December 3, 2017 - - John 8 Jesus the Truth in a world of lies

Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” As He spoke these words, many believed in Him. Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me.

John 8:28-32; 42-45 NKJV

Here is a good example of why I don't trust the words of scientists and biologists, philosophers and theologians, astronomers and geologists unless they first have submitted their hearts and their studies to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. More than this even such leaders in academia and professors in seminary and preachers must also, before they can be considered fully trustworthy, have as their worldview that God created the heavens and the earth, out of nothing, in 6 days, and rested the seventh. It was good. There was no death nor cancer, no predation or disease before Adam rebelled against God. Adam rebelled against God and sinned. Therefore God alone is the source of Truth. He provides access to His Truth shown most clearly in Jesus Christ, and God preserves access to Truth by His Word--the Bible--and Spirit. The Spirit of God, with Jesus as the touchstone and Word help us make sense of the cosmos and they alone can guide us in a world steeped in lies and deception:

Robert Trivers, professor of anthropology and biological sciences at Rutgers University (USA), told "New Scientist" that we need a better evolutionary understanding of deceit and self-deception. His thesis is that lying benefits us ("If you're going to steal, you've got to lie to cover it up"), and that we are better able to deceive others if we can deceive ourselves into believing that what we are saying is true ("to render the lie unconscious, the better to hide it").

When asked if he himself is a self-deceiver, Trivers admitted that "I have been remarkable unsuccessful at fighting my own self-deception", but hastily added: "though my professional life as a scientists, I feel that I probably practice less self-deception."

When the New Scientist interviewer logically pointed out that "You could be deceiving yourself about that", Trivers responded, "Absolutely".

"Don't believe everything you think, "New Scientist" 212(2833):32-33, 8 October 2011

Today go to a church where the preacher believes Jesus first and more than all the noises of the world. Today, admit your own self-deceptions and lies about how well you are doing without having God firmly in control of your life.

Get spiritually fit. Get to a Bible believing church. Ask a friend to go with you. Go to a church of a co-worker whose faith you admire. Let God direct you in all truth.

Today, God of Truth, direct my steps and motivate me into action. With Your help, bring me to a church where You are praised. In the light of Jesus, Who is Truth, let me see Your Light and better understand this world's need (and my great need) for You. Amen.