“What is truth?”

Before the execution of Jesus, he was brought before Pilate And examined. Pilate unsure of who he was, asked him Plainly, “are you the king of the Jews.” Jesus responded, “ everyone that is of the truth heareth my voice.” To this Pilate asked, “What is truth?” Unfortunately this is the same question that too many people are asking themselves today. Why? Because they no longer are being taught that there is an absolute truth. Not long ago we were a nation of Bible believers, but today we are a nation of Bible doubters. Most likely this has happened because our pulpits no longer use the Bible, nor do they preach God’s Word as absolute. Those of us that have been saved by the precious blood of Jesus know that He is God and the only way, and we hear and follow his voice over the voice of men or religion. To us Jesus is the only “way, truth, and life.” Pilate didn’t know Jesus at all, and neither do they who doubt the Bible as God’s final and absolute Word. To those who doubt God’s Book, there is no absolute right or wrong. Sin therefore is up to private interpretation, and the way of salvation up to whatever you choose. They therefore are not of the truth, nor do they know anything for sure. So is their absolutely truth today? Absolutely! Whether we choose to believe or not!

Be Faithful To God

I have often asked the Lord why it is that sometimes people give and at other times they don’t, and His answer has always been the same to me; it’s about their faith. True faith does not waver, nor should it be affected by the ups and downs in life. Most people consistently earn around the same amount of money weekly or bi-weekly, so giving 10% of one’s income to the Lord ought to be routine. But why then is the giving of some so inconsistant? I realize that sometimes we may be short of money, or miss a service, but that should never cause someone who is saved to not give. The Bible is clear that we need to make up our minds to give ahead of time . “make up beforehand your bounty,… that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness… Every man according as he hath purposeth in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." (2 Cor.9:5-7) It’s sin to promise God and not give, or to covet that which belongs to God. Our giving ought to be governed by a faith in God's promises, rather than by our circumstances. “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” (Ja. 4:17) It's about time we just admit that it's just plain sin to not give, instead of making excuses for not being faithful to God.

The Prodigal's Father

Today I thought that it would be a good idea to look at the father in the “Prodigal Son’s Story” in (Luke 15). Since the prodigal’s father is a reflection of God Himself, there are some godly characteristics of a good father that can be pointed out. 1) F- He was faithful . Faithful not only to his God, but to his family, and to his calling as a dad, and even though his heart was broken by his son, he never lost his faith. 2) A – He was accessible. He was both approachable and compassionate. When his son came to himself and desired to come home, he knew that his father would not turn him away. 3) T- Trustworthy. He was always there for his sons. He was trustworthy in his word, in his providing, in his forgiveness, and in his unconditional love. He never stopped loving his son even though his son rejected him. 4) H – Headship. The mother was never mentioned in this story, because it’s the father’s job to lead the home. He handled the business, the servants, the farming, the problems, and the spirituality. 5) E- Example. Fathers are called by God to lead by example, and to reflect our heavenly Father’s word. 6) R - Responsive. He never failed at responding to his son’s needs. He was always diligent, loving, counseling, forgiving, complimenting, correcting, & blessing: he was involved in his son’s lives. So, the example of the prodigal’s father is an example of true fatherhood in practice.