SEARCHING FOR THE
TRUTH
INTRODUCTION
Searching for the truth is a rarity in an age where it is more advantageous to conceal the truth for political or personal gain. It was noted that we swallow whole-heartedly any lie that flatters us but we sip reluctantly at any truth we find harsh (Denis Diderot). The aid of a small amount of truth can surprise us into accepting a falsehood (Marquis de Vauvenargues) and truth exists, only falsehood has to be invented (Georges Braque).
Searching for the truth becomes rarity if one is willingly to receive half-truths and embrace them. In some cases, the available of the internet search mode, social media, bias news reporting, and other venues, have opened the door for half truths to become acceptable rather than the truth. Jesus said: You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32); this was in reference to sin and the damaging influence of its embracement but how about other damaging influences caused by half-truths?
Searching for the Truth
Dominion of Truth
Apostle Paul wrote: We wrestle not against flesh and blood (humanity) but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). It was noted that this emphasizes the personal and individual nature of spiritual warfare through principalities, powers (authorities), rulers (world-leaders), and spiritual wickedness (wicked spiritual beings), such as demonic activity; the Devil (or Satan) and his cohorts.
Apostle John wrote: Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has but a short time (Revelation 12:12). It was noted that Satan’s reign is of a temporary nature, determined by God, but he is striving to bring as many as possible into his domain. We have world-leaders and organizations that aspire towards the same goal; of domination over man, to suppress him into accepting half-truths that will eventually enslave him.
Armor of God
In reference to the believer in Christ, and the ability to stand, Apostle Paul wrote: Take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day (which we are in), and having done all to stand (Ephesians 6:13). The whole armor of God consists of: Truth, Breastplate of righteousness, Gospel of peace, Shield of faith, Helmet of salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:14-18).
Paul included in the same text: Pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit. It is noted that prayer is indispensable. In the Spirit signifies that with the Spirit of God’s help such prayer for divine aid is made. In a world that is attempting to undermine the Word of God, in some occasions even the church itself, it is important to uphold truth by embracing and walking therein. Apostle Paul wrote: I suffer trouble, as an evildoer, even unto bonds (chains) but the word of God is not bound (2 Timothy 2:9). There were those who were attempting to subvert the truth but were not successful.
World of Untruths
It was noted that it had to be difficult for the Prophet Jeremiah always having to be the bearer of bad news, and always being rejected. Jeremiah was continually mocked by the people for bringing nothing but words of condemnation. Jeremiah's words enraged the people. He challenged their social and moral behavior. He held his ground and was not afraid to give them unpopular criticism. Today there are those who are giving humanity's vilest nature what they want to hear, justification to do exactly as they please with no regard to a Day of Reckoning.
We need more Jeremiah’s today sounding the alarm; Apostle Paul warned: The time will come when they (the people) will not endure sound doctrine; but after the own lusts (desires) shall heap to themselves teachers (bearer of half-truths), having itching ears; and shall turn away their ears (hearing) from the truth, and shall be turned into fables (that which is fictitious) (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
Preaching is the God-ordained means to prevent defection from the truth. Teachers who appeal to itching ears tell people what they want to hear, not what they need to hear. Searching for the truth is not an easy task; but in a world of untruths, it is becoming more needful by the hour, to know the truth, to offset deviating from that truth.
Influenced by the World
The church, in many instances, has deviated from searching for the truth through acceptance of half-truths. It is noted that it is pursuing social status rather than the Unadulterated (Pure) Word of God, financial security rather than sacrifice, prestige rather than the presence of God, and respectability rather than the moving of God’s Spirit. The church is standing at a crossroads which path will it take?
We are witnessing a younger generation of believers no longer walking in the paths of true righteousness, with a generational gap that offsets traditional and biblical sound policies of the past, with a new, seemingly inspirational path of a more secular nature, enhanced by modernistic entertainment and appeasement of the soul rather than godly influence.
Old-time saints are either dying out or have come in acceptance of the modernistic changes of today, being no longer an influence to a new generation of believers who are paving the way towards a new progressive social gospel.
Permissive Day
We are living in a very permissive day when the religious world is so tolerant to most any and all kinds of standards and lifestyles. It was noted that this permissiveness and tolerance is the result of a self-willed and carnal minded society; as a result of such tolerance and permissiveness, there are many churches, and even denominations, which have altered their teachings, their standards, and even their interpretations of the Scriptures to please, to comply with and accommodate this permissive and tolerant society.
Very few people this day hold to their heart’s convictions; they change to blend in with their environment; with voices of the past receiving less recognition, due to searching for the truth no longer a persuasive influence, with a leaning towards a secular society that craves the carnal side of man rather than the spiritual. We are embarked on a progressive culture that undermines the traditional culture of yesteryear ushering in a new culture previously not embraced.
Erosion Taking Place
A warning towards a failure to continue searching for the truth was noted: If the fires of freedom and civil liberties burn low in other lands, they must be made brighter in our own. If in other lands, the press and books and literature of all kinds are censored, we must redouble our effort here to keep them free.
If in other lands the eternal truths of the past are threatened by intolerance, we must provide a safe place for their continuation (Franklin D. Roosevelt). We are witnessing an erosion taking place which was warned against; an ungodly attempt to undermine any godly influence or its continuation. Many have moved towards acceptance of the previously unacceptable openly flaunting those who would advocate for the truth.
Christianity Will Prevail
There is an attempt to usher God out of the picture through Marxism and Socialism, cousins of Communism, by persecuting any opposition that would attempt to prevail with the truth. True Christianity will prevail despite any attempt towards its demise and promote searching for the truth rather than swallowing the bitter pill of deceit being presented. We are witnessing the evilness of man becoming powerful through ungodly officials being elected or appointed in a position of power and persuasion.
Any in opposition become as little David facing the giant Goliath. David did not waver in his commitment to God, but said to Goliath: You come to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield; but I come to you in the name of the Lord of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day will the Lord deliver you into my hand, and I will smite you (1 Samuel 17:45-46). David’s victory was not by his own hand but God empowering him to prevail and be victorious.
Truth Not Promulgated
Our ancestors established their system of government on morality and religious sentiment. It was noted that moral habits cannot safely be trusted on any other foundation than religious principle, nor any government be secure which is not supported by moral habits. If truth is not diffused (promulgated), error will be.
If the power of the Gospel is not felt throughout the length and breadth of the land, anarchy and misrule, degradation and misery, corruption and darkness will reign without mitigation or end. If we abide by the principles taught in the Bible, our country will go on prospering and to prosper; but if we neglect its instructions and authority, no man can tell how sudden a catastrophe may overwhelm us and bury all our glory in profound obscurity (Daniel Webster).
We are witnessing the maddening effect of what is transpiring when searching for the truth is no longer sought after; allowing deceit and half-truths to replace the truth, with a pace towards acceptance at an alarming rate. The moral compass of yesteryear has been cast aside as the carnal side of man is promoted rather than the spiritual so desperately needed.
Light of the World
Jesus in praying for His disciples to His father said: I pray that you should not take them out of the world but that you should keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify (set them apart) through your truth; your word is truth (John 17:15-17). Then to those who remain in this world: Let your light so shine among men that they (the world) may see your good works (witness), and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).
Searching for the truth of God’s Word; then applying that truth to one’s life becomes a light to the world to shine forth into the darkness of human depravity. It was noted that the smallest light can dispel the greatest darkness. If Christianity were withdrawn (the goal of some) there would be no light to dispel the darkness of mankind that has engulfed many a nation.
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