Tag: Truth

A Christian Perspective

Pay Them No Mind       

Loring Schultz

“The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless.” Proverbs 10:20 NLT

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Not to get into politics, well, maybe a little. Mostly everything in one way or another is political. We all have opinions and convictions we hold to. At times we find it hard not to respond to voices opposite of ours. Especially if they are said or written in a mean-spirited and untruthful manner. We may feel it’s our right and duty to expose this wrong for what it is, foolish and worthless. So, perhaps a better response would be to ‘pay them no mind.’

The last few weeks here in the United States we witnessed a full display of foolishness, to be polite, of the rhetoric concerning government affairs. It began with a biased news media and politicians feeding their hungry base of social media pundits who repeat and add on to their reporting to support their ideology on the subject. But their main agenda is to cause division within the nation. I will say they have succeeded. It is tempting to want to call them out, but will they see the error of their ways? Scripture says, Don’t waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice.” (Pr.23:9 nlt)

Most disheartening are the posts on social media by well-respected individuals, people you know, close friends, and even family members who post an opposing point of view based on ideology and not the truth. There’s an old saying, ‘don’t let the facts get in the way of a good story.’ As believers in Christ we walk a fine line. Yes, truth should be told and lies exposed. But how do we do this? The apostle Paul gives us some advice, “Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, for the light makes everything visible.” (Eph.5:10-11, 13-14 nlt)

Christians have the light of Christ within them. Light automatically dispels darkness, lies are uncovered. So how do we respond? We respond by living a Christlike life and speaking the truth in line with God’s Word. When the lies start to come our way, it’s best to ‘pay them no mind.’

Devotionals

No Excuse; examine the evidence

Loring Schultz

All of us must admit there are times when something is so obvious, so clearly seen, so clearly heard, even so clearly felt, that we cannot deny is authenticity. Indeed it must be true.  Despite the efforts of some who will try to dissuade you from a certain truth either through false comments or actions, if you take the time to examine what they are saying and doing you will find plenty of evidence to the contrary. What is true is true and what is false is false. There is always evidence as to what is true and to what is false if we only take the time to search it out for ourselves. In our current day, we have a vast pool of informational sources available to us to search out a matter. As a result of this, we are without excuse if we continue to be persuaded by others and not look at the evidence ourselves.

When it comes to the existence of God however, God has made it easy for us to determine He does exist and He is God. All throughout history up to including today, there are many people who deny the existence of the God of the Bible. Some display their denial through their words, but most exhibit their denial through their actions. Therefore if there is no God, then there is no God to answer to and I am free to do as I please. They become their own gods determining what is right or wrong according to themselves and their current culture. Their actions are having severe consequences on themselves and society as a whole. Even though some claim to know God, they obviously do not know the God of the Bible.  

But the good news is the God of the Bible, the true God, has made Himself known to every individual through nature itself and the creation of the world. He has made it easy for us to know Him so we are without excuse. We have no excuse for living as if there are no consequences in living in violation of His Word, as if He doesn’t exist or doesn’t care about our actions. He does!

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“For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So, they have no excuse for not knowing God.” (Ro,1:20 nlt)

Devotionals

New Gems of Truth

Loring Schultz

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16 KJV

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‘What’s new?’ is a question you have asked and have been asked countless times. The inquiry ranges from new developments in one’s life to what’s new in general terms. It also carries with it the idea that something new means something old is done away with, and that is true in most cases, but not all. In particular, it is not true of sacred scripture, the Bible. There has been debate in recent decades over the authority of the Old Testament since Jesus’s time on earth and the completion of the New Testament. The New Testament records Jesus’s ministry, His pronouncement of the Heavenly Kingdom, the New Covenant, the early church, and future events. It is thought by some that Jesus’s fulfilment of the Old Testament oversees the necessity to follow the truths recorded in it. But Jesus has a much different view of sacred scripture from today’s debaters.

Jesus quoted often from the Old Testament mostly from the book of Deuteronomy. He explained the scriptures on the road to Emmaus as He walked along with Cleopas and his friend starting with Moses and all the prophets on how they related to Himself. (Lk. 24:13-32) Jesus also said to His disciples before His ascension into heaven, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.’ Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.” (Lk. 24:44-45) Jesus wanted His disciples and us to understand the truths of Old Testament especially concerning Himself and the plan of Salvation.

