Being a truth-teller in a time of great deception: Recent Episodes
Barry E Cox
Scripture says of Israel that God says, "I will bless those who bless you." As Israel has been re-established as its own nation, God has amazing blessed. The tiny nation thrives despite being surrounded by hostile nations. On October 7th Israel was attacked by Hamas, whose stated goal is the total destruction of Israel. They beheaded, raped and burned babies, even. Yet protestors and the media accuse Israel of genocide of the Palestinians. We Christians must stand with Israel and for truth.
As Jesus began His ministry he declared the Kingdom is at hand or within your grasp. The Kingdom advanced as he did the works of the Father. He calls us to do the same works that he did. As the Kingdom advances, the enemy will counter. We resist by following Jesus, listening to the Father, and doing the works He gives us to do.
Jesus began His ministry at age 30 and announced the "time is fulfilled," repent and believe the gospel. Why was the time fulfilled at that point? Scripture clearly teaches that the time was fulfilled because the Holy Spirit had been poured out upon Him empowering Him to do the Father's will!
After the fall man had been oppressed by darkness and death through Satan's reign on earth. Jesus was sent by the Father as the light of the World. His sacrificial death has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son.
How, practically speaking, did the Spirit of the Lord enable Jesus to heal the broken hearted and set captives free? Can He do the same thing for us?
Isaiah 59 warns of a time of darkness, and in which truth fails. Is that time upon us? Some who love the truth have been silenced. Some wonder if this attack on truth is ultimately a global movement of spiritual darkness.
Jesus said the Spirit of the Lord was upon Him to set the captives and oppressed free and to heal the broken-hearted. How many people around us are oppressed and broken-hearted? The Ignite Event is designed to equip us to do the works that Jesus did to bring freedom and healing.
As Jesus started His ministry he read Isaiah 61:1, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me and has anointed me to bring good news to the humble..." After the Holy Spirit anointed Him He went about doing amazing works to set captives free and heal the broken-hearted. The promise of the Father is that in these last days He will pour out His Spirit on all of us and anoint us. How will this happen and what does it mean?
As Jesus started His ministry in Nazareth, He announced the Spirit of the Lord is upon me for He has anointed me and sent me to preach good news, set captives free, open blind eyes, and give liberty to the oppressed. So, with that anointing He went about doing good and healing those oppressed by the devil. As He sent us to be His witnesses, He promised that the Holy Spirit would also come upon us to empower our witness!
At Christmas we celebrate our love for one another by giving gifts. The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. We receive our gifts from each other at Christmas in faith that good things are inside. As we receive Christ Jesus as our Lord, the gift of God is eternal life!
Jesus says in John 10 and 14, if you can't believe that I am one with God the Father because of what I say, at least believe because of the works of the Father you have seen me do. Hebrews 2:4 says, "God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit..."
Jesus interceded for us by becoming sin for us and being the atoning sacrifice for our sins. But he did not stop there. Now seated at the Father's right hand He ever lives to make intercession for us! Through His Holy Spirit, He works all things together for our good to make us powerful intercessors like Himself.
Scripture has much to say about the power and effectiveness of God's word. It is life giving and actively moving to give us eternal life, cause us to grow, and equip us to live fruitful lives! Send it forth, Lord!
As the Father gave Peter the faith to know and confess that Jesus was the Messiah, Jesus gave him the keys to the Kingdom. Scripture has many promises about how powerful even a mustard seed of faith is. This power comes not from the greatness of our faith, but from who our faith is in! As faith in Jesus gives us "mountain-moving faith," we are to use it to serve His kingdom, not to build our own kingdoms.
Jesus has sent the Holy Spirit to empower us to do the same works that He did. How, practically speaking, is that possible? Scripture speaks often about the gifts of the Spirit. They can be the means that enable us to see His Kingdom come. Many, however, are fearful of the gifts of the Spirit. This study teaches their proper use, especially the gift of tongues.
