Fake News
Turn on the news these days and what do you hear? Well you might hear a reference to “fake news” or wonder if you are being delivered “fake” news. So we can listen to this news and if it is to our liking we might believe it, or if we are offended, claims can be made that it is not true. So why should I care if it is truth or fiction? What ramifications shall I face if I start living according to my own truth?
I find this is prevalent in non Christian religions. People walking these paths find their own truth with sources they feel are accurate. But truth is more than trusting news sources or placing confidence that what they read or hear as accurate. The more society is faced with these contemplations of “right vs. wrong”, the quicker their values slide down a slippery path.
Truth
This can be especially true on Biblical values. The Bible is the one written resource where fake news cannot reside. Everything in it can be trusted. How do we know this? Look at Numbers 23:19, Hebrews 6:18, and Titus 1:2. God does not lie, and He cannot lie, for this would be contrary to His character. Slam dunk and high fives right?
Not so fast. You can beat this drum and there are still those who do not listen. Back to watching the news. There are those on the right screaming their views and those on the left screaming theirs. Are either group listening to the other? No. Someone is wrong and both sides think they are right. This is a problem. How do we address this issue?
Good News
With love. Well now that is news you won’t hear on TV. We can verify however that the Bible speaks truth with countless historical, archeological, physical manuscripts, fulfilled prophecies, and so much more evidence that even non Christian critics have to admit the Bible’s authenticity. Then let’s look at how many times the Bible speaks about love. Obviously it makes a difference if you are reading the KJV or NIV but in these two translations it is 310 and 550 respectfully that love is mentioned. Now that number is not important, but the point I am trying to get across is that “love” is reiterated throughout the Bible and is the way we need to deliver this “Good News”.
If we encounter someone who has been listening to fake news, treat them with the love Jesus showed us. Listen to their thoughts or concerns, then show them the truth from the Bible with love. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1) “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing” (Ephesians 2:8) “God so loved the world, that He have His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
Give me any fake news you want and I will give you the truth from the true Word of God, the Bible. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,” (2 Timothy 3:16).
Lord, free us all from the bondage of fake news. Point the way to the truth so we will be set free. Amen.
— Phil
If you like, check out these Daily Devotions
Today’s Scripture
Numbers 23:19
Balaam’s Second Oracle
19 God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?
Hebrews 6:18
The Certainty of God’s Promise
18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged.
Titus 1:2
Greeting
2 In the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time.
John 1:1
The Word Became Flesh
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Ephesians 2:8
By Grace Through Faith
8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
John 3:16
For God So Loved the World
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is Breathed Out by God
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.