While teaching the disciples about Himself and the kingdom of God in Matthew chapter 13, Jesus asked them, “Do you understand all these things?’ ‘Yes,’ they said, ‘we do.’” (Mt. 13:51) Jesus then went on, “Every teacher of religious law who becomes a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a homeowner who brings from his storeroom new gems of truth as well as old.” (Mt. 13:52) Now that they understood the truths about Jesus in the Old Testament, the disciples had new gems of truth to teach alongside the old truths. Today we have God’s completed Word in the Old and New Testaments. The insights from Jesus’s parables are understood through the truths of the Old Testament and Old Testament truths are understood through ‘New Gems of Truth.’

Devotionals

Do You Believe Jesus’ Words?

Loring Schultz

Read: John 12:44-50 NLT – Jesus shouted to the crowds, “If you – Bible Gateway

“But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken.” John 12:48 NLT

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The question the title of this devotional asks, ‘do you believe Jesus’ words?’ will have several responses. Those who truly know Christ will say yes without reservation. Those who have a somewhat knowledge of Christ will also respond yes but with reservation. It is to those of you, I ask, what is restraining you to accept the truth of His words, and do you realize the  eternal consequences if you hold to your doubts and questions? They are not debatable.

First of all, when questioning Jesus’ words, you are actually questioning the integrity and truthfulness of Jesus. If you believe some of what He says, but not all, then how can you trust what is true and what is not. It’s all according to your own opinion, is it not? Are you always right in what you assume to be true? I think not, for I know I’m not always right. Being wrong in trivial matters is not very alarming, but in life-or-death situations I hate to be wrong. I trust you feel the same way.

Jesus spoke some words that are hard to understand, but He also communicated words of simple truth to us that are straight forward and easy to comprehend. In John’s gospel Jesus is recorded as saying, “But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken.” (Jn.12:48 nlt) On judgement day Jesus says all who rejected His message are going to be judged. Again, in selective reasoning which of Jesus’ statements are true and which are not, in reality if you reject some, you really reject them all.

Jesus says, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” (Jn.3:3 nlt) “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (Jn.14:6 nlt) “But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken.” (Jn.12:48 nlt) There is no picking and choosing which statements we believe and those we don’t. Do you believe Jesus’ words? It’s all or nothing!

Devotionals

Tell the Truth

Loring Schultz

“But Paul said, ‘I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I utter words of sober truth.’” Acts 26:25 NASB

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When I was a young boy there were certain times I was afraid to tell the truth. These occasions were associated with something I had said or done wrong and telling the truth would have dire consequences for me in the form of punishment. Making up a good story was not an option; my parents would never buy it. They would know I wasn’t telling the truth. So out came the truth with the consequences of punishment along with it.   

Today, many years later, telling the truth can still have consequences for me although not due to the same circumstances. The apostle Paul in his defense of the gospel said, “I am not out of my mind…….but I utter words of sober truth.” Today if we preach Jesus Christ, the true gospel message, even using His words we are sometimes accused of being irrational or “out of our minds.” We are accused of being insensitive, offensive, and narrow minded.

One very important point to remember is that we are not making up a good story, we are telling a good story, the Greatest Story ever to be told. And we are commanded by Jesus Himself to tell the story (Mt.28:19-20.) Yes, there may be consequences, but Jesus promised never to leave us or forsake us (Heb.13:5.) Let us not be afraid of the consequences, let us not be afraid to ‘Tell the Truth!’

A Christian Perspective

The Truth Hurts    

Loring Schultz

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.” 2 Timothy 4:7 NLT

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Why are there so many people who hate the truth? It’s very simple; the truth hurts. Being confronted with the truth upsets the apple cart in life. The lifestyle, ideology, religion nuances, intolerance, and overall hatred for the truth of the Bible reveals one’s true feelings towards those who hold to Biblical truths. This is nothing new. Hatred for the truth of the Bible and the gospel of Jesus Christ has been active for centuries. It has been growing over the last century particularly in third world countries and in Europe, and most recently here in the United States over the last several decades.

