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Why Truth is Hard to Accept

Throughout history, people have often held firmly to beliefs, even when those beliefs are not true. The Bible explains that this tendency is connected to human nature, spiritual blindness, pride, and the influence of sin. Scripture teaches that while truth comes from God, people sometimes reject or ignore that truth because it challenges their desires, their traditions, or their understanding.

One reason people hold on to false beliefs is spiritual blindness. The Bible teaches that sin can cloud a person's ability to see and accept truth. In 2 Corinthians 4:4, the Apostle Paul writes that "the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ should shine unto them." This verse suggests that spiritual forces and worldly influences can prevent people from recognizing truth, even when it is presented to them clearly. When people are spiritually blinded, they may continue believing ideas that contradict God's Word.

Another reason is that people often prefer beliefs that align with their personal desires rather than the truth. The Bible addresses this directly in 2 Timothy 4:3-4, which says, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." According to this passage, some people reject truth because it challenges their behavior or lifestyle. Instead, they seek out teachings that make them feel comfortable, even if those teachings are false.

Pride and stubbornness also play a major role. Admitting that a belief is wrong can require humility and repentance. However, human pride can make it difficult for people to change their minds. Proverbs 16:18 warns that "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." When pride controls a person's heart, they may cling to their beliefs simply to avoid admitting that they were mistaken.

Tradition and social pressure can reinforce false beliefs as well. In Mark 7:8, Jesus criticized religious leaders who valued tradition over God's commands: "For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men." This passage shows that people sometimes follow beliefs simply because they were taught by family, culture, or religious leaders, even when those beliefs conflict with the truth of Scripture.

The Bible also warns that a lack of knowledge itself can lead people into error. Hosea 4:6 says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." This verse emphasizes that ignorance of God's truth can have serious spiritual consequences. When people do not seek understanding through God's Word, they may unknowingly accept beliefs that lead them away from the truth.

Finally, the Bible teaches that the human heart itself can be deceptive. Jeremiah 17:9 states, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Because human judgment can be flawed, people may sincerely believe something that is not true. Without seeking God's guidance, they may continue in error.

In conclusion, the Bible explains that people hold on to untrue beliefs for several reasons. Scripture encourages believers to seek truth through God's Word and remain humble and open to correction. As Jesus said in John 8:32, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Jesus also affirmed the source of that truth in John 17:17 when He prayed unto the Father, saying, "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."

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Hear more messages and find out more about Oyster Bay Church of Christ in Crawfordville, FL on our website: https://www.oysterbaychurchofchrist.org/

And here: https://pearlsofwisdomonline.org/

What's new?

2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone; the new has come." This powerful truth sets the foundation for understanding what it really means to ask: "What's new?"

The answer is not found in small updates or surface changes, but in a completely transformed life.

But this raises an important question: How does someone become "in Christ"?

Galatians 3:27 gives a clear picture: "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ." This shows that entering into Christ is not just an idea, but a real spiritual union—one that is expressed through faith and identified through baptism (Acts 2:38). It is the moment where a person leaves the old identity behind and takes on a new one in Jesus Christ. Our sins were like scarlet, but through baptism, they are white as snow (Isaiah 1:18).

Colossians 3:1–17 expands on this idea by describing what the new life looks like in practice. It begins with a shift in focus: setting our hearts and minds on things above rather than on earthly concerns. When our perspective changes, our priorities begin to change as well. We start to value what is eternal over what is temporary, what is meaningful over what is immediate.

At the center of this new life is love. Love is not presented as just one virtue among many, but as the defining quality that gives meaning to all others. Compassion without love can become duty. Kindness without love can become superficial. Even patience and humility, if not rooted in love, can lose their sincerity. Love is what binds everything together, creating wholeness and unity in a way that nothing else can.

This transformation can be summarized clearly:

New goals (Verse 1)

New thoughts (Verse 2)

New habits (Verses 5–16)

With Christ as our Lord, we live under a new authority (Verse 17). And most important, having been forgiven of the sins that separated us from God, we live with a new hope (Verses 3 and 4).

This new hope is the foundation that sustains everything else. It reminds us that our lives are anchored in something greater than ourselves. Our past no longer defines us, and our future is no longer uncertain. Instead, we can live with confidence and purpose, knowing that something greater lies ahead.

So, what can be new? Everything: a new way of thinking, a new way of living, a new way of seeing yourself and others. The old has gone, and the new has come. But this transformation is not automatic. It starts with a choice, a step of faith, and a willingness to follow God. It requires action and obedience to God's Word.

