“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org/
The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie http://www.harvest.org/devotional
Written by Zach Smith for Pastor Jim Lee for “The Domain for Truth” @ veritasdomain.wordpress.com
Original post @ https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2023/11/03/guest-post-let-god-be-true/
Guest Post: Let God be True
November 3, 2023 by SLIMJIM
(Note: This is a guest post written by Zach Smith who blogs here)
What then? If some did not believe, does their unbelief abolish the faithfulness of God? May it never be! Rather, let God be true and every man a liar, as it is written, “That You may be justified in Your words, And overcome when You are judged.”
Romans 3:3-4 LSB
Fear and Discouragement
When facing the rather large and daunting order of the Great Commission to go and evangelize the nations to bring them into submission under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, it is natural, as weak and fallen creatures, to experience some level of fear and discouragement. It is even more natural that, as we actually go out to evangelize the lost and experience rejection and slander in that endeavor, to feel the full weight of those emotions.
Some avoid evangelism altogether because they are overwhelmed by fear. I’ve certainly been there and still struggle with that to some degree. Some make a start of this necessary work but end up off the path because of the discouraging outcomes which are common to this work.
And yet, our diligence in heralding and defending the gospel is not optional; it is commanded by our Master. We are doubtless living in an age of fierce opposition to the gospel of Christ. So I believe that the True Church needs a great deal of encouragement in this matter. We need to be pointed to the Word, poked and prodded by it, and encouraged and propelled forward by it. The people of God must be dedicated to the work of evangelism.
My aim is to encourage and equip believers for evangelism by taking a brief look at the nature of truth.
A Christian View of Truth
What is truth? Countless tomes have been written in search of capturing the nature of truth. The entire history of autonomous, unbelieving philosophy is but a blind groping in the dark after this most precious jewel. As Christians, then, we must not look to the speculation of fools to find an answer to this great and enduring question.
Pontius Pilate asked Jesus this question as the answer to it was staring him right in the face. What a poignant example of man’s rebellious condition! Jesus Christ clearly attested to Himself saying, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Just as the Triune God is love, He is truth as well (1Jh. 4:16). God is harmonious and transcendently identical with all of his eternal attributes.
So if God is truth, then it follows that we must know God in order to know truth. But how do we know God? By His Word! “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth” (John 17:17 LSB). And if God’s Word is where we find truth, then we must ask where God’s Word comes from. Answer: the Mind of God (Isa. 55:8–9).
From this brief analysis, we may safely conclude from Scripture an ultimate answer to our question: Truth is that which corresponds to the Mind of God.
We may still say in a penultimate sense that truth is a set of abstract, immaterial propositions which correspond to reality, and which possess perfect consistency and coherency. But in the ultimate sense, truth is that which is contained within the infinite Mind of God. Every object of knowledge finds its source and origin in the perfect Mind of God, the source of all that is and will ever be true.
All Men are Liars
So, how does this understanding of truth give us encouragement in the task of evangelism?
Firstly, a major implication of the Christian view of truth is that truth is something that exists independently of man’s mind and thinking. Because truth originates in God’s Mind, it does not need man’s mind to exist or to be validated. The objects of truth exist outside of man’s mind and exist irrespective of man’s mind accepting or accessing them.
Secondly, if a man denies or rejects the truth of God’s Word, it has absolutely no effect whatsoever on the truthfulness of God’s Word.
Thirdly, if a man denies or rejects the truth of God’s Word, it is because all men are liars who hate the truth — God is truth — and misinterpret the clear revelation of God to humanity. God plainly reveals Himself by what is created and by God-breathed Scripture, and He created man with the innate capacity to know truth and live by it. Therefore, when man rejects the truth, it is because he sinfully, willfully, and inexcusably exchanges the truth for a lie (Rom. 1:18–23). “Let God be true and every man a liar.”
In summary, Christians who are engaged in evangelism ought to take great comfort in knowing that even if every man on earth rejected God’s Word, it would still be true. Truth need not be persuasive or accepted or popular to be truthful. Truth does not need to pass the test of man’s autonomous mind and way of reasoning. Rather, it is man’s mind that will be judged by God’s Word (John 12:48 LSB). God and His Word are true regardless of any man’s acceptance or rejection of it.
Overcome When You are Judged
Therefore, we shouldn’t be shaken by rejection or opposition or slander or clever counterarguments. We shouldn’t be fearful or discouraged as we go about this difficult work. God will always overcome those who attempt to stand in judgment of Him.
The great prophets of old were reviled and murdered by the people to whom they prophesied. But God vindicated their words in due time. Jesus, who is Truth, was murdered by the people of his time for attesting to His Deity and Sovereignty. But God vindicated Him by His resurrection and ascension to the Highest Throne where He reigns eternally as Absolute Lord.
The kings and rulers of the earth may take their stand against Yahweh and against His Messiah (Psa. 2:1–3), but we will kiss the Son and be faithful in proclaiming the truth of the gospel, which is eternally true. For this, we may die. And for this, we most certainly will live forever.
**********************************
P.S. (from bruce) When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !! If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ?? Here is the truth about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ… https://godsmanforever.com
To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…
You say you are a “born again” believer… BUT is your soul “ON FIRE” for the Lord ?? If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/
God's group 