Truth Talks

Should a Christian Consult a Fortune Teller?

Throughout all of human history, people have been fascinated with fortune telling.  The bible often mentions instances where kings consulted their sorcerers and soothsayers in order to predict the future.

 

Times haven’t changed all that much.  Sorcery and soothsaying are still alive and well today.  People are fascinated with the spirit world evidenced by major network shows such as “Medium”, “Ghost Whisperer” drawing large followings.  Blockbuster movies such as “Ghost” and “Harry Potter” also featured dabblings into the occult.  

 

Having a Christian worldview calls for us to avoid dabbling in the spirit world.  First of all, the bible is clear about this when it states in Deuteronomy 18:10-12

 

“There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.  For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD…”

 

God views such behavior as “an abomination”.  He clearly does not like us to practice such things.  Seeking information about the future or seeking help from another spirit can be equated to idolatry.  God says that we should have no other gods before Him.

 

The good news is that as Christians we have direct access to the One who not only knows all that is going on in the world, but the One who created the world and controls all that is going on in the world.  We need not seek the “advice” of any other.  Our trust can be placed in Him whether or not we know what the future holds.  We can trust God’s plan because we know God’s character, and He is all Good.  

 

How will you seek God for the Truth?

 

Casting Your Vote

Tomorrow is Election Day in the United States.   Voters of all ages, races, religions and socioeconomic status will cast their votes in one of the most heated political contests in recent memory.   At days’ end tomorrow (assuming hanging chads do not get in the way) impatient voters will learn who will guide the future of our country.  Election anxiety will be over.  For better or for worse, we will have made a choice.

With the exception of birth and death, all of life is a choice.   With every action (or inaction) we cast our vote as to how our lives will turn out.   Each day is “election day”.   Each new day provides fresh opportunities to either go deeper in our relationship with God, living for Him, or to stay stagnant in our faith, living for ourselves. 

God delights in us getting to know Him.  He commands us to live all of our lives for Him.  When we do, we will be blessed.  The bible says

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful;

But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night.

He shall be like a tree planted by rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. (Ps 1:1-3 NKJV)

When we cast our votes for Truth—for God—we are sure to receive what He promises.   We will prosper according to God’s way, in God’s time. God is not a politician.  He delivers on His promises no matter what political party rules on Capitol Hill.  

Like Joshua, we have a choice as to whom we will serve.    Joshua chose to serve God.  What will you choose?

How will you choose Truth today?

Stop Trusting in Man

The Old Testament book of Isaiah is a book that unveils the full dimensions of God’s judgment and salvation for Israel, yet there are many principles that are applicable for us today.

Isaiah 2:22 says, “Stop trusting in man, who has but a breath in his nostrils. What is he really worth?” In light of the troubling times all around us, this is a timely reminder. I don’t know about you, but it is easier for me to trust in what I can see, touch and hear. Things like my bank statement, dollar bills in my pocket and the evening news tend to take center stage of my thinking if I’m not careful. These are things of man, what are they really worth? God wants us to trust in him.

The prophet offers alternatives to trusting in things of man when he says, “surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid” (Isa 12:2) and “surely this is our God, we trusted in him, and he saved us” (Isa 25:9).

The Psalmist offers fourteen verses reminding the reader that God is trustworthy. In other words, He’s got our back. Daniel trusted in God in the lion’s den and no scratch was found on him (Dan 6:23). Jesus comforted his disciples with, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God ; trust also in me” (John 14:1).

No matter what happens on November 4, on Wall Street or around the world, if we know Jesus as our Savior, we can trust God.

Whom can you encourage today with the truth you have heard?

What do you know for Sure?

 Volumes of data and photos reveal what only a handful of men and women have witnessed first-hand—a view of Earth from space. It’s unlikely that commoners like you and me will ever get to glimpse the world from that unique view.

