That title has so much truth in it. We are living in times of great deception. Matthew 24:4 (NKJV)-4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. Yet it is also a time when we are seeing lies and deception, being exposed. The light of truth is greater than the darkness of deception. The things that are hidden are being revealed. There are a lot of things we supposedly believe in but is it Biblical truth? There are things I used to believe in that I thought were true and I discovered they were not. What changed? The Word of God changed me. I believe the truth will always come out eventually because God is a God of truth!
Sometimes we say, “I don’t know what to believe anymore?”
It is all so confusing. Remember God is not the author of confusion. I like what Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 14:10 (NKJV)-10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance. The Amplified Bible says it this way: 1 Corinthians 14:10 (AMP)-10 There are, I suppose, all these many [to us unknown] tongues in the world [somewhere], and none is destitute of [its own power of] expression and meaning. Words have power and meaning whether it’s true or false. They are not without significance, they are not destitute. They have a purpose. Proverbs 18:21 (AMP)-21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue.
We are bombarded with voices, messages, and words every minute. Whether it’s social media, the news, radio, and the “Ten Spies Network-Fake news”. If we have any sense of morality, any sense of what is truth we can recognize that we are being lied to every day. Why? Because the devil is the father of lies. John 8:44 (NKJV)–44 ... He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. Have we been lied to by the government in Washington? You’ll have to answer that question. Has there been lies about COVID-19? Have certain media outlets lied to us? Has religion lied to us saying that “God causes everything to happen good or bad? You know God is sovereign, he controls everything. He is only trying to teach us something.” Are there lies, deception, and confusion about gender, and marriage? Are their lies being told about our country? Those bent on distorting the truth want to propagate their narrative to convince people that what they say is the truth. To persuade, to win them over to their position or cause. Many say there is no absolute truth. It is just what we feel is right. Feelings can be deceptive. Colossians 2:4 (NKJV)-4 Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. I’m amazed at people’s boldness in telling lies right to a person’s face. To spin their talking points. Even if they are half-truths. The government wants to crack down on disinformation even if it’s true. All that we are seeing in our country is a battle of truth versus lies, light versus darkness, and good versus evil.
Here is a quote from an early Church father: Error (or deception) never shows itself in its naked form in order that it may not be discovered but on the contrary, it dresses elegantly so that to the unaware or the UN perceiving it will appear more truthful than the truth itself. Irenaeus of Lyons.
The Devil never comes in a red suit with a pitchfork, Apostle Paul says that he comes as an angel of light. Why? To deceive people. 2 Corinthians 11:13-14 (NKJV)-13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.4 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Look at Psalm 38:12 (NKJV)12 Those also who seek my life lay snares for me; Those who seek my hurt speak of destruction, And plan deception all the day long. This is what the devil wants. People who are given to speaking lies and deception. They make it sound so true. That it is for our good. I’ll put it out there that socialism and communism are not good. Anyone who has come out of these tyrannical governments knows that it’s not good. It promises good but only spells oppression and dominance.
What do we do with all these lies and deceptions?
Remember Jesus warned us about the “Last Days” deception. To know a phony twenty-dollar bill is to know what a real one looks like. We need to immerse ourselves in the truth of God’s Word. John 17:17 (NKJV)-17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. (John 14:6 cf). I’m afraid many believers are not in the Word of God enough. Matthew 4:4 (NKJV)-4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ “ Reading a scriptures once a week on the Church screen is not enough. We need to know the truth, experience the truth, be acquainted with the truth, applying it to our lives every day. Jesus said in John 8:31-32 (NKJV)-31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Notice the Lord said abide, or remain, settle in the Word of God. This is true discipleship. This is the way of Biblical truth. A truth that will set us free from lies and deception. We must filter everything we read, hear, and see through the Word of God.
God has given us the Holy Spirit to help us navigate in these times. He is the Spirit of truth. John 16:13 (NKJV)-13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. (1 John 5:6). Also in 1 John 2:27 (NKJV)-27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him. God, the Holy Spirit will never lie to us. ( Num 23:19 cf). So we must develop this relationship of closeness with God and His Word. 2 Corinthians 11:3 (NKJV)-3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity (sincere devotion) that is in Christ. If we live according to our carnal desires we are living a lie, We are giving in to the whispers of a liar, the devil, and his demons. I think self-deception is the worst deception. 1 John 2:16 (NKJV)-16 For all that is in the world–the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life–is not of the Father but is of the world. We need to guard our hearts will all diligence. This is our responsibility. No one else can do it for you. Don’t let pride keep you from the truth. Deuteronomy 11:16 (NKJV)-16 Take heed to yourselves, lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them, Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV)-23 Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.
We know many will stray from the truth, being deceived by the enemy. Many will no longer be lovers of the truth to their demise. Many will shut their ears to the truth. 1 Timothy 4:1 (NKJV)-1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. It doesn’t have to be this way if we abide by the truth of God’s Word. If we listen to the Holy Spirit. If we fill our lives with truth. We need to be discerning in these days like never before. To know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. 1 John 4:6b (NKJV)-By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
“Just because we believe sincerely in something doesn’t mean it’s the truth.”
So how is your Bible reading going today? Are you immersing yourself in truth? Are learning to live in truth. Are you telling yourself the truth? Do you recognize the lies the enemy tells you? Dear Saints, we need the Word of God. We need to be lovers of the truth. We need to abide in the Word. Even when it comes to preaching and teaching God’s Word by other people, ministers, or prophets, we have to ask ourselves is it Bible truth? Is it their denominational preference, religious background, or their own interpretation, or does it agree and line up with the scriptures? Does it bear witness with the Holy Spirit?
Some people won’t let the Bible get in the way of what they believe.
Here is some good advice from Doctor Luke: Acts 17:11 (AMP)-11 Now these [Jews] were better disposed and more noble than those in Thessalonica, for they were entirely ready and accepted and welcomed the message [concerning the attainment through Christ of eternal salvation in the kingdom of God] with inclination of mind and eagerness, searching and examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Are we truly being disciples in the Word of God? Do we welcome eagerly, searching the scripture? Doing it daily. Applying them to our lives.
Below are some scriptures to meditate on.
- 1 John 1:8-9 (NKJV)-8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
- 2 John 1:1 (NKJV)-1 The Elder, To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth,
- 2 John 1:4 (NKJV)-4 I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father.
Let’s keep walking in the truth!
In Christ Love;
Brent and Linda Bushen
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