A Bright Light Shines

In June, two prominent pastors in Dallas resigned from their positions because of past immoral relationships. Both of these men have had ministries which reach across the nation. They spoke to more people in one week than most pastors do in a year.

I’ve heard these gifted men preach and have admired them. I was sad when I heard about their failures and reminded of the scripture, For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? (I Peter 4:17)

I heard one of those men say on TV that he had a moral failure in the early years of his marriage. It was refreshing to hear a man admit to his sin. I thought he was setting a good example for other preachers who act like they never experience temptation. He gave the impression that he had committed adultery many years ago; however, it recently came to light that he had molested a girl over a period of four years, starting when she was twelve.

Molesting a child is a sin with serious consequences. Some people say, “All sin is the same in the eyes of God”; however, Jesus said, “It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.” (Luke 17:2)

When people are deceptive, you never know what they have been involved with in the darkness. If they get exposed and only admit to what has come into the light, you don’t know what else has gone on in their lives.

It is futile for anyone to think they can get away with their sin in the long run. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Heb 4:13)

We all fall short of God’s glory, so we all need the forgiveness that comes from the blood of Christ. We can receive that forgiveness and cleansing when we confess our sin and walk in the light with each other (I John 1:7).

I was troubled as I watched our recent presidential debate. I’ve watched every presidential debate since the Nixon/Kennedy debate in 1960. This was the worst one in my opinion.

Our past president said America has been destroyed, social security has been destroyed, food prices have quadrupled and thousands of people have been murdered by illegal immigrants. I travel around the country. I’ve been in Arizona, California, Oregon, Alaska, Montana, New York and Nevada in the last few years. These states, like our entire nation, have challenges, but they have not been destroyed. If you look up a fact checking site for the debate you will find he was using distortion and deception to make those points, and others, as well.

Our current president also used deception which the fact checkers exposed. The saddest reality was his inability to speak clearly for two minutes at a time on any subject. He has had poor policies on abortion, the border and a two-state “solution” for Israel. He has also lost the communication skills which are vital for our president. Cognitive problems get worse as people age. His administration has been trying to hide his cognitive decline. That too is deception.

Those who use deception get deceived, because we reap what we sow. Satan is the father of lies and people serve his purposes when they lie. Those who use deception lose their ability to discern the truth. When deception takes root in a society, the population becomes vulnerable to the strong delusions described in II Thess. 2:10-12, They perish because they refuse to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason, God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.

God is light and nothing is hidden from his sight. One day we are all going to stand before him. Our best protection against deception is to always tell the truth. Our protection on the day of judgment is Christ, who died on the cross for our sins. If our sins are exposed before the final day of judgment, it is actually God’s mercy because he is giving us a chance to repent.

Prominent pastors are being sifted as the light of God shines on their lives. Our presidential candidates are being exposed. Israel is being sifted by a terrible war in Gaza. Ukraine is being sifted by a terrible war with Russia. Intense summer heat is causing challenges around the world. These are end times wake-up calls.

I’m trying to live my life as if everything I do and say will be brought into the light, for it is only a matter of time before all believers stand before the judgment seat of Christ. We will either receive a reward for what we have done in this life, or what we have done will burn up in the fire of God’s presence. (I Cor. 3:10-15)

I’m praying for mercy for our nation. I’m praying for wise and righteous leaders for our country. I’m praying for an outpouring of grace on the Church.

We have battles on all fronts, but we can win the battles we face if we don’t become intimidated by the enemy and give up the fight of faith. We serve the Lord who is mighty in battle (Ps 24:8). He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Check out the book of Revelation. After many battles, He who overcame the world when he walked among us, wins in the end. The entire New Testament confirms this truth: God’s Kingdom endures forever.