What is the promise of the Father? That "I will our out my spirit on all people." John the Baptist identified Jesus as the one who will baptize us in the Holy Spirit. Despite all the miracles the disciples could witness to, even Jesus' resurrection, Jesus told them to wait a few days until they were endued with power before going out to witness. So what happened in a few days? How did the first Church have such a powerful witness?
Jesus taught us to seek first His Kingdom. How can we do that effectively? It makes sense for us to use the "keys of the Kingdom." As we continue to follow the life of Peter, we see that Jesus delegated His authority and promised Peter the power of the Holy Spirit.
Scripture does not make clear what the "keys to the Kingdom" are, so we are on a venture to follow the journey of Peter in seeking to discern the keys to the Kingdom. Jesus restores Peter from his blatant denial of Him and calls Peter to "follow me. " In fact he says to us all, "Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am.” How do we do that?
When Peter answered Jesus' question, "Who do you say that I am," with "You are the Christ, the son of the living God," Jesus answered, "You are blessed and I will give you the keys to the Kingdom." How encouraging! Peter was far from perfect, just like us... And during Jesus' passion, Peter denies the Lord three times! But Jesus lovingly and painstakingly restores Peter after his fall. Then Peter becomes a mighty leader of the first church! God's grace to restore and use Peter in His Kingdom gives us all hope that we too may be fruitful in His kingdom!
When Peter declared that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God, Jesus gave him the keys of the Kingdom. Now scripture is clear that the keys to the Kingdom were not to be Peter's exclusive possession, but were truths and principles by which His Kingdom would come and His will would be done! Peter received the 'keys" because he "knew" Jesus! Our prayer is that we also may know Him, receive the keys to the Kingdom, and use them to see His Kingdom come!
Jesus has made us His Kingdom and empowered us with His Holy Spirit. As we walk in the power of His Spirit, the Kingdom will advance. As the Kingdom of God advances, those captive to the kingdom of darkness will be set free! These results will inevitably lead to conflict. Jesus himself was accused of being empowered by Beelzebub. How Jesus responds is so instructive for us and gives us keys that will bind the adversary and free people to enter the Kingdom!
John 15 is Jesus' awesome invitation to abide in his presence and by so doing to bear much fruit! He calls us His friends. He promises to make our joy full! As we abide in His presence and His words abide in us, He will answer our prayers! As all these things are true in our lives, God the Father will be glorified!
A Kairos moment is when the Holy Spirit is ready to move, and we cooperate with Him to do the Father's will! Jesus did this at all times. How can we do the same?
Jesus declares that He has made us His Kingdom that is to reign on earth. Jesus enables to be His Kingdom by baptizing us and anointing us with the Power of His Holy Spirit. Several times in the New Testament the apostles made sure that believers definitely received the power of the Holy Spirit. It is only through a dependence on His power that we can truly be His Kingdom.
Jesus has made us His Kingdom that is to reign on earth. How is this to become more of a reality in our lives? John the Baptist declared that the Father told him that the one on whom you see the Holy Spirit fall and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. As Jesus was about to ascend to heaven he told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they were clothed with power through the promise of the Father. A scriptural principle throughout the Bible is "not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit," says the Lord. The power of God's Spirit is the key to enable us to be His Kingdom that reigns on earth.
Our current culture is rampant with deception. Jesus calls us "the light of the world," and in Revelation 5 He declares that He has made His kingdom. May we be His Kingdom of truth in this time of great deception.
A Kingdom is literally ‘where the King rules.” In Jesus' ministry, His truth ruled over lies, and His love, compassion and powerset the captives free from sin, sickness, and oppression. Wherever He went His Kingdom reign was evident. Now he declares that He has made us His Kingdom that is to reign on earth.
We continue our quest to understand and apply Rev. 5:10, “You have made them into a kingdom and priests to our God, and they willreign upon the earth.” Jesus through His death and resurrection has become King of Kings and Lord of All! And he has conveyed His authority to us! Hebrews declares, "You gave them authority over all things.” How and why has He done these amazing things for us?
Jesus the Lion of the tribe of Judah sacrificed himself as the lamb of God and took away all our sin. In so doing he has caused us to be a Kingdom of priests unto God the Father. What does this mean to us, and how do we practically serve God as His Kingdom of priests?
