Welcome to a new series in Pastor Vic’s Nuggets of Truth. I am calling this series “Living the Supernatural Life: A Journey into Grace and Faith” or simply Christianity 301. While our focus in this series will be on God’s Grace and His truth, we need to look at some important issues beforehand.
Many Voices
In Christianity, there are many voices proclaiming they have the truth about Father God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and God’s Word the Bible. It can be very confusing. They can’t all be correct because so many of them contradict each other. So, how do we strip away what is false and find the truth about God and His will for us? Show More
First, we have to keep in mind that Satan is the father of all lies. This means every lie that is spoken or perpetrated originates with him. Satan uses deception to mislead people and draw them away from the truth about God. His plan is to make you feel weak and powerless so that you would depend on your strength instead of trusting in Jesus. Satan wants to create doubt in your life about God’s love, faithfulness, and plan for you. If he can create confusion, then you will seek the wrong things which will draw you further away from Jehovah God.
Secondly, we have to remember what Jesus said in John 8:31-34, that the truth will set you free and that if Jesus sets you free then you are free indeed! Now, what kind of freedom is Jesus talking about? Well, the most important freedom we have is that we are free to receive Heaven. because of the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Heaven is ours instead of Hell. Jesus also promised that we would be free from sin and the death and destruction that it brings. Freedom in Jesus also means that all of the promises of God are ours to obtain and enjoy.
Missing out on God’s best.
Jesus promised a lot, so why is it that so many live below their potential in God. Is it because so many have exchanged the truth for a lie? Listen to what the Apostle Paul said in Romans 1:25 “… who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen”. If one sincerely believes a lie about spiritual things that sincerity will count for nothing. It’s still a lie! If the truth sets free then a lie will produce bondage- physical, emotional, and spiritual.
Throughout our lives, we have been exposed to all kinds of influences. Some of those influences were good, noble, and consistent with God’s plan for us. However, we have also been exposed to influences that were negative, evil, and totally at odds with God’s will for us.
Make no mistake if you are deceived by Satan you will not be fulfilling God’s desire and you will be reaping the fruit of Satan which is pain, suffering, and heartache.
What I am trying to say is, the truth from God’s perspective, is essential to a blessed life. You cannot blame others for what you believe. As a believer, you have the Bible and the Holy Spirit of Truth to guide you in your search for the truth. Don’t assume that others are wiser, smarter, or more knowledgeable about the Word of God, search for yourself! Being a Christian is a life-long journey into God’s truth.
An Important Question
Here is a question you should ask yourself, “are you doing things to please God without knowing why”! This is where it is important to examine what you believe and why. Is it because someone told you that it is true or is it because you have discovered the truth for yourself in the Word?
In 2 Corinthians 3:12-18, the Apostle Paul talks about the “veil” of deception. This was a veil over the hearts of the legalistic Jews who were under the Law of Moses. As a result of the veil, they could not see that the Old Testament was referring to Jesus as the Messiah, and they rejected Him. Then Paul says, very clearly, the veil is removed in Jesus Christ.
If we want all that God has provided in Jesus Christ which is what Grace is, and the Faith to appropriate or access that Grace we need to be confident that what we believe is Truth!
World View And 7 Veils of Deception
The world’s view is a form of deception that attempts to marginalize or minimize the importance of God and His Church. Let me suggest that there are at least seven veils that every believer should examine in their lives.
- Veil of our sin nature (habits). When we come to Christ we are forgiven and become new creations (2Cor 5:17). This is referring to our spirit-man; we still have to overcome a lifetime of bad habits. Our sin-nature has been dealt with, but we may still have unrighteous attitudes and thoughts. This is overcome by the work of the Word and of the Spirit as we are transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom 12:2).
- Veil of family. Your relationship (or lack of) with parents, especially your father can shape your view of your Heavenly Father. A negative family life can transfer that negativity or lack of trust for our Heavenly Father. This attitude can twist the Good News message into one that is harsh, judgmental, and unloving.
- Veil of education. As children, we tend to believe all that we are taught and as a result, we are taught values and morals that do not conform to the Bible. For example, something that many are taught would be, God did not create man and woman, but mankind evolved into their present form (Creation vs. Evolution).
- Veil of peers. For the sake of friendship, we tend to overlook and sometimes embrace the evil or bad behavior of others. As the Bible teaches “bad company corrupts good morals (1Cor 15:33). Those whom we are closest to can have the greatest influence on us. Choose your friends carefully.
- Veil of culture. A subtle but powerful influence that we are not aware of because we grew up in it. Attitudes about love, vengeance, gender, marriage, children, honesty, and integrity are built into the culture we live in. These attitudes may be contrary to scriptures and yet widely accepted. However, we are called to adhere to biblical truth, not to cultural “truths”.
- Veil of tradition. Jesus addressed the issue of the traditions of men. A common statement is, “It is the way we do things here!” Yes, but does it line up with the Word of God? The practice must line up with the Word of God.
- Veil of experience. Every individual is the sum total of their experiences in life. Both positive and negative experiences shape how we think and who we are. We are called to be Disciples of Christ; therefore, we should always examine our motives and behavior to make sure they are Christ-like.
Know Yourself
Since so much of what we know and believe is formed by our life experiences you can now understand why the Bible stresses the importance of knowing yourself and accurately judging yourself. “For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged” (1Corinthians 11:31). Coming to know yourself means to understand the truth about God’s Grace and Faith.
In closing let me quote these two scripture verses:
- John 1:14 “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth”.
- John 1:17 “For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ”.