This past Wednesday, the day before the anniversary of ‘911’ in the United States, another tragedy unfolded in the assassination of conservative civil rights activist, author, and private citizen Charlie Kirk. He was gunned down during an event at an American university speaking the truth as he has been doing for over a decade. Only 31 years old, he leaves behind a wife and two young children. Kirk had been very influential in changing the culture among young people especially on college campuses. He spoke the truth plainly and with common sense which could not be denied, but often it was perceived as hate speech and divisive. The truth is only divisive when not recognized and accepted as truth. It’s only divisive because the truth hurts.

Charlie Kirk was also a devout Christian who spoke boldly and was unashamed of his salvation in Jesus Christ. He often engaged with those who question him sincerely about his faith and also with those who rigorously opposed him. He was a friend to all and would speak and listen to anyone who wanted to dialogue with him.

The assassin wanted to silence the truth, because the truth hurts. The problem for the assassin and others who want to silence the truth is truth cannot be silence. Kirk’s voice may have been silenced but there are millions of other voices who will continue speaking boldly the truth about civil rights, liberty, and the gospel, some for the first time. The United States has reached a ‘turning point’ referring to Kirk’s organization and ministry. This tragedy has awakened many of us not to sit on our hands anymore. We have work to do. Satan and his minions will continue their attempts to silence the truth with vengeance. Sadly, this is not only an American problem but one that is raging in every country around the world.

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Hatred for the truth will continue until Jesus Christ returns. Speaking the truth in love, boldly and unashamed as Jesus did, with those who disagree with us is our calling to this generation. Yes, they may hate us, but they hate the truth more, because the truth hurts.

A Christian Perspective

Taken Out of Context     

Loring Schultz

“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:17 NIV

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 NIV

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Last weekend, recently drafted Cleveland Browns quarterback, Dillon Gabriel got caught in the social media ‘taken out of context’ web. A question by a sideline reporter was not fully aired or referred to, only his answer. “Speaking with CBS Sports reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala, Gabriel was asked about his comfortability in front of a camera. The poised Gabriel was authentic in his answer, a harmless and fun response.” (1) Gabiel’s fun response escalated rapidly when sports reporters and commentators from major sports outlets looking for a story failed to do their journalistic research. Their main concern was to adapt the answer to their bias narrative ignoring the truth. Eventually the truth came out, but the damage was done and too late for all the headline and sound bite social media followers who never saw the update.

I’m sure many of us have been taken out of context having our words twisted to mean something other than what was intended. Most of the time it is done to humiliate us or to put their opinion into focus as the right point of view. We may not be able undo the damage each time, but it is imperative for Christians that we try because our integrity and the truth is at stake.

Social media and bias reporters work as a conduit to get many false narratives accepted by as many people as they can to push their agenda. The Bible has been taken out of context for centuries, but not at the rate it is today. Again, those with a certain point of view and an agenda to push due to their politics or to satisfy the changing culture will take the Bible out of context to suit themselves. The Bible’s truth has not changed. It is not subject to re-interpretation. The Bible is not a fluid document, but the very Words of God. God’s Words mean the same today as when they were first written. It is vital for Christians to take a stand for the unchanging truth of God’s Word. Jesus confirmed the truth of God’s Word in His intercessory prayer, and Paul tells us not to be ashamed and to correctly handle the word of the truth (The Bible). It may come with criticism and be taken out of context, but we have proof the Bible is true as we apply it to our lives through the Holy Spirit.

(1) Browns’ Dillon Gabriel clarifies ‘entertainers’ and ‘competitors’ comment, wasn’t referencing Shedeur Sanders

Devotionals

Honest and Trustworthy

Loring Schultz

Read: 2 Kings 12:4-16 NLT – One day King Joash said to the priests, – Bible Gateway

“No accounting of this money was required from the construction supervisors, because they were honest and trustworthy men.” 2 Kings 12:15 NLT

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Being honest and trustworthy is harder for some people than you may think. It comes naturally for some, but just as naturally for others who are not honest and trustworthy. There is a story in the Old Testament book of 2 Kings that depicts both sides of being honest and trustworthy. Joash, the king of Judah, set out to have the Temple of God restored. It had been 124 years since its completion, and it had fallen into disrepair due to age. Joash’s plan was to allocate a portion of the Temple offerings to fund the necessary repairs. The priests were put in charge to oversee the operation. Sounds like a plan, but it did not succeed.