However, consider for a moment the Christian’s view of the world and how incredibly unique it is:

• Humankind. Was he created, did he evolve, or something else? Does he have a free will/choice in his destiny?
• Morality/Ethics. Are there absolutes? Who/what determines them? What makes an action right or wrong?
• Knowledge. Can humans know anything? Is knowledge attainable? What is the role of reason?
• Reality. What is real versus perceived? How did the world as we know it and the universe come into being? Is it steady/static? Is it closed or open?
• God. Does this “being” exist? Is their many or one? If he is a he, is he personal? Is he active, proactive, reactive?

In America, the biblical worldview of Creationism is eroding and evolution is taking its place. Government funding of abortion and same-sex marriages is clearing the way to legalized prostitution. Human reason is replacing faith in God. Spirituality is crowding out Christianity. The reality of God is fading to mere theory. Have you been to Europe lately? Don’t bother; it’s coming to us.

Similar to the commonplace space shuttles of the 21st century, Christians in America take our freedoms and biblical worldview for granted. We treat it as if it’s just not a big deal. But, it should be. We know for sure that Jesus Christ saves man from his sin. This should be big news.  Sharing it is a freedom we should be exercising.

Take time today to reevaluate your worldview. Then ask someone the question,  “What do you know for sure?” As followers of Jesus Christ we:

• Know that God’s authority, glory and sovereign power is everlasting. (Daniel 7:14)
• Know that God’s words will endure. (Matthew 24:35)
• Know that faith, hope and love will remain. (I Corinthians 13)

What will you do with the truth you know and the freedoms you have?

Is Being a Christian About Being Good?

According to recent Barna research in which Christian adults were asked to identify the priorities Christians should pursue in their faith, the most common response was that Christians should prioritize “doing the right thing, being good, not sinning.”

The fact that lifestyle is the most common priority of Christians suggests a related difficulty:  the temptation to give a false pretense of holiness.  When avoiding sin is the main concern and is not balanced by other important priorities of the faith, it sets up the conditions in which we project a got-it-together image.[1]

Interestingly enough, when observing the lifestyles of most professing Christians, there is little difference between Christians and non-believers.  Not only is it intriguing as a Christian to wonder why so many Christians are failing in their self-expressed number one faith priority, but this truth also causes a problem with non-Christian members of society in that they view Christians as hypocrites.  When they see us not living up to our own standards, we lose our credibility to share the Gospel.

Building a relationship with God is the foundation to a changed life.  Trying to follow a checklist of good Christian living in our own power is a futile effort, just ask the Apostle Paul.  In his letter to the Galatians, Paul condemns them for this very thing.

This only I want to learn from you:  Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?  Are you so foolish?  Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?  (Gal 3:2-3 NKJV)

Our number one priority as Christians should be to get to know God…getting to know Jesus. God Himself declares this as so when He says through the prophet Jeremiah

“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,

Let not the rich man glory in his might,

Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;

But let him who glories glory in this,

That he understand and knows Me,

That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth.

For in these I delight.” … Jeremiah 9:23-24 NKJV

Being a Christian is not about being good, it is about getting to know Jesus.  Discipleship—intentionally learning about Christ and God’s Word—needs to be brought back to the forefront of our priorities as Christians.   In this, God will delight.   Through transforming discipleship, God can help us “get it together”. 

What will you do with what you know?

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[1] UnChristian, Kinnaman & Lyons, p. 49-50

What in the World is Going On?

Today’s post is to remind us to keep perspective. Like a good menu, I offer several options. Take a few minutes to soak in God’s word, connect cultural clues to the Bible and watch a video that soothes the heart and soul.

God’s Word

Reading today’s news is like reading the pages of the Bible and should not surprise Christians. There is talk of a one-world currency and a one-world government. A one-world government means one-world leader. The Bible teaches that this leader will be the anti-Christ. The world is almost ready for such a man, for a leader to step up and say, “I can offer you peace and safety.” The world will listen. But, take courage brother or sister in Christ, you are not of the world. This world is not your home. You’re just passin’ through.

