TROUBLESOME ASPECT
OF CLARITY
INTRODUCTION
Troublesome aspect of clarity towards truth is an ongoing issue that has become deceptive in nature rather than truthful. We live in a world of information being promulgated without the sense of reporting previously held in the past. There is a purpose behind this deception; with the flow of information being unleashed and the truth masked over to accomplish that purpose.
We are witnessing an endeavor to set up a global power structure that publishes misinformation to accomplish its mission and goal. We are witnessing a global political maneuvering to enhance personal gain; rather than the good of the people who become as pawns to enhance embracement of the desired goal.
Troublesome Aspect of Clarity
Pawns in the World
Troublesome aspect of clarity (quality of being clear) can be a factor when one jumps on the bandwagon of dissension with little knowledge of what is being promoted, or promulgated, becoming a popular trend to unite with, as a puppet in the hands of the puppeteer. In a world of instant promoting of ideals or causes, with the help of the electronic world we live in, it is easy to fall in the category of being a pawn, being led into a falsehood.
When one accepts what is received, as the gospel truth, it then becomes difficult to bring the truth to the surface. Hitler deceived millions of people because of his charismatic drawing power, with the killing of millions who opposed his goal of a perfect race; with many today still fostering some of the magnetism of his teachings and ideals.
Source of Division
Troublesome aspect of clarity was identified in the early church by Apostle Paul, who wrote: Mark them which cause divisions and offense contrary to the doctrine which you have learned, and avoid them (Romans 16:17). It was noted that Paul was giving words of warning concerning danger threatening the church, to mark them who were the source of divisions and stumbling blocks, to turn away from them, not to be influenced by their teachings.
We are witnessing a turnaround from former years, towards what is termed as “a progressive social gospel” that offsets the teachings and preaching of former years. It was further noted that the church is being tempted to pursue social status rather than sanctification (set apart unto God), financial security rather than sacrifice, prestige rather than the presence of God, and respectability rather than the moving of God’s Spirit. Thank God for those who have not been swayed, or become as pawns, following the deception of a better way, that is contrary to the Unadulterated (Pure) Word of God.
Deception Within the
Church
In identifying the troublesome aspect of clarity, Apostle Paul wrote: They that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly (interest), and by good (smooth) words, and fair (flattering) speeches, deceive the hearts of the simple (innocent) (Romans 16:18). Paul did not mince words in his identification of a problem in the church; but clearly and precisely pointed it out.
There are those today being swallowed up of a deceptive nature through the smooth words and flattering speeches Paul mentioned. It was noted that anyone who mars the unity or harmony of the church and does little to serve the Lord Jesus Christ, regardless of their claim, are putting their own interest above the welfare and interest of the church.
The words of Paul, could readily fit into the political realm as well; that of serving self rather than the good of the people. Thank God for individuals, within the church, and political realm, who uphold the standards and traditions of godly individuals of the past; those who have not allowed a wall of deceit to prevent the truth from being identified and followed.
Failure to Receive
Troublesome aspect of clarity (truth) was noted through Apostle Paul speaking to a young evangelist named Timothy, in writing: The time will come when they (the people) will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts (desires) shall heap to themselves teachers, 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). Apostle Paul was not only warning Timothy and the church then, but today as well.
It is unfortunate that there are many who fall into that category, allowing deception, and untruth, to be introduced and accepted. It was noted that 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. 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.
Turned out of the Pulpit
In a poem titled “The Church Walking with the World” by an unknown author are these words: The World said: your preachers are all too old and plain. They frighten my children with dreadful tales that I do not like to hear. They talk of judgments, fire, pain, and the gloom of the darkest night. They warn of a place that should not be thus spoken to ears polite.
I will send you some of a better stamp, more brilliant and fast, who will show how men may live as they please and go to heaven at last. So she called for pleasing, deemed gifted, and great, and learned; and the plain old men who had preached the cross were out of her pulpits turned.
Troublesome aspect of clarity (truthfulness being diminished) is identified in this poem; allowing a new generation of believers into the fold that have not witnessed, or been exposed, to the preaching of the past, though failure of the preachers of old to continue preaching as before, or having gone on to meet their heavenly reward, instituting a lost generation concept.
Sounding the Alarm
Troublesome aspect of clarity was noted by the Prophet Habakkuk, in saying: The Lord answered me and said, write the vision, and make it plain upon tables (tablets) that he may run that reads it (Habakkuk 2:2). It was noted that a warning was given that would case the reader to run quickly; warning others as to what was coming.
Apathy in the world (unconcern) is fostering people being caught up in the world, with little time to listen, or even care, the sounding of the alarm by God’s watchmen. The Prophet Jeremiah, in sounding the alarm, cried out: O Jerusalem, wash your heart from wickedness, that you may be saved, How long shall your vain (wicked) thoughts lodge with you (Jeremiah 4:14)?
Apathy in the World
Jesus mentioned the troublesome aspect of clarity (concerning His return), in revealing: As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man (His return). They eat, they drink, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all (Luke 17:26-27).
Likewise, as it was in the days of Lot, they eat, they drink, they brought, they sold, they planted, they planted, they built; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even so shall it be in the day, when the Son of man is revealed (returns) (Luke 17:28-30).
Apathy in the world (indifference) at large would entail one’s not being ready for the Lord’s return, as the Five Foolish Virgins who were not prepared and the door being shut (Matthew 25:10); as the Ark of Deliverance in Noah’s day when God shut the door (Genesis 7:16).
Uncertain Sound
Another part of the troublesome aspect of clarity (understanding) was noted by the Apostle Paul: If the trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? So likewise except you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how it shall be known what is spoken; for you shall speak into the air (non-receivable) (1 Corinthians 14:8-9).
In the vast sea of knowledge being presented, at the touch of the finger, it is increasingly important to know what the truth is and what is false. The enemy of one’s soul (Satan) is the great deceiver; to steer one away from the truth; especially the promotion of the truth of the Gospel, which warns against acceptance of the world, and its values, that are in direct opposition to God’s Word.
Two Ways Identified
The troublesome aspect of clarity (truth) is revealed in Scripture: There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof is the ways of death (Proverbs 14:12). Jesus said: Enter you at the strait gate; for wide it the gate, and broad is the way which leads to destruction, and many there be which go thereat; because strait is the way and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, few there be that find it (Matthew 7:13-14).
The truth of the Gospel is imperative towards the saving of the soul. A man of God was asked: If given an hour to explain the Gospel to someone, how would he do so? He said he would spend the first fifty minutes on the bad news of judgment and then the last ten minutes on the good news of salvation, because without the context of judgment one would not appreciate or even understand salvation.
Salvation of the Soul
Apostle Paul wrote: Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13). For the wages of sin is death (physical and spiritual); but the gift of God is eternal life (a heavenly gain) through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23). Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is no other name under heaven, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
Apostle John wrote: He that believes on the Son (the Lord Jesus Christ) has everlasting life (a heavenly abode); and he that believes not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides (remains) on him (John 3:36). The choice lies with each individual; as where they will spend eternity, either Heaven or Hell).
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