Revelation 5 calls us as God's people a Kingdom of priests who reign on earth. This podcast begins an on-going series on reigning with Jesus in prayer, and what it means to be His Kingdom of priests.
Jesus, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords became death for us on Good Friday. But death could not hold Him, because His sacrifice paid the debt of sin that we owed. So, we celebrate His resurrection that gives us eternal life!
We also celebrate His calling to be His Kingdom of Priests and to reign on the earth with Him. We look forward to growing in our understanding of how to live out that amazing eternal purpose.
Jesus tells us that in the end times many will turn away from him, false prophets will deceive many, that sin will be rampant everywhere, and that the love of many will grow cold. So, how do we respond? Paul told Timothy to "fight the good fight of faith!" We look at an amazing current event that gives us a great illustration of how to take a stand even when it is not popular. Then we conclude with a study of the book of Jude that vividly instructs us how to defend the faith in the end times.
Our modern culture seems determined to cancel and silence any voices contrary to its values. In this antagonistic spirit of our age, I believe God is calling us to fight the good fight, and as the church of the living God be the pillar and foundation of the truth!
Heb 4:1 says God’s promise of entering his rest still stands. Jesus gives us an amazing invitation to, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." This is a Biblical meditation on how to enter into God's rest.
Who are the chosen of God? Scripture makes it clear that through our faith in the Gospel we become His chosen. He even calls us by our name and guarantees our eternal security. This Bible Study makes clear who we are as His chosen.
Huge protests are taking place in Europe and even China as a consequence of economic policies that are making life extremely difficult. Many of these policies came about because of the Covid crisis or climate change policies. Are the cures of these crisis worse than the diseases?
Thousands in Europe are protesting in reaction to the effects of climate policies that have resulted in inflation and shortages. The US economy suffers from the highest inflation rates in 40 years. Yet politicians insist on more of the same. We consider: Are there alternative approaches?
Dr. Will Happer, the Physics professor at Princeton University for 50 years and an expert on CO2, examines the scientific properties of CO2 and asserts that more Carbon Dioxide in the atmosphere is actually a good thing! For example, plants love CO2. It is their food, and their stomata or pores absorb CO2 from the air. Even more powerful is the Ocean which covers 70% of earth and constantly absorbs Carbon Dioxide. So, Dr. Happer affirms that CO2 is actually good for the environment.
Well-known climatologists and experts in computer modeling on climate acknowledge the complexity of climate and the impossibility of accurate predictions.
Climate change and global warming strike fear in the hearts of many. The UN states that unless drastic measures are taken within the next 12 years, we face catastrophic disaster. Beliefs are that our use of fossil fuels are the main cause of this global warming. Yet the scientific facts are that the by-products of burning fossil fuels are carbon dioxide and water, both essentials for life itself. In this podcast, we consider the question, "do we have our facts straight about climate change?"
This podcast focuses on the powerful Christian testimonies of Dr. Ben Carson, Dr. Carol Swain and Senator Tim Scott. Each of them have chosen faith, grace and love over bitterness and any notions of victimhood. Their faith has empowered tremendous character that has led to outstanding achievements despite obstacles and difficulties.
George Floyd has become a hero. Some even call him Saint George. His murder has been like a lightning rod concerning race. The Critical Race Theory controlled the narrative of this incident. Does the narrative accurately reflect the facts of the case?
Ps 11:3 says, "When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” Many feel that being a mother is the most important function on earth. Yet, there is a focused attack on the nuclear family in our day. Highly educated people can no longer define what a woman is. Therefore, many are confused and even suicidal as the peace of God's order is attacked. We must lovingly lift up God's standards of truth.
Critical Race Theory ultimately rejects God, truth and freedom of speech. These realities lead to remarkably contradictory thoughts that result in confusion and perplexity in our society.
Critical Race Theorists insist on equity. Little is said nowadays about equality. Why is that? What exactly is equity, and how will it be achieved?