Now, brothers … you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief… Be alert … putting on faith and love … and the hope of salvation. For God did not appoint us to suffer [his] wrath, but to receive salvation … Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up … Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. … Test everything, hold on to the good. (1 Thes 5:1-22 NIV)

Jeremiah’s Clues

Dr. David Jeremiah is a respected pastor, Bible teacher, author and leader to name just a few of his attributes. He has a new book and teaching series that is worth your investment.

At last, Bible prophecy can make sense and make a difference. Bible prophecy does not have to be confusing. What in the World Is Going On? is shocking and eye opening but essential reading in a world of confusing theories. The warning signs given in current events are useful only if we heed them. There is peace in knowing what to expect, and Dr. David Jeremiah offers words of encouragement while also reminding us how to live in the meantime -- watch, work, and wait. (Read more about -- What in the World Is Going On? )

Christ’s Reflections

Click on the title “Christ’s Reflection” above. Turn up your volume; choose the arrow to play, expand the screen to fit your entire computer screen by clicking on the lower right hand square icon (next to the volume). Reflect and worship your Savior.

How can you encourage one another and build each other up … Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances?

Bailout

The financial situation of our nation touches every person on American soil in one way, shape or form. What do you think of this current buzzword and its ramifications? I don’t know about you, but I am constantly swatting away nagging thoughts of, “What if…?” My heart aches for my neighbors who desperately need to sell their home and for the thousands of employees that have already lost their jobs this year. I know they are asking, “What now?”

The answer to both of these questions is Jesus. Our salvation and hope in Christ is the one constant in times of uncertainty. Here are just two examples:

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom 8:38-39)

For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle set me high upon a rock. (Psa 27:5)

The biggest fear a person has to face is an uncertain eternal future. As followers of Christ, our future is certain. These are definitely troubling days, but God will keep us safe. God has already bailed us out. Before Christ, we were bankrupt in our sin and our future was futile. Our bailout is our salvation.

Who will you see or talk to today that needs a heavenly bailout? The government may offer a solution to our financial crises but only God offers the solution to the spiritual crisis of those who do not know Christ.

What will you do with what you know?

Who's Your Daddy?

“Who’s your daddy?” the billboard shouted to me alongside a highway in downtown Kansas City.  As if it were yesterday, I remember my surprise at the sight.  I wondered how many calls the paternity testing service received from the ad.  I mused over how much uncertainty existed over the issues of paternity.  After all, I knew without a doubt my daddy’s identity.  Now, nearly a decade later, paternity questions can be settled for $17.99 by purchasing a take-home kit at your local drugstore.   

Settling doubts regarding fatherhood is important from a human identity perspective.  However, because it is commonplace to hear the words “We are all God’s children”, I wonder how many people, especially those from the Millennial generation, concern themselves with their spiritual ancestry.   All people are not God’s children, and as Christians, it is important that we know how to articulate what the Bible says regarding this statement. 

Two spiritual families exist in the world—the devil’s family and God’s family.   As descendants of Adam, we are automatically born into the devil’s family (John 8:44).  The method by which one becomes a “child of God” is through a personal relationship with Jesus, resulting in being “born again” in a spiritual sense. (John 1:12-13, John 3:3).

All Christians are “born again”.  This new “birth” puts us into God’s family in exactly the same way as our physical birth puts us into our father’s family.   As members of God’s family, we are heirs to eternal life in heaven.  Without this relationship, our “inheritance” is hell. 

I’m glad I know my identity without a shadow of a doubt.  I desire to erase doubts in others’ minds as well, but I will not refer them to a drugstore paternity test.  More is at stake than earthly fortune.  Instead of asking “Who’s your daddy?” let’s ask “Are you a child of God?”.  God wants more in His family.

With whom can you share the Truth?