YesToTheTruth: July 2020

Monday, July 13, 2020

Testimonies for the Atheist vs Demonstrable Evidence by the Scientific Method

Testimonies are the kind of examinable things that are accepted every day in courts of law. They are presumed to express a reality experienced by a witness. Rejecting a testimony without consideration is akin to suppressing reality or facts because of the way they are being communicated. It's like, for instance, a judge would refuse to hear witnesses that are ready to testify in a case because there is no video evidence supporting what they would be testifying about. But these witnesses can be examined, their backgrounds can be checked, their motives can be evaluated, and then a right judgment can be exercised. These are all ways that a person seeking to establish the truth could employ, versus demanding a kind of evidence that is not part of the precise case at hand to begin with. And taking that later course would mean rejecting evidence that is available albeit through the admission of a testimony.

Spiritual truth, in particular, can only be apprehended by faith, not by any scientific method. That's the path to know God, beyond knowing about God through the evidence of the things He has created. An explorer who sincerely wants to learn about sea mammals doesn't start out denying that the sea is a thing and heading toward the forest. Likewise, advancing that nothing exists that has been created by God is intellectual dishonesty that stops the genuine pursuit of truth without giving the appearance of insincerity concerning such pursuit. It's elementary fact suppression to clear the way to assert that there is nothing that can be known or demonstrated about God. And from that follows the conclusion that God cannot be known or does not exist. But faith comes from what is heard about God.

What is heard about God is itself a testimony. Those who can testify that they know God will also hold true that He has communicated to mankind through a precise form: his word. The Bible is a record of God's communication to mankind through the writings of his servants. And He has laid out the precise way to approach Him:

"Therefore, putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness [that's repentance], receive with humility the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word [that's faith], and not only hearers, deluding your own selves. (James 1:21-22)

... "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (James 4:6‭-‬8)

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, instructing us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly desires, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age; looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ; who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for Himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works." (Titus 2:11-14)

Humility is key in one’s approach to God (that's a personal trait rather than a scientific apparatus). That statement can be evaluated for its investigative worthiness. A truth-seeker should not simply accept any statement as true. That is not what faith is about. But carefully considering the thing heard is the path to have any kind of faith. That implies trusting the message-bearer or, at the least, giving him/her the benefit of the doubt. That will be the way to progress to what will be personal, irrefutable, evidence of God’s existence: knowing Him because He has been pleased to reveal Himself to you who sought Him on his terms, that is, according to his word.1

Jesus who is the Word of God that appeared in the world in the form of a man was seriously challenged for his claims while He walked on the earth. This can be learned from what is written about Him in the Bible. Jesus made this statement to people who had their doubts, as you may have yours about Him today: “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. If anyone desires to do his will, he will know about the teaching, whether it is from God, or if I am speaking from myself.”2 Thus, taking Jesus at his word is then a clear path to have proof that what He taught is true and not myths to add to the many that are already being propagated on the earth, even through formal education. And taking that route has its requirements.

A prerequisite to seeking to know the provenance of Jesus' teaching and what that would imply is the humility to recognize God’s sovereignty. And that’s already beyond the question of his existence. Hearing that God’s existence is being called into question is, for a servant of God, like being married and hearing the denials of others that one has a spouse or knows anything about the intimacy attached to having such a spousal relationship. Thus, coming to know God, there is a way to that; but needing to establish that He exists is not God’s concern for anyone who doesn't know Him yet.3

The attitude of a person who decides to approach God is therefore important. Jesus does refrain from revealing Himself to the random person who wants to check Him out. There is no seriousness in such an approach, while what He is looking for is a relationship like a marriage founded on love and faithfulness. The readiness to be in total submission to the King of kings cannot be excluded. Denominations do start by people who take the Christian name and embrace what they like about the teachings of Jesus or simply twist them. So, the truth must be sought, and it will be found by those loving it; it will save them.4 A good and honest heart is necessary to move forward.5 Therefore, when God opens the door for a relationship with Him, He expects reverence and that one offers to Him a heart that is ready to obey Him in all. That's a sacrifice. That's the real giving of one's life to God. And that's the only way to come to know God intimately - not unlike a husband knows his wife and vice versa. God will only come to be on the throne of one's heart where room has been made for Him in response to the way He has commanded that He should be approached: through repentance and faith in Jesus.

[You know] how I did not hold back from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, testifying both to Jews and to Greeks repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 20:20-21)

1. John 14:21
2. John 7:16-17
3. Romans 1:19
4. John 8:31-36, 1 Timothy 2:1-5, 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12
5. Luke 8:8, 15

Note: This is not creative writing.

