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Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins
"Spoofing" The Public
It’s no fun being deceived, is it? Did you ever buy a “cream puff” of a car that turned out to be a “lemon”? Can you tell by a person’s clothes or the look on his face whether he is honest? Not likely, right? We live in a world in which deceit and lying are common.
In the late 90’s a fourteen-year old boy discovered a potentially dangerous situation and brought it to the attention of his peers. It wasn’t long before his community and his state (Idaho) were made aware of this “danger”. As a result of his efforts he won 1st prize at the Greater Idaho Falls Science Fair. Here is that warning and the public’s response to that warning: "Dihydrogen monoxide," commonly found in most homes, has been found to have several very dangerous side effects, leading us to propose a ban being placed upon its use. The following are some of the possible dangers inherent in its use:
- It is a major component in acid rain.
- It can cause excessive sweating and vomiting.
- It can cause severe burns in its gaseous state.
- Accidental inhalation can kill you.
- It contributes to the erosion of our natural landscape.
- It decreases the effectiveness of an automobile’s brakes.
- It is found in the tumors of terminal cancer patients.
Eighty-six percent of those surveyed demanded an immediate ban on its use, while twelve percent were undecided. Only two percent knew the chemical was… …is….H20—plain water.
That fourteen-year-old wanted people to realize that some of the warnings being made today may not be credible—and that there will always be some who are naïve enough to believe whatever someone says. He later questioned “Global Warming,” the impending danger of a huge meteorite striking our planet, etc., issues that are still discussed in our country today. The jury is still out on some of these, but we should all be careful to examine the facts about what we hear before we accept any claim.
Consider the following examples of this principle:
“Ethics are Autonomous and Situational”
Those words are impressive and sound very authoritative. Many people believe them. This is the view that says moral “rights and wrongs” are not tied to a book (like the Bible) or some standard, but come from within each person, and always depend upon the situation at hand. It says “If you think it’s wrong, then it’s wrong. What is right for you is right…”
It says some “situations” make stealing, murder, adultery and lying acceptable, depending on you and the “situation.” That’s not only deceptive, it is a lie. Murder, stealing, lying and adultery are all called “sin” in the Bible. God says there is an objective law of ethics and morals, and that law is His Law (see Ephesians 5:1-20 and Romans 1:19-32). Don’t be gullible. Think objectively. Seek the truth.
“Sincerity is Enough for God”
Yes, sincerity and honesty are very important, but neither is sufficient of itself. Saul of Tarsus was sincere in his belief that he should eliminate the influence of Christians, and he did what he could to do so, Acts 23:1. But he was mistaken, and was told that in persecuting Christians he was in reality persecuting Christ, Acts 9:4.
You may be deceived into thinking the speed limit on the highway is 70 mph, but try telling that to the Trooper who shows you the sign that says 60 mph. Being sincere will not make the medicine safe that you take by mistake, nor will your sincerity make right what God says is not right.
“A Little Religion is Enough”
“Everyone should have a well-rounded life, including a little bit of religion. Just don’t get carried away with it. Just don’t become obsessed with it.”
This is the cry from the world, and it can sound good if one wants to be “left alone.” But just the opposite is true. A “little religion” is useless. Just like a little honor, a little loyalty, a little honesty, or a little truth. Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me,” Luke 9:23.
A half-hearted “religion” will bring nothing but disappointment. God expects us to jump in “feet first,” holding nothing back, letting nothing deter us from being a full-time Christian, Psalm 119:2.
Don’t be naïve. Don’t let fancy words deceive you. Trust in Christ! Study your Bible!
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“You can fool the hapless public; You can be a subtle fraud; You can fool others and yourself, but you can’t fool God.”
“Sin has many tools, but a lie is the handle that fits them all.”
“Hypocrisy is the homage vice pays to virtue.”
Francois de La Rochefoucauld
“Hateful to me as are the gates of hell, is he who, hiding one thing in his heart, utters another.”
“All deception in the course of life is indeed nothing else but a lie reduced to practice.”
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Know Who You Follow
The god of this world has blinded man’s sight and told him that salvation comes from within (2 Corinthians 4:4). Don’t think for one second these men aren’t sincere in their message. They truly believe and are truly deceived.
“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, DECEIVING, AND BEING DECEIVED” [emphasis KK).
Men like this have no hope unless the truth of the gospel pricks their hearts and they repent. Christians have the responsibility of seeking the lost and these men are truly lost.
“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,” (Proverbs 21:2). Man can justify any of his actions within his own heart. If one lies to himself long enough, he will truly believe that lie. Sincere will be the call of the false teacher. Sweet words and fair speech will they have (Romans 16:18). Oftentimes, these same false teachers will tell you to keep their traditions and self-made rules.
“For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise,” 2 Corinthians 10:12.
Measuring ourselves to the standards of men is not the hope in which the gospel brings. Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). Christians must know who they follow. The Christ of the Bible has one sweet message that leads souls to heaven. Know and obey the truth so it can set you free (John 8:32). Knowing and doing this will give you the ability to mark Satan’s lies about worship.
To be a Christian is knowing and following the whole counsel of God. This avenue is for all who will take it.
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