Is it true that white supremacy is unavoidable? Is it true that regardless of what white people are aware of or what their intentions are, all white people constantly oppress people of color? Many dispute these beliefs as distorted perspectives. In the Gospel we see that God has no favorites and offers us all unconditional love, amazing grace, and universal acceptance.
·Today we will study some of the foundational beliefs of CRT. Seven states of the U.S. have banned the use of Critical Race Theory in their schools. Another sixteen states have a possible ban in progress in their legislatures. What are the beliefs of CRT that would move states to take these seemingly extreme measures?
The Critical Race Theory calls for a cultural revolution, because our cultural has supposedly led to the oppression of all who are not white, male and Christian. In contrast, biblical and secular history reflects the blessings of Abraham that have blessed the whole world. This podcast is a meditation on that history and a realistic look at the future of racism.
Jesus as an ethnic Jew had to deal with the fact that Jews despised Samaritans. His interaction with the Samaritan woman and teaching of the Good Samaritan parable lay a great scriptural foundation for us as we deal with racism.
Racial tension and conflict has come to dominate the news of late. Much of that reality has come about through the influence of the Critical Race Theory. This podcast is an introduction into a series that will seek to clarify our understanding of Critical Race Theory and its influence.
As deception rages in current events, we can rest assured of protection from being deceived as we nurture a conversational relationship with Jesus.
Jesus as our great creator created us each in His Image! His amazing personal love for us as individuals created in His image is beautifully illustrated by his restoration of Peter just before his ascension into heaven. His love for each of us as individuals created in his image is the basis of our governmental principles of equality, free speech and freedom of religion. However, principles of the Critical Theory are threatening those principles.
Two troubling current events reveal the cultural war that rages. Especially evident is the lack of regard for the truth.
A meditation in John 15 that focuses on remaining in Jesus and having his words remain in us, so that we may bring glory to the Father!
Postmodernists have adopted the Critical Theory in order to carry out their cultural revolution against the Judeo-Christian Culture. This study explains the basic history and beliefs of Critical Theory and how we as Christians need to respond to it.
We are living through a cultural revolution. A cultural battle rages around us between and deception. What is the strategy of those who would deceive us and how can we combat it?
Postmodernism has become the predominant philosophy of higher education. A basic premise is that there is no such thing as absolute truth, and that our beliefs are simply social constructs. In a sense lies are the inevitable consequence of a philosophy that says there is no such thing as truth.
As we take our stand that Jesus is the truth, the world and our current culture will scoff and dismiss our beliefs. So, in order to stand strong, we need an in-depth understanding of how and why Jesus is THE TRUTH! This meditation on Scripture will help us have a firm foundation on which to stand.
John 8 is an amazing confrontation between Jesus and the religious leaders concerning the truth. Jesus stands authoritatively on who He is and the truth of his word. His example instructs us in how to stand on the truth.
The teachers of the law and Pharisees tried to trap Jesus by seeking to use a religious truth against Jesus with the woman supposedly caught in adultery. Deception often comes in a religious form much as Eve was deceived through the question, "Did God really say?" How Jesus handled the religious leaders is so instructive for us.
Paul tells us that empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world will seek to deceive us with well-crafted arguments. However, if we continue to follow Jesus and build our lives on him then our faith will grow strong in the truth and give us victory!
The book of Jude warned us last week to beware that the grace of God would be perverted to be a license for sexual immorality and perversion. Clearly our culture has come to do just that. How can we take a stand against this tide of deception in our culture? Paul's 2nd letter to Timothy prophetically addresses these issues of our day and gives us a "solid place to stand."
Jesus warns about deception growing in intensity and even that it will occur in His name. Is this occurring in our day? And if so, how can we be protected from this intense deception?
Higher education around the world is dominated by a philosophy called Postmodernism. A basic premise is that there is no such thing as absolute truth. This foundational belief of Postmodernism is in and of itself "deceptive." How can we heed Jesus words and be careful to not be deceived by this pervasive philosophy?
