Authenticity

Authenticity, the real deal is often mistaken for counterfeit. This cannot happen for the Christian they may be lured by many false messages but never swallow by them. We live in a world of deception. Fake name brands sold under the auspice of them being real, but it’s only ever the untrained that will be caught by such a ploy. Conmen preying of their targets, like a viper sensing out its prey. Thankfully this is something we are all capable of despatching as we understand the fundamentals of what is fake and when we open our eyes looking beyond the restraints of eternity, there are greats lessons to be learnt just as the day ticks on, so much of our lives have been designed to trigger deeper questions with the intent of seeking out God’s will for our lives. “He who has an ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches”.

It can be difficult at times to differentiate between that with is authentic or fake. It is one think to be sold something fake, knowing that it is forged, but quite another deception altogether when we wear it as if it is the real deal. With some of the skilled falsifiers out there even the most valuable paintings have been forged. Another industry that has been bombarded by deception is the watchmakers industry. I have seen some amazing knockoffs that not even the in-house technicians where assured and only once their backs where opened and examined or the registry role was explored could they know for sure.

Sadly it is not different for Christianity, this is probably the leader of the pack with conmen looking to cash in. We must be on guard, we must examine our faith. What do I mean by that? We must examine our own hearts and there is only one way we will make it into heaven and that is if we have been marked by God. Our names must be penned in the Lamb’s book of Life, legitimizing those who have been truly saved. Without this entry we can forget ever entering time without end, with God as our ally, in fact it’s far more than that, we will be His son’s and He will be our Father. This is the hope that the Christian has and I desperately want to be amongst that number. How about you? Therefore it is crucial we get our understanding and senses up to speed when it comes to the authenticity of God’s Voice, His Word is the final authority! Nothing outside of it will do, remember this well as it may just save your life; “let God be true and everyone else a liar”. This must become the Christians mind-set. For those who are not persuaded by that statement, BEWARE! God has spoken and when HE speaks it happens. When God said “let there be light”, it happened. It wasn’t the “Big Bangers” philosophy that want people to believe that it just simply happen without any instruction. Change simply sprang to life by chance, right! The more confusing the influences behind trying to silence the truth, the grander the seeds of doubt sown throughout the land, However, God is far greater than the enemy and His purpose will flourish and come to pass. He is extremely patient and has our best interests in mind, we must never forget this truth! But as for the enemies of God, Woe! “As it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of God”.

“Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:14-15)

"Ephraim is a cake not turned." (Hosea 7; 8) A cake that is never flip is unevenly cooked, it is not cooked on one side. And so the reference here is that Ephraim was in many respects untouched by divine grace; there was obviously partial obedience and yet plenty rebellion ruling the “uncooked” side of his life. And as my beloved brother Charles Spurgeon would put it. “My soul, I charge thee, see whether this be thy case. Art thou thorough in the things of God?” If this post does nothing more than for you to seriously consider where and how you stack up with God’s call upon your life, it would make me a very happy man. We all have a natural tendency to want to push the goal post further. Apathy when it comes to Christianity seems to be prevalent on the one side and on the other lasciviousness runs riot.

What is our goal? “Art thou thorough in the things of God? Has grace gone through the very centre of thy being so as to be felt in its divine operations in all thy powers, thy actions, thy words, and thy thoughts? To be sanctified, spirit, soul, and body, should be thine aim and prayer; and although sanctification may not be perfect in thee anywhere in degree, yet it must be universal in its action; there must not be the appearance of holiness in one place and reigning sin in another, else thou, too, wilt be a cake not turned.” (Charles Spurgeon)

Signing off

Tyrone