“But by the twenty-third year of Joash’s reign, the priests still had not repaired the Temple.” (2Kg.12:6 nlt) The priests did what so many of us do. They sat on it. To be fair, perhaps the offerings were small and not adequate for their own needs. This was possible due to mistrust from previous years of idolatry. Joash told them they were to receive no more money and what they had was to be used in repairing the Temple. The priests’ response is not one we would expect of God’s servants in the Temple. They agreed but also would take no part in the restoration project including paying for it. They passed it off. I would not say the priests were dishonest, but they were not trustworthy in doing all they could even with minimum funds to start the process of making repairs. They were also disobedient to the king.

King Joash came up with another plan to secure financing and it worked. The people responded and dropped their money in the chest the king provided at the entrance of the Temple under guard. As the money was collected it was given to the construction supervisors who paid for the carpenters, builders, masons, and stonecutters, along with purchasing materials. And “No accounting of this money was required from the construction supervisors, because they were honest and trustworthy men.” (2Kg.12:15 nlt) Something we would all like to be noted for, ‘honest and trustworthy.’ It shouldn’t be too difficult for us to find work and our integrity will never be in question. The priests can be given the benefit of the doubt, but they will always be the subject of conversation. May we not get sidetracked with our concerns that we lose the passion for what God has called us to do and become untrustworthy.

Devotionals

Thoughts of the World   

Loring Schultz

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV

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When it comes to spiritual matters and the things of God, the world has its endless thoughts on the truth of the matter. The world will inform us what is and what is not truth, or it will tell us it’s inside us and we will discover it by searching within ourselves. Just be yourself and love yourself. Then there are so called minsters of the gospel preaching a feel-good message of positivity and good works. The apostle Paul needed to defend his ministry against some of the same things we witness in our world today. False prophets were doing their work during Paul’s day as in ours. Paul, himself, was accused of being a false prophet and only in it for money. The thoughts about God in the world are many, and all are against the truth and His salvation message.

Paul was unrelenting in the defense of his ministry and the gospel. He stated, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2Cor.10:5 niv) Anything that slightly resembled an alternative view of the gospel pitting itself against the Lord God, Paul demolished those arguments. They cannot be allowed to stand. Paul knew those distorted thoughts about God lead to confusion and heartache. That is why he took every one of those thoughts and conformed them to Christ.

Christians today need to rally behind Paul’s example of boldness in demolishing the false narratives of God in our culture. Sitting silent on the sidelines while the world is scoring points does not advance the kingdom of God. The Lord has given us all we need to inform the world of the truth, His Word, the Bible. It’s time we use it boldly to explain the truth about God.  

Devotionals

Standing for the Truth of the Gospel  

Loring Schultz

“For we cannot oppose the truth, but must always stand for the truth.” 2 Corinthians 13:8 NLT

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There is a saying, I admit, that I often use. “The truth is somewhere in the middle.” I use it because in most cases it turns out to be true. Take any news story today which has two sides to it as they report it. It lands somewhere in the middle of the two reported stories. Each reporter and/or advocate slant their bias towards their version of the truth, usually a half-truth. They are partially true, but when the whole truth is revealed, their half-truth turns out not to be true. Still, some people hold on to their perspective of the truth even though it is flawed and misleading. This may seem harmless and a just a matter of opinion, but in a life-or-death situation this will be disastrous.

The apostle Paul was adamant of the truth, especially when it came to the truth of the gospel. They are no half-truths in the gospel. The truth is Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (Jn.14:6 nlt) That is the whole truth revealed. Those who sugar coat the gospel with charitable deeds, being a good person, obeying the law, being kind to others, and tolerate of other religions who claim alternative ways to heaven and eternal life are doing more than spreading half-truths, but propagating a false gospel. A life-or-death situation cannot succumb to half-truths.

Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, “For we cannot oppose the truth, but must always stand for the truth.” (2Cor.13:8 nlt) Paul made sure the Corinthians knew he was always speaking the truth in everything he taught them. Even when he was reprimanding them, it was always the truth. Paul did not mince words to sound less forceful. They needed to hear what Paul was telling them for their own good. We are not doing any favors to those who do not know the true way of salvation by sugar coating the gospel with half-truths. It this case, ‘the truth is never somewhere in the middle.’