TRUTH AMIDST DISINFORMATION
We live in a world full of disinformation and misrepresentation. An uproar over the proliferation of fake news in both traditional main-stream and social media has been seen in recent days. Is all “true” news true, and “fake” news fake? Some media companies have vowed to combat the rise of fake news, but can they be trusted to not suppress or pervert the truth when their interests or agendas are undermined?
Such a crisis of honesty and trust ought not to surprise believers. The Scriptures teaches us that men since the fall have been prolific and blatant liars. “They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak” (Psalm 12:2). “Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness” (Romans 3:13-14). Moreover, Satan, our adversary, is also known as the father of lies (John 8:44). In a world where Satan propagates his false philosophy and worldview (Ephesians 2:2), should we not expect disinformation and misrepresentation to abound?
In this dishonest world, there is only one infallible source of truth – the Holy Scriptures. In fact, God’s Word is truth itself (John 17:17). There is no lie in God, and thus His Word is perfectly trustworthy (1 John 2:27; 2 Corinthians 1:18-20; Deuteronomy 32:3-4). Nothing else should command the full trust of Christians other than the Bible.
Alas, the reverse seems to be true for some professing Christians. They would trust in newspapers, magazines, websites and social media, rather than the perfect Word of God. The Bible is seated on the bookshelf throughout the entire week, only to be ritualistically taken down for the worship service on Sunday. Others may read their Bibles daily as a formality, but thereafter cast God’s Word out of their minds and lives once they leave for school or the workplace. More time is spent digesting falsehood than meditating upon the Word of Truth and Everlasting Life.
In addition, Christians have a duty to proclaim the truth as witnesses of our Saviour. They must not be promoters of disinformation or misrepresentation on social media, whether unwittingly or not. Be doubly sure of the veracity of what you post. To do otherwise would be a transgression of the Ninth Commandment (Exodus 20:16). Do not also post anything that promotes an unchristian worldview, for that would be bearing God’s name in vain, and misrepresenting Christ. Responsible use of social media requires wisdom and godly discernment, which can only be achieved if we know God’s Word well and walk closely with Christ. Please do not post anything online when in doubt over the veracity or appropriateness of the in-formation that we have lest we find ourselves in deep regret later for hurting the honour of Christ. Always be on the side of truth!
Finally, do not be surprised that disinformation and misrepresentation may be employed against Christians in these last days. A preacher may lovingly proclaim, “Every man is going to the lake of fire, but those who believe in Christ will find salvation and eternal life.” However, a man of sinister intentions can easily post a video on social media omitting the second half of the statement. The preacher would then appear to say, “Every man is going to the lake of fire”, and be misrepresented as a messenger of hate and bigotry. If Paul was maligned as an apostate of God’s law (c.f. Acts 21:21), why not us today? Let us then be ready to stand for the truth when such hate and vitriol is hurled in our direction via such tactics.
Dear brethren, let us not be deceived in this age of gross dishonesty. “The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.” (Proverbs 14:15 KJV) Let us anchor ourselves in the Word of God which is perfectly trustworthy. Biblical thinking and discernment is the call of the day. “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21 KJV)
THE COMING ONE-WORLD GOVERNMENT
Revelation 13 describes the coming one-world government under the Antichrist. The Antichrist is likely to be a Jew with no desire for women (Daniel 11:37). Could he be a homosexual? That remains to be seen.
The dominion of the Antichrist will truly be global. Firstly, the Scriptures explicitly teach that authority will be given to him to rule over “all kindreds, and tongues, and nations” (Revelation 13:7). Secondly, the Antichrist will institute a one-world religion where everyone is required to worship him exclusively (Revelation 13:4). Finally, there will be a one-world economy which is controlled by the Antichrist. Only those with the mark of the beast will be allowed to buy and sell (Revelation 13:16-17).
Is not the world today primed for the one-world government of the Antichrist? The Internet and air travel make borders increasingly arbitrary. The economies of the nations are bound ever closer with every trade pact and advancement of fintech (i.e. financial technology), moving us towards a one-world economy. The ecumenical movement is also thriving, “uniting” all faiths into a one-world religion. Indeed, the one-world government of the Antichrist is coming very soon!
Beloved brethren, the world may be blind to these things, but Christians must not be ignorant to the signs of the times. Do not be preoccupied by the cares of the world. Watch and pray. The coming of the Lord Jesus Christ is imminent. Are you ready for His coming?
Lovingly in Christ,
Preacher Clement Chew