Why We Are Where We Are Part 6

The Wake-up Herald

And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof. Romans 13:11-14

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Robert McCurry, Editor & Publisher

February 27, 2012

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Why We Are Where We Are

Part 6

by Robert McCurry

 

We are where we are because of a condensed ‘Gospel’

condense = v. 1. To reduce the volume or compass of; 2. To make more concise; abridge or shorten; 3. To become more compact. 

A half truth that is accepted as a whole truth becomes an untruth.

The Apostle Paul declared, “For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God” (Acts 20:27).

A commentary on this Acts 20:27 truth by Albert Barnes (1798-1870) needs to be revived by modern day pastors:

"I have not kept back; I have not been deterred by fear, by the desire of popularity, by the fact that the doctrines of the gospel are unpalatable to men, from declaring them fully." The proper meaning of the word translated here, "I have not shunned," is to disguise any important truth; to withdraw it from public view; to decline publishing it from fear, or an apprehension of the consequences. . . .

Truth may be disguised by (1) avoiding it altogether, (2) giving it too little prominence so that it is lost in a multitude of other truths, (3) presenting it amidst a web of metaphysical speculation, or (4) making use of non-biblical terms, involving it in a mist. Men may resort to this course because (1) the truth itself is unpalatable; (2) they may apprehend the loss of reputation or support; (3) they may not love the truth themselves; (4) they may be afraid of the rich, the great, and the gleeful, fearful that they may feel indignation, (5) love of their own reason. . . .

Ministers ought to declare all the counsel of God, because God commands it; because it is needful for the salvation of men; and because the message is not theirs, but God's, and they have no right to change, disguise or withhold it.

Albert Barnes, BARNE'S NOTES ON THE NEW TESTAMENT: ACTS (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2001), Volume 10, 295.

   

The centrality of truth

          centrality n. = the state or condition of being central.

The Lord Jesus said,Iam the way, the truth,and the life: no mancometh unto the Father,butbyme” (John 14:6). Note that Jesus did not say, ‘I am A truth’ or ‘I am one of several truths’ or ‘I am one of many truths’—He said, ‘I am THE truth.’ Jesus Christ is God. There is no truth apart from Him. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (II Timothy 3:16). God and His Word must always be square one and the point of beginning of every subject, not only about ’salvation’ and doctrine, but also about ‘social issues,’ false prophets, and how to live in this present evil world. The whole counsel of God is relevant, applicable, inclusive to all of life, and needful to every generation. There will be no situation in which it will be any less ‘profitable’ than it was for those under the ministries of Paul and Timothy.

False prophets

There are several scriptural warnings about ‘false prophets.’ ‘False prophets’ are individuals or organizations that teach contrary to biblical orthodox Christianity. This is a simple and acceptable definition. But it is not the only definition. All ‘false prophets’ do not carry a Bible or are religious. 

A ‘false prophet’ is also anyone that pronounces, advocates, and promotes anything that denies or conflicts with Biblical truth regarding morality, marriage, economics, or pre-born babies. A ‘false prophet’ can be a media talking head, journalist, educator, sociologist, economist, psychiatrist, psychologist, entertainer, musician, politician, bureaucrat, or lawyer. Even the evening ‘news’ becomes a persuasive half-truth, untruth tool.

Sadly, millions of Americans, including thousands of pastors, are influenced and brainwashed by one or more of these ‘false prophets.’ 1 John 4 1””Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”

A faithful pastor will ‘sound the Gospel trumpet’ and warn about all ‘false prophets’ and their pronouncements whatever their forum may be.           

     Wake-up, Pastors! Wake-up, Christians!

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The Wake-Up Herald is published by Robert McCurry. The publication is designed to exalt the true God of the Bible, the Lord Jesus Christ, and inform, inspire, and challenge its readers regarding biblical truth and real-life issues. The contents are the sole responsibility of Robert McCurry and do not represent or speak for or on behalf of any other person or group. There is no subscription charge. The publication is a ministry of faith dependent on the contributions of its readers. Contributions are not tax-deductible. Send all correspondence to: Robert McCurry,605 Moore Rd, Newnan, GA 30263 or herbap@aol.com Remove? Send reply with “remove” in Subject line.