Lies The Devil Tells

Jarrod Jacobs 

            Satan has many lies that he tells people (I Pet. 5:8). Satan wants our souls, and will do anything, including lying to us, to lure us away from God. Let us consider some lies that the Devil tells us.

            “Nobody will ever know” is a lie of Satan for several reasons. First, when you sin, you know it! If others are involved (they usually are when they assure you “nobody will ever know”), then they are going to know, too! Finally, one more important than all others will know about the sin, God (Prov. 15:3; Ps. 139:7-14)! One day, we are going to be judged by God who sees all and will judge the “secret things” we have done (Ecc. 12:13-14; Rom. 2:16; II Cor. 5:10). He knows!

            Another lie folks believe is, “You can repent later.” Who among us is promised a “later”? The Bible says “now” is the day of salvation (II Cor. 6:2), and “Today if you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts” (Heb. 3:7-8, 15). The obituary page is filled with people who thought they had a “later” to make their lives right. We don’t have a “later”! Seeing that all we have is “now,” we need to become a Christian while we can. (Mk. 16:16). Ananias emphasized this when he asked Paul, “Why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized...” (Acts 22:16). The only reason you have been blessed with this day is because God wants you to make your life right with him before it is too late (II Pet. 3:9)!

Lies The Devil Tells

Jarrod Jacobs 

            Satan is subtle. Peter says he goes about “as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (I Pet. 5:8). Satan wants our souls. In order to lure away precious souls from God, he will do anything, including lying to us! One thing that works in our favor is that Satan tells the same lies over and over again. Therefore, if we can figure out his lies, we can be prepared for the next time he lies to us. Let us consider a lie that the Devil tells us.

            Satan lies by saying, “One time won’t hurt.” How many times have we been caught by this lie? When people first engage in sin, it is generally justified by saying, “It is just this once.” How many times has “just this once” turned into two or three times, and ultimately a lifetime of practicing what we said we would do only “this one time”?

            If any are so foolish as to think that “one time won’t hurt,” ask David if his “one time” of fornication with Bathsheba was worth the loss of his sons, the rebellion of his children, and running from his enemies (I Samuel 11-12). Ask Eve what she thinks of the lie, “one time won’t hurt” (Gen. 3)! Ask people today whose lives have been ruined because of a “one time” sin if it was worth it, and if that “one time” sin did not hurt!! Friends, this lie has been told over and over, and people continue to fall for it. Don’t you do it!

“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” John’s warning still rings true today. Fellowship with God and Christ comes as a result of “abiding” (living) within the confines of God’s word. God’s word stands, not as a barrier holding us back, but as a hedge of protection that keeps us safe from sin and evil. If we trespass (transgress) the boundaries and leave the Lord, we have not simply hurt ourselves, but have affected Heaven itself! This is because where we are going, God will not go with us (Isa. 59:1-2; I Jn. 1:5). Decide that the rest of our lives will be devoted to abiding in Christ’s doctrine. In so doing, we will have fellowship with God right now, and can look forward to an eternity with Him when this life is over!

- Jarrod Jacobs

True Happiness

Jarrod Jacobs 

            I read an article which discussed how one can obtain happiness. The writer said that there are basically two “happiness lies.” They are:

            1) “Happiness comes by getting stuff and going places.”

            2) “Happiness comes by getting rid of stuff and staying small.”

            Jesus said, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Lk. 12:15). Accumulating goods, or removing goods does not bring happiness!

            God wants us to be happy. This is discussed hundreds of times in the Scriptures. He wants people to enjoy life (Ecc. 11:9-10). Happiness, however, is not based upon “stuff”.

            The apostle Peter taught us that, “‘Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.’ Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled” (I Pet. 3:10-14).

            Many will waste their lives looking for a “thing” that will bring happiness. God tells us what brings true happiness. Listen to Him and obtain it! Our happiness or lack thereof is determined by whether or not we listen to and obey God’s word! We are not smarter than our Creator.

Two Lions

Jarrod Jacobs 

            There are two lions that figure prominently in the Bible. In the Bible, we see that these two lions are continually fighting against one another. Specifically, they are fighting over us.

Are you aware of these lions? The Bible tells us that:

• One lion brings fear to us, while the other brings comfort (Phil. 2:1).

• One lion fights against us (is our adversary, I Pet. 5:8), while the other fights for us (is our advocate, I Jn. 2:1).

• One lion hates us, and one lion loves us.

• One lion wants us to die in our sins, while the other died for the remission of our sins (Matt. 26:28).

• One lion roars at us (I Pet. 5:8), while the other acts like a lamb toward us (Jn. 1:29).

• One lion wants to devour us (I Pet. 5:8), but the other wants to preserve us.

• One lion lies to us (Jn. 8:44), but the other speaks the truth to us (Jn. 14:6).

• One lion tempts us with evil (I Jn. 2:15-16), but the other does not tempt us with evil (Jas. 1:13).

• One lion is our enemy (I Pet. 5:8). The other lion is our friend (I Jn. 2:1).

            It should be obvious that the two lions are Christ and Satan. When we contrast Christ and Satan in this way, may it open our eyes to see the One who truly deserves our praise, obedience, and love. Jesus, the lion of the tribe of Judah, stands ready to receive us when we render obedience to Him through faith, repentance, and baptism (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38). He wants us to live faithfully for Him (Rev. 2:10). Will you do that? What is stopping you from submitting your will to Christ’s?