Seek and Find Jesus
(YouTube playlist)

Revelation 12:11

They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they did not love their life, even to death.

By the word of their testimony... (Revelation 12:11)
(YouTube playlist)

Friday, July 10, 2020

Past Sins are Forgiven — Past, Present and Future Sins are NOT Pre-Forgiven

When we repent, "present" and "future" sins aren't planned for because what we get by faith in Jesus' blood is the forgiveness of our past sins (Romans 3:25, 2 Peter 1:9). That is how we can begin a relationship with God with a blank slate.

Pre-forgiveness of past sins would imply that repentance isn't necessary to be reconciled to God and redeemed. It would mean that a mere acknowledgement (belief) of having been forgiven at the cross is all it takes to receive that blank slate at the beginning of one's relationship with God. But what the Bible teaches is far from such presumptions.

And pre-forgiveness of any present or future sins would simply enforce in the minds of people who believe the lie (2 Thessalonians 2:11) that there is no such thing as a way a Christian is called to live (comp. 1 Peter 4:1-3). In other words, sin is not an issue, so it is neither hated nor turned away from, even at the cost of shedding one's blood (Hebrews 12:4)! And surely, it is the path of least resistance that also leads to death (Romans 6:23, James 1:13-15), the path that someone who is not striving to enter through the narrow door to eternal life would take (Luke 13:24, Matthew 7:13-14).

Whenever "present" sins are mentioned in the Bible, it's in the context that people who are living in sin need to repent (e.g. 2 Corinthians 12:21, James 4:4-10, Revelation 2:21, 9:21).

The apostle Paul argues:

Romans 5:20-21, 6:1-2

20 The law came along to multiply the trespass. But where sin multiplied, grace multiplied even more 21 so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace will reign through righteousness, resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

6:1 What should we say then? Should we continue in sin so that grace may abound? 2 Absolutely not! How can we who died to sin still live in it?

Note well then that sin isn't the expression of grace being at work in someone's life:

Romans 6:12-15

12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. 13 Neither present your members to sin as instruments of unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God, as alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin will not have dominion over you. For you are not under the law, but under grace. 15 What then? Should we sin because we are not under the law, but under grace? Absolutely not!

Indeed, God's grace isn't his favor for looking the other way from our sins if we're still sinning. It's what teaches us to say 'No' to sin:

Titus 2:11-14

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, 12 instructing us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly desires, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age; 13 looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ; 14 who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works.

And one will not find anything in the Bible as a plan for "future" sins for someone who comes to God. It would be like talking about getting married and planning for unfaithfulness. It doesn't mean that there can be no forgiveness if unfaithfulness does occur, but unfaithfulness is not inevitable so as to need to be anticipated from the start. Bottom line: it's not the plan. So also, sinning isn't the plan when someone comes to God and gives his/her life to God. Doing righteousness is the plan. That is, doing God's will. And it's terrible to be called a Christian and not know that due to all that is falsely taught today (1 John 4:1, 1 Timothy 4:1, 2 Timothy 4:3-4). What righteousness means is being twisted in almost everything that is taught or preached about it. The Bible does say this, which doesn't support the idea of "present" (ongoing) sin, let alone (planned) "future" sins:

1 John 3:6-9
6 Whosoever abides in Him does not sin: whosoever sins has not seen Him, nor known him. 7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that does righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous. 8 He that commits sin is of the devil; for the devil sins from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whosoever is born of God does not commit sin; for his seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

That goes hand in hand with what Jesus says to someone He forgives: "Go, and don't sin anymore" (John 8:11).

Be encouraged to have a Bible-based understanding for anything you believe about becoming a Christian and living as a Christian. There is indeed a way to never fall:

1 Peter 1:2-11
2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who has called us to glory and virtue: 4 By which are given to us exceedingly great and precious promises: that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5 And for this reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge self-control; and to self-control patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that you shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But he that lacks these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and has forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 10 Therefore rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if you do these things, you shall never fall: 11 For so an entrance shall be provided to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Take that way. You have to do these things. They were not done and finished for you on the cross. You have to walk the walk, even as God's grace empowers you to.

Tuesday, July 7, 2020

Fighting Worry-Causing Thoughts

Philippians 4:6-7

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

1 Peter 5:6-8

6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; 7 casting all your worries on him, because He cares for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Audio: https://www.dropbox.com/s/25rpsebtmkynzum/YesToTheTruth%20-%20Fighting%20Worry-Causing%20Thoughts.mp3

God knows and sees all. If you are remaining humble before Him, then you won't have to explain to Him why you are worrying when He is there to be your comfort. Recognize that you are being tempted in your thoughts to worry and then you must battle to resist that temptation. Because when you start worrying, you go outside of God's will. Nevertheless, you don't do that intentionally. But recognize that it's God's place in your heart and all that He represents that is being attacked so that in the end God is misrepresented to you. And for a moment you are not seeing Him as your high tower and your refuge (Psalm 18:2).

Psalm 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?

David may have dealt with people harassing him, but you are fighting a spiritual war and spiritual entities do come against you. They come in the form of thoughts and worldly concerns. So, your confession of faith could sound like this: "The LORD is my light and my salvation. What shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life. Of what shall I be afraid?"

The worrying is an action that takes your consent and participation. So, you have to instead resist the urge to do that when you are being tempted (James 1:12). Tell God that you are on board with his will and that you submit to the fact that He is the one in control of all that happens in or around your life. Ask Him for strength to stick to the choices you have made to do what is pleasing to Him and cast to Him all your burdens (1 Peter 5:7). He has only called you to bear the burdens He knows you can carry with his help. And if you are seeking God's kingdom first in your life (Matthew 6:33), then by his grace, you need to stand in that place where you have peace that God is leading you through the best path for your life according to his perfect will, regardless of how the circumstances that surround you look to you. When you are there and content, the worrying won't really make sense. But you have to battle your way to that place of peace as you keep your focus on God and put your life in his hands in total submission to Him.

And for as long as you are being attacked in your thoughts by the devil who wants to steal your peace, and that you keep on finding yourself worrying (despite disagreeing with those thoughts and not welcoming them), you need to confess your worrying to God; and you need to resolve in your heart to not continue worrying. It's a spiritual war. So, be alert and aware that something is coming to eliminate your assurance in God's care and therefore make you not see God as who He is to you. It is a good instance to use memorized scriptures as a weapon.

You are dealing with a mountain and all you need is your faith to cast it into the sea (Mark 11:23). Endure in your fight with Jesus who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13). And by faith, you need to see the day of your deliverance, where you will look back and realize you haven't been having these kinds of disruptive thoughts, and give all praise to God!

God be with you!

Thursday, July 2, 2020

The Man of Sin or Antichrist

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4
3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that day will not come unless the falling away [apostasy] comes first, and that man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

The man of sin is mankind overtaken by sin as the true Gospel that brings salvation is hardly preached at all, in favor of ear-tickling false messages (2 Timothy 4:3-4) that are gladly and widely received by those who do not love the truth that can save them (2 Thessalonians 2:10, Matthew 7:13). Those receiving the truth now are the few who are found on the highways (Matthew 22:9-10) and who are willing to hear and obey God's truth (Luke 6:46-49, John 12:46-48, James 1:21-22) outside of the teachings put forth by mainstream Christianity that uses the word of God deceitfully (2 Corinthians 4:2b). The man of sin is the person who is lord of his own life and not submitted to God. It's not one precise man with the capitalized title "Man of Sin." The great falling away (apostasy) has been well under way and the man of sin has been revealed.

Likewise, there is not one man that will be called "the Antichrist." There are many antichrists even now. Anyone who is not worshipping the one true God in spirit and in truth (John 4:23) is an antichrist, a "son/daughter of perdition," according to 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 still. It's not what most would want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3-4). But may those who love the truth be blessed.

1 John 2:18
Little children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have arisen, whereby we know that it is the last hour.

The apostle John wasn't in any way saying that the antichrists that had already started arising in his day where not yet what the servants of God were expecting. He wasn't in any way saying that the real Antichrist (with capitalized A) was still a figure to come. That can only be conjectured.

John further makes it all the more clear:

1 John 4:3

and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not of God, and this is that of the antichrist, which you heard that is coming, and now is already in the world.

See also 1 John 2:22 and 2 John 1:7 mentioning antichrists. Anyone who is preaching or believing in or serving a "false christ" (Matthew 24:24) or "another Jesus" (2 Corinthians 11:4) than the one the Bible speaks of — the Son of God — is necessarily an idolater and an antichrist, a son of disobedience on whom the wrath of God is coming. Such must seek God while He may be found (Isaiah 55:6-7).

Matthew 24:12

And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.

1 John 5:3

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.¹

1 John 3:4

Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.

Ephesians 5:1-7

1 Be therefore followers of God, as beloved children, 2 and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God. 3 But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. 7 Do not therefore be partakers with them.

1. It's very rare to find that scripture mentioned in any Christian sermon or teaching or book. Why? It goes against what false teachers/false ministers of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:13-15) want people to keep in their minds. In particular, it would go against the "it's not of works" false grace mindset. So, it's blotted out of the Bible for all but a remnant who live by that very word (Revelation 14:12).