to others as God has extended it to you.

Don't go the carnal route and try to get a mob behind you. It's better to suffer for well doing.
And if well doing means telling the truth...
Use God's Word as the antidote
to the lies to which you have been exposed.
If you're on the Lord's side, who should you fear?

How to recover from a deception gracefully.
FULL VIDEO
https://youtu.be/aBzxQoMJBJ0

Have you ever been tricked into lying for someone? Not only are they lying to you, but they are lying to others through you. And it is a mess. How do you recover? Not by 'saving face.'
You can end up trapped by your pride.
Pride is the 'Stockholm Syndrome' of Satan's lies.

"Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? "There is more hope of a fool than of him."
What are the natural outcomes? What's the fruit gonna be of his folly? How do we respond when God corrects us in our folly?
"Let God be true, and every man a liar," and that includes me and you. We do need to find forgiveness, and we do have this promise:
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Forgive and be forgiven and extend that grace to others as God has extended it to you.

Don't go the carnal route and try to get a mob behind you. It's better to suffer for well doing.
And if well doing means telling the truth...
Use God's Word as the antidote
to the lies to which you have been exposed.
If you're on the Lord's side, who should you fear?

The counterfeit is quite visible today.

Too often we focus on persons of power rather than the principles at play.

We have arrived at a place spiritually where it's no longer shocking to see a complete reversal of Biblical principle.

The counterfeit is quite visible today.

Too often we focus on persons of power rather than the principles at play.

We have arrived at a place spiritually where it's no longer shocking to see a complete reversal of Biblical principle.

Two thieves made their choice upon a cross one day.
Regarding the confusion Satan spreads regarding choice, we ought to seriously consider why he makes such ruckus.

Two thieves made their choice upon a cross one day.
Regarding the confusion Satan spreads regarding choice, we ought to seriously consider why he makes such ruckus.

Beware the lies below.
Note how this relates to discussions regarding #freewill
@Soteriology101

Note the contrast between the two sides of the Devil's double-speak.
Strength: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Beware the lies below.
Note how this relates to discussions regarding #freewill
@Soteriology101

Note the contrast between the two sides of the Devil's double-speak.
Strength: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Tempted to sin? Remember, these lies are 'promises broken from the moment they're spoken.'
Temptation is the definition of "too good to be true."

Tempted to sin? Remember, these lies are 'promises broken from the moment they're spoken.'
Temptation is the definition of "too good to be true."

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it]." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it]." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV

"Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." - Hebrews 3:12-13 KJV

"Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." - Hebrews 3:12-13 KJV

This is the stuff denominations, cults, and religions—one end of the spectrum to the other—are made of.
Satan loves dividing us by lies.

At times, we talk past each other; we engage in friendly fire.
But beware lest speculation raise its proud head as heresy. Unite by truth, not by lies.

This is the stuff denominations, cults, and religions�—one end of the spectrum to the other—are made of.
Satan loves dividing us by lies.

At times, we talk past each other; we engage in friendly fire.
But beware lest speculation raise its proud head as heresy. Unite by truth, not by lies.

When the Devil quotes the Lord and tells you to do something, you better believe it's not in your best interest.

Whatever lies, perspectives, motives, good ideas, whatever that the Devil has thrown His way, even when it was a quote from the Word of God, Jesus wasn't fooled.

When the Devil quotes the Lord and tells you to do something, you better believe it's not in your best interest.

Whatever lies, perspectives, motives, good ideas, whatever that the Devil has thrown His way, even when it was a quote from the Word of God, Jesus wasn't fooled.

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Pt.2 Tricked Into Lying? Don't Double Down

01:30

Pt.1 Tricked Into Lying? Don't Double Down

01:29

Tricked Into Lying? Don't Double Down

27:50

God’s Grace is Sufficient, but we…

00:55

Temptation Deceives - Satan's Temptation of Jesus Christ

56:15

Why Was Jesus Hated?

27:31

Honesty in Prophecy

25:16

What Has God Said? Love Good, Hate Evil

28:00

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