What's new with you?

You can have a life washed clean, a heart renewed, and a future with Jesus. Step into that new life through faith and baptism, just as Galatians 3:27 says: "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ." Today is your chance to leave the old behind and embrace the new life God is offering.

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Hear more messages and find out more about Oyster Bay Church of Christ in Crawfordville, FL on our website: https://www.oysterbaychurchofchrist.org/

And here: https://pearlsofwisdomonline.org/

Are we merely churchgoers, or are we actively engaged in the spiritual business of making disciples? Continuing the series on "The Second Book Of Acts," Pastor Mike Jenkins reminds believers that the mission of Jesus did not end on the pages of the New Testament. Powered by the Holy Spirit, ordinary and imperfect people are authorized to carry the gospel into everyday encounters, showing radical compassion to those in need.

-- We are called to be active disciple makers who follow Christ, build up the body, and carry out the work Jesus left for us to do.

-- The Holy Spirit serves as our helper, providing the power and spiritual gifts needed to be effective witnesses in our surrounding community.

-- Authentic ministry requires genuine heart compassion for the lost and a willingness to labor outside the four walls of the building.

-- Simple invitations extended by ordinary people can create momentum that draws youth and families into a life-changing relationship with God.

-- Walking in the Spirit grants believers the power to overcome fleshly struggles, anxiety, and fear while displaying Christlike character.

Scriptures for Further Study

-- Matthew 9:38

-- Luke 19:10

-- John 14:12

-- John 14:26

-- Acts 1:8

-- Acts 2:1-4

-- Galatians 5:16

-- Galatians 5:22-23

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Find more information on our website: https://www.springsofhopechurch.life/

Unlocking God's Power in the Modern Church

When we read the book of Acts, we see astonishing displays of divine power, where shadows healed the sick and whole cities turned to Christ. But how do we build an atmosphere where those same miracles occur today? In "Class is in Session: The Place of Miracles," Pastor Joseph Davis dives deep into Acts chapter 5 to uncover the foundational principles of a miracle-filled ministry.

True supernatural power is never an accident; it is cultivated in an environment of holy reverence, clean motives, and biblical truth. Through practical insights and firm exhortations, Pastor Davis challenges believers to step out of passive routine and into active spiritual growth.

-- Awe: Miracles flourish where God is reverenced and respected, requiring believers to honor His presence rather than treating holy things casually.

-- Attitude: God demands clean heart postures, warning us never to celebrate or gloat over the downfall of others when God brings judgment or correction.

-- Assemble: Spiritual maturity requires belonging to a local church family and consistently gathering with the saints as an active part of God's army.

-- Aptitude: Believers must grow in biblical knowledge so their agreement with the Word comes from spiritual understanding rather than religious habit.

Scriptures for Further Study

-- Acts 5:11-16

-- Proverbs 24:17-18

-- Acts 3:11-14

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Pastors Joseph and Robbin Davis

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Have you ever felt used up, cast off, or viewed by society as having little worth? The world constantly tries to evaluate us based on our skills, our money, our physical appearance, or our social standing. But God operates on a completely different system of value. Drawing from Matthew 10 and an extraordinary real-life story of a forgotten motorcycle with a hidden royal imprint, Pastor Steve Dow illustrates how your true worth is entirely defined by who owns you.

-- Value is not determined by external condition or societal approval, but by ownership.

-- Society evaluates worth based on temporal status, whereas God places eternal value on every human soul.

-- Jesus uses simple, everyday examples like sparrows and numbered hairs to show His deep, meticulous care for every detail of your life.

-- Recognizing the mark of the King on your heart transforms how you face trials, aging, and your ultimate future.

-- True freedom and peace come when title ownership of your life transfers from the world to the Living God.

Scriptures for Further Study

-- Matthew 10:29-31

-- Luke 12:6

-- 1 Corinthians 6:20

-- Romans 8:31-32

-- Romans 5:8

-- Psalm 27:10

-- 1 Peter 2:9-10

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You can find our service times on our website: https://www.anctally.com/

You can find sermon highlights on Twitter here: https://x.com/allnationstally

The life of a prophet can be a very lonely life.

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By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

The book of Jude says that Enoch was a prophet of God.

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By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

Enoch heard from God and he walked with God.

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By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

Enoch prophecied about Noah's flood.

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By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

God revealed things to Jude.

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By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X