You’ve hung in there well this week! I pray you are encouraged to get into God’s Word, know God’s TRUTH, and abide by His guidance. Indeed, truth sets us free when we seek it and live accordingly!

We started on Monday by gaining some valuable foundation, including the heart of why we are exposing deception and lies. Read that post before moving on to this one.

Discerning truth and refuting lies is more and more important as the day of our rapture draws near. We must be about our Father’s business, as Jesus was (Luke 2:49), not simply sitting around awaiting His appearance. We have a mission to fulfill!

Unfortunately, much of the deception in our world comes from big name preachers or pastors who outwardly deceive, eloquently present partial truths (deception) or gloss over the hard things of Scripture. For example: Followers of Benny Hinn were deceived into believing if they just did certain things (like send him money) they would be healed. Followers of Joel Osteen are taught that, if they just have enough faith, they will prosper financially (accumulating large homes, expensive cars, and fancy aircraft like his) and be happy for life.

It sounds good. It tickles the ears. It encourages people to chase materialism. It is false doctrine.

Often it is very subtle. For instance, hear what beloved TD Jakes says…and why it is false:

The point is not to “take a swing” at TV preachers, but to examine their actions and their teachings. Do they align with Scripture? No pastor is perfect, but is the message consistently focused on the TRUTH of God’s Word, or on worldly possessions and happiness?

We must be aware, my friends, because deception is often subtle and comes from those in whom we have great trust. How do we know when deception is at play? Study God’s Word! The Holy Spirit, in conjunction with God’s written Word, will reveal to you the TRUTH of God. Short of that, we will all be deceived by what sounds good!

Be a student of the Word and live it out! Our focal verse this week has been John 8:32, but it rings hallow without the prior verse:

³¹ Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. ³² And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Abiding in His Word is the key to freedom! Get in there…and be free!