As the New Year of 2022 begins, we will start a new series seeking to discern deceptive philosophies of our day. Before getting into deception our focus is on Jesus who came as life itself that was the light of all mankind. His light shined in the darkness, and the darkness has never overcome it. He powerfully said of himself, "“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
Here are the signs Jesus tells us will indicate that his return is soon, that "the judge is at the door."
Scripture declares that in the last days God will pour out His Spirit on all mankind! How has this occurred and what is its ultimate purpose?
Jesus says many will turn away from him as his return draws near, and Paul adamantly emphasizes that a very specific sign of Jesus' return will be a rejection of truth. The prophets saw this day coming and warned us. May the Lord enable us to discern our times.
The worldwide web has led to a tremendous explosion of knowledge. We know more, and are known more, than ever in world history. As we seek to discern our times, the prophet Daniel has amazing insight for us.
God told Abram to follow him to the "promised land." Moses delivered the Jews from Egyptian slavery and helped them return to the promised land. As he established the covenant of the law with them, he warned that if they failed to keep the covenant they would be scattered all over the earth. This literally happened, but he and the prophets prophesied that in the "last days" God would restore them to the "promised land." Is modern Israel the fulfillment of God's promises?
Difficult times seem to amp up during the 20th and 21st centuries, from WWI to the Depression to WWII to Communist oppression to terrorism, etc... Yet, Jesus proclaims in Mt. 24 that there is a time coming when, "...there will be greater anguish than at any time since the world began. And it will never be so great again. In fact, unless that time of calamity is shortened, not a single person will survive. But it will be shortened for the sake of God’s chosen ones. Hebrews tells us, "All of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain." Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, how should we then live?
Why is all this lawlessness occurring? Paul said the "mystery of lawlessness was already at work in his day." This study will help us discern why as Jesus said "lawlessness will increase."
A pestilence is defined as a deadly, infectious malady. Does that describe Covid 19? Jesus predicted such pestilences would be a sign of his return and that men's hearts would fail them for fear of what they see coming on the earth. Join me as we examine these scriptures more fully.
When asked ahout his return, Jesus said no one will know the day or hour, but he gave many signs of the times. He even said when all the signs of the end times occur, that generation will not pass until He returns! Are we that last generation?
Anchor only allows 30 minutes per podcast. So, final thoughts on deception in the news media had to be concluded here. Thanks for listening!
As Jesus answers the question, "Whatwill bethe sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age," he emphasizes the caution to "be careful that no one deceives you." As we consider our current times, a major characteristic is confusion about what is true and what is not true! These realities about deception give us great reason to seek to discern our times.
Jesus described our world as one of Kingdoms in conflict, and that a person was either in His Kingdom of light and life and or in a Kingdom of darkness, deception and death. We study his words to discern our times and distinguish the realities of these kingdoms.
Scriptures:
Revelation 21
John chapters 3, 8, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20
Acts 16:31
Colossians 2:11-14
II Peter 3:3-7
As we begin our study of "discerning our times," it seems most appropriate to "begin with the end in mind." My focus in Bible Study is to seek to have scripture comment on scripture. With that in mind, I exhort you to "make like the Bereans" and study scripture for yourself to verify the truth. All scriptures in the podcast are listed below:
Matt. 24:3
Acts 1:6-11
Daniel 7:13-14
Rev. 11:15-18
Daniel 11:36; 12:1-10
I Cor 1:30
Rev. 21:1-7
Over 100 million people were murdered through the Communist regimes of the 20th Century. Communism thrived on deception. Survivors of these regimes warn us to "live not by lies," by speaking the truth in love to one another through family and small groups of trusted friends.
As the Lord has called me to be a truth-teller in this time of great deception, my commitment has been tested! Lightning destroyed my internet connection! Extreme business has been nearly overwhelming! But our gracious Father has confirmed that He calls me to go forward with these podcasts. This 2nd edition simply explains how we will seek to discern our times through scripture.
In our crazy times these days when no one seems to know what the truth is about anything, I sense God's call to be a truth teller and discern our times and warn people about deceptive philosophies that are dominating current events. I Tim 4:1- Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits...