KNOW THE TRUTH - BE FREE

Knowing the Truth results in freedom from several things – freedom from uncertainty; freedom from error; freedom from confusion; freedom from falsehoods; freedom from doubt, and more.

The truth is a very narrow thing. In accounting, the truth can be one number, one digit, one answer – and only one. In science, truth is one chemical reaction, one biological process, one physics calculation – and only one.

In many disciplines, truth is conclusive – It’s unique, it’s accurate, it’s the only conclusion. When all the facts have been accounted for, one can clearly see the truth.

 As a result, uncertainty vanishes, error has disappeared, confusion is clarified, falsehoods are revealed, and doubt is swept away. A sense of confidence arises to the extent that when someone attempts to dispute the truth that has been learned the evidence can be presented to refute any claims to the contrary.

In philosophy and theology, however, the truth is less demonstrative. It is there, for sure, but much harder to see and to prove. Without the physical senses to confirm truth, the mind becomes open to uncertainty, error, confusion, falsehoods, and doubt.

But the truth can still be found, and when it is discovered, the self-assurance of its accuracy is just as concrete as any scientific or mathematical evidence would provide.

Thus, when one encounters an unbeliever of the truth, and one answers any criticisms of his certainty, he may be accused of being narrow minded, closed minded, or even addle minded. The doubters of the truth cannot accept the narrowness of the truth or the confidence that the believer of the truth demonstrates.

But the freedom that results in knowing the truth allows the believer to have complete assurance of his faith in the truth. There is no need to further examine or study contrary opinions or to keep an open mind about distracting ideas.

The sealed mind is secure in the truth, if it is indeed the truth. After all, Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

  

COPYRIGHT 2018 BY CARL E GUSTAFSON

CHURCHES DO MORE THAN JUST PRAY

On April 21st The Review ran a very nice article about local churches joining together for a prayer chain along State Street on Sunday afternoon, the 15th. It was a sign of spiritual unity in our community, and an effort to seek God’s guidance and help for our city and schools and surrounding townships. This is a very common and normal thing that Christians do – they pray together.

It was surprising, however, to see some negative Facebook comments about this faithful activity by our citizens. Some folks thought the churches should do more than just pray – and thankfully they do.

We could fill several pages with both public and private acts of compassion and service done by churches and Christians in the Alliance area. In fact there are at least thirty-one area churches involved in a variety of programs to help families and individuals in need. Here are just a few examples of what is being done.

Five days a week at least one meal is provided, plus food pantries and free hygiene products. Clothing is given away free or for a small price. Homeless shelters are available. School supplies and backpacks are handed out before the school year begins. There is help for rent, utilities, and other needs.

Services include pregnancy tests and counseling at the Alliance Pregnancy Center and employment opportunities through Men’s Challenge.

There are activities for kids at the skate park, basketball programs, bus trips, and Days in the Park.

Every church involved in the prayer chain as well as every other church in this area follows Biblical teachings about helping others, serving others, loving others, and praying for others!

The critics are welcome to join one of the church’s activities that are so very helpful to folks in need and they may discover first-hand what followers of Jesus are doing in addition to prayer, and thus see what Christ can do for them as well.

This was posted by Carl E. Gustafson in The-Review – Alliance OH